Unisafe
The UniSafe program alert students, staff and visitors to personal safety issues and to maximise personal safety within the University of Sydney.
Unisafe provides tips and information on personal safety and preferred pedestrian routes in and around our campuses.
Get information on:
- Public transport
- Using your car at uni
- Campus bus
- Safety escorts (late night)
- Preferred pedestrian routes
- Sexual assault
For questions about Unisafe ring the Security enquiries number on 9351 3487.
Public transport
- Know your timetable to avoid long waits – especially when alone.
- Avoid empty, closed-in shelters. Stand in populated areas in full view of cars, buses or trains.
- At Redfern station use the NightSafe area on the platform while waiting.
- Use preferred routes through campus.
- Avoid empty train carriages, and where possible take an aisle seat.
- If possible, phone for taxis rather than hailing them, and have someone see you off and keep note of the taxi number. Sit in the back seat on the opposite side to the driver, and don't disclose personal information.
Using your car at uni
- Park in well-lit and busy areas.
- Hold your keys ready as you walk to your car.
- Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car.
- Once inside, lock all doors and leave windows up until you've reached your destination.
- Don't leave valuable belongings on view in your car.
- Move your car closer if you plan to be on campus after dark.
Safety escorts (late night)
You should always try and avoid walking around campus alone at night.
For those working or studying later there is the campus bus. If you are walking you can contact the Security office to request an escort to your vehicle, college or public transport.
There is no charge for this service, but at least 10 to 15 minutes notice is required. If our services are stretched we will give an estimate of waiting time.
To find out more, ring the Security enquiries number on 9351 3487.
Preferred pedestrian routes
There are preferred pedestrian routes available to provide you with well-lit safe ways to navigate our campuses.
Throughout campus we also have a number of emergency help points.
Sexual assault – risk and reporting
Sexual assault is a criminal offence. It includes sexual harassment, unwanted touching, indecent assault and penetration of any kind. It is important to remember that it can happen to anyone and at any time.
How can we minimise the risk of sexual assault?
There are steps you can take to help minimise the risk of sexual assault.
General tips include:
- Walk with confidence and purpose (briskly with your head held up).
- Carry a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream "No!" loudly and run away if threatened.
- Remove yourself from a threatening situation as soon as possible and in any way possible.
- Make yourself familiar with self defence principles.
- Avoid lonely or unlit areas, especially at night.
- Walk with a friend, form a group or stay with a crowd.
- Be aware of the people around you – fellow students, staff and others.
- Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking for directions. It's better to be rude than to be in trouble.
- If someone follows you, go immediately to a busy place.
- Respect your intuition – don't allow rationality to over ride your "sixth sense", it could protect you from danger.
- When you're socialising, play smart. Drink in a way that leaves you in control. Don't leave drinks unattended at parties because it is easy to put an illicit substance in them. Never let drug or alcohol affected friends leave the party with a stranger.
- Make use of the security services.