Looking after yourself during dark winter nights
As the clocks go back an hour on Sunday, 27 October, the evenings will start to arrive much sooner. While an hour might not sound like a big difference, you’ll definitely feel the nights getting longer and darker over the next few months. That’s why it’s a good time to start thinking about your safety while travelling to and from campus.
Check out our seven tips on how to keep yourself safe during the long winter nights. If you’re heading on a night out, read our advice on having fun and staying safe.
1. Be aware of your surroundings
If you’re walking back from campus or around the city after dark, always make sure you are paying attention to where you are. Try not to be on your phone unless you need to be.
As with any big city, there are people around who look to take personal items from people who are distracted. By staying alert when you are walking down busy and even quiet streets, you will reduce your chances of becoming a target of theft.
You should try to keep your personal belongings at the bottom of a closed bag or in a pocket with a zip, so it is harder for pickpockets to strike.
If you are staying on campus later, for example in the Library, or you are having a drink in one of the cafes, don’t leave your belongings unattended, even if you are just nipping to the toilet.
2. Keep your identification documents safe
Only carry important identification documents such as your passport, BRP, or driving license when you need to prove your age. For example, if you’re buying items such as alcohol that have an age restriction on them.
The UK does not require anyone to routinely show identity documents, so please keep them safe at home when you don’t need them.
3. Remember our security team is available 24/7 on campus
If for any reason, you need help on campus, our friendly security team are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They can support you with:
- General safety advice and information
- Swipe access control to buildings and lost property
- Response to alarms and disturbances on campus
- First aid
- Cycle locks and safety devices
If you need immediate support, please contact the team on 0161 247 1334.
4. Stick to well-lit and well-known routes
Another way to keep yourself safe as the nights grow longer is to stick to well-lit pathways. It can be tempting to take short cuts to get somewhere faster, but always try to follow the main pedestrian routes. This includes avoiding areas such as The Mancunian Way Underpass and other back streets to get across campus.
Where possible walk on the pathway that faces on-coming traffic. If you’re going to an area you don’t know, always think about which route you are going to take before you leave.
Try asking a flatmate or course mate if they have any tips on the area and how to get there. Chances are you will know someone who is local and knows the area.
It’s best not to wear headphones while travelling around alone. But if you do choose to wear them, make sure you change the volume settings so that you can still hear what is going on around you.
5. Don’t have the SafeZone app? Download it today
SafeZone is a handy mobile app that allows you to connect with our security team if you feel unsafe or need assistance. It is free to all students and is easy to download. What’s more, it gives you extra peace of mind that help is available.
It not only covers support on campus, but in our accommodation areas, along Oxford Road, and on the University of Manchester and Salford Campuses. You can even raise an alert with the Police via the app when you are in the city centre.
6. Travel with a friend or in a group
Whether you are going on an evening trip to the supermarket or planning a night out, there’s always safety in numbers. Not only does it give you time to catch up with your mates on the latest goss, but it always means you can keep an eye out for each other.
If you decide to travel alone, make sure you let someone know when you are leaving and when you are likely to arrive home.
You can even share your real-time location with your mates via apps such as SafetiPin. This app also enables you to calculate the safest routes to get from A to B and can signpost you to the nearest bus stops, taxi spots and hospitals. This is incredibly useful if you are new to the city.
7. Report unacceptable behaviour
At Manchester Met, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
If you experience or witness any forms of bullying, harassment discrimination, hate or gender-based violence, we encourage you to report it through Report + Support. You can report an incident anonymously or speak to an advisor.
In case of an emergency, you should contact the police by calling 999, or by visiting your local police station.
