Student News

News, information and events for your Manchester student life

· By

Student news team
A photograph of Oxford Road at night with a yellow bus illuminated by street lights. Text reads: "Walking home at night? Shared house safety? Nights out? Cycling in the city?"

Things to know before campus gets dark

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, which means a lot more of student life happens after dark.

Most students don’t spend much time thinking about phone snatches, bike theft or burglaries. But if you walk home after lectures, live in a shared house, cycle to campus or head into town with friends, there are a few simple things worth knowing before you need them.

Click the situation that sounds most like you and it’ll take you straight to safety advice you need to know:

Do you walk home from campus?

First, make sure you’ve got SafeZone downloaded. It’s our free app that connects you directly to Campus Support and Security, who are on campus 24/7. If something happens, you can use it to get help in an emergency or if you need medical assistance. You can also call them on the number on the back of your student ID card.

A few other simple things help keep you and your phone safe:

  • Stay back from the kerb. Thieves on bikes or scooters can easily snatch phones from people standing near the edge of the pavement.
  • Try not to look at your phone while you walk. You’ll be more aware of what’s around you. If you need it, hold it close and use hands-free where you can.
  • Use a zipped pocket. A zipped or inside pocket is best for your phone and valuables. If you haven’t got one, keep your hand in your pocket too.

If something does happen, it’s always okay to ask for help, and support is there for you.

Do you live in halls or a shared house?

In a busy house, it’s easy to assume someone else locked up. A few shared habits keep everyone’s stuff safer:

  • Lock up, even when you’re in. Make sure everyone takes their keys every time they go out. No spare under the plant pot.
  • Keep valuables out of sight. Keep laptops, phones and bikes out of view from the street, and use light timers so it’s not obvious when the house is empty.
  • Know who’s coming in. Don’t let in people you don’t know, and if a contractor turns up unexpectedly, check their ID and call your landlord.
  • Charge e-bikes and scooters safely. Use the approved charger, and never leave them charging while you’re asleep or out.

Manchester Student Homes give out free window alarms and light timers from their pod in the Students’ Union, and can help with anything about off-campus living. For more ways to keep your home and belongings secure, see our guide to keeping your student home safe.

Do you cycle to and from uni?

Use a D-lock, not a cable lock. Coming back to an empty bike rack is a nightmare, and cable locks offer little real protection. You can get a subsidised gold-standard D-lock for just £15 at the University’s bike marking sessions. You can also register your bike through the University’s cycle registration scheme.

On the road, check your lights work as the nights get darker, and wear something bright and reflective with a correctly fitted helmet. Leave the headphones for later, so you’re fully aware of what’s going on around you.

Need a bike, or want to learn to fix your own? Biko Bikes is a student-led project offering affordable bike rentals and maintenance lessons. Beryl Bikes are also available at Bee Network Cycle Hire stations. Want to feel more confident cycling in the city? Join Bee Active sessions or visit Cycling UK.

Do you go on nights out in the city?

The best nights out start with knowing how you’re getting home. Save a local taxi firm’s number or use a reliable app like Uber, and only get in licensed vehicles. Check for a registered licence ID and confirm the driver’s identity before you get in.

Greater Manchester’s Good Night Out Guide covers what to plan before nights out, what to do if something goes wrong, and where to find help in the city centre. Look out for the Student Angels along Oxford Road too. They’re there to help.

You’ll find information on our harm reduction approach across Student News and our Student Support website.

Getting the bus, tram or train home?

Check last transport times before you head out late, and let someone know your route. The 147 bus is free between Piccadilly Station and campus, and you can get discounted Unirider tickets for Stagecoach and Magic buses.

At night, sit downstairs or near the driver on buses, avoid empty carriages on trains and trams, and wait in well-lit areas with other people around. If you feel uncomfortable, move away and tell staff. For anything on buses and trams, contact Greater Manchester Police (GMP) via LiveChat or on 101. On trains, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

Did you know: SafeZone works beyond our campus. It also covers Manchester Met and Salford campuses too.

Do one thing now (10 seconds)

Type #06# into your phone’s keypad. The number that appears is your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) – a unique 15-digit number assigned to every cellular-capable device. Screenshot it and save it somewhere other than your phone. A thief can’t change or delete this number, and if your phone is ever stolen it can be used to block your phone from being used.

While you’re there, switch on Find My iPhone or Find My Device.

If you need help

In an emergency, always call 999. On campus, you can also use SafeZone or call Campus Support and Security on the number on the back of your ID card.

For everything else, from bike registration and home security to scams and campus support, visit our student safety pages.