Safety on campus and in the city

London is an exciting place for students, whether you're on campus or out exploring the city, it's important to be aware of potential risks and be mindful of your personal safety.

Our aim is to help you feel safe and supported so you can thrive in your studies. Take a look at our top tips for staying safe on campus, out in the city, and where to go for support.

• Staying safe on campus
• Staying safe in the city
• Support in the local area

Campus security

At City St George's, we take your personal safety seriously with our Campus Security team working 24/7 to keep students and the premises safe. You can contact them for emergencies or safety advice any time. If you ever require assistance or see something suspicious contact them.

Clerkenwell & Moorgate campuses:

• In an emergency please call the 24-hour line: 020 7040 3333
• You can also contact the team for safety advice or enquiries at any time: 020 7040 8047
• You can find the Campus Security office on the first floor of University Building

Tooting campus:

• In an emergency, please call the 24-hour line: 020 7040 0909 
• You can also contact the team for safety advice or enquiries at anytime: 020 7040 2841
• You can find the Campus Security office next to Hunter Wing reception.

Students at Horton Halls are also supported by 24/7 security staff from the reception desk at the main entrance of the building. They are there to assist with any security issues ranging from lost keys, out of hours maintenance issues to noise disturbances. If you require support, you can call them on 020 8696 1133 or ext. 6002 or 6003.

Safety on campus

Have your University ID visible

All students and staff are required to have their City St George's ID card on them and you may be asked to present your ID card, particularly if it is not easily visible. This helps our community identify who should and shouldn't be in our spaces. They also include useful numbers for services printed on the back!

Check visitors

Take care around controlled entrances where you need to tap in and avoid holding doors to restricted areas open for people you don't know. If you feel that a person is trying to gain entry behind you and they don't have a City St George's ID card on display, let a member of staff or security know.

Fire safety on campus 

Get to know the fire emergency procedure including what to do in the event of a fire, and familiarise yourself with all available emergency exits in buildings you use and fire assembly points.

Staying late on campus

If you are staying late to study, particularly during exam season, please check library closing times. Please take extra care around campus and when travelling home at night, make sure you:

• Plan your journey home in advance and go with a trusted friend if possible. Ensure your phone is fully charged before you set off.
• Stick to well-lit, busy areas and main pedestrian routes. Walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. Don't risk taking shortcuts through dark alleys. When taking public transport at night, avoid isolated bus stops and empty train carriages. On the night bus, take a seat near the driver and on the lower floor where possible.
• If you’re walking alone, you can call Strut Safe, a UK-wide phone line where friendly volunteers will stay on the phone with you until you get home.

Safety in the city

1. Always be aware of your surroundings - Avoid wearing headphones that might distract you from what’s going on and be brief when using a mobile phone.

2. Be alert to theft – Never leave your belongings unattended. Keep your valuables including phone, purse, wallet close to you and out of sight when not in use. Never use ATMs alone at night. Look out for criminals on bikes and mopeds that can steal your valuables and walk facing oncoming traffic. Be wary of strangers or 'hugger muggers' who get too close to you or seem overly friendly, particularly in crowded areas.

3. Plan your journey home in advance – whether it’s day or night make sure you know where you’re going and how you’re getting home to avoid getting lost or looking lost.

4. Keep your phone charged and carry an extra power source – your phone is very valuable in safety situations, it's also useful to have emergency contacts saved including City St George's Campus security number.

5. Know about taxi safety – only London's famous black cabs can be stopped in the street. Mini cabs are regular cars that charge a fixed price and must be booked in advance. See licensed mini cab firms in your area. Mini cabs that pick people up on the street without being pre-ordered are illegal.

6. Take care when getting around at night - Stick to well-lit roads and don't risk taking short-cuts through dark alleys. Make sure you know your routes and options to get home safely.

7. Stay safe on nights out – Stay with a group of people you trust, know your limits, never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from people you do not know.

8. If you feel threatened - You can call Campus Security at any time for safety advice or call the emergency number for immediate help. Cross the street or go somewhere with lots of people if you can, such as a shop, pub, or office. You can also look out for local venues and businesses taking part in Ask for Angela or the Safe Haven Scheme. Any student can ask for help from these if they are feeling unsafe.  For more Safety tips in London see the Metropolitan Police’s website.

Support in the local area

If you ever feel threatened or find yourself in any safety situation where you need assistance, there are people in the local area who you can turn to for support.

Emergency services

If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999. To report a crime that doesn’t require emergency attention call 101 or report it online. You can also visit your local police station.

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a safety initiative being rolled out in London bars and clubs. Look for signs and posters in the licensed premises to know they are a part of the scheme.  If you ever feel unsafe or in trouble at these venues, you can ask for ‘Angela’ discreetly. The staff will assist you, whether it’s reuniting you with a friend, getting a taxi, or involving security or police if needed. Staff at these venues are trained to help in such situations.

Safe Haven Scheme

Safe Havens are a way for you to seek help from local businesses when you need it. Islington Council created the scheme and joined forces with local businesses to help you feel safer in the city.  If you’re ever in a situation where you're feeling threatened, facing harassment, are unwell, or just need some help. Keep an eye out for the Safe Haven sign in shop windows. Safe Havens can provide a friendly face and reassurance. Safe Havens can call for help whether you need to contact the police, your family, or friends and they can also help with directions.

How to find safe havens

The Safe Haven map created by Islington Council, shows Safe Havens in a postcode area and safe routes covered by CCTV.

• For students on the main campus – you can use the Safe Haven Map in EC1V.
• For Bayes students in Bunhill Row area – you can use the Safe Haven Map in EC1Y.
• For Bayes students in Finsbury Square area – you can use the Safe Haven Map in EC2A.

Please note: You can view Safe Havens near you by selecting the location tag at the top. You can also access the map on your phone, however do keep in mind that the map works best on a computer.

Street Safe

Street Safe is an online tool that lets you report places in the city where you've felt unsafe.  The police use this information to identify areas that need more police presence, ensuring that officers are in the right spots at the right times to take necessary action.

You can report on a range of issues, for example: poorly lit streets, safety hazards or someone following you.

By reporting issues, you can play your part in helping make the community safer.

Access the Street Safe Tool.