Being smart about safety
Melbourne is a multiculturally diverse city and relatively safe, but we suggest using common-sense personal safety practices, as you would anywhere. There are many online resources, including the University's Security and Traffic website and the Victoria Police website.
- Research the area you plan to live in before arriving. When you arrive, check with your local police station for safety advice and places to avoid. Keep updated through the Neighborhood Watch website and news bulletins
- Be aware of your surroundings and remain alert, especially if you are withdrawing money from an ATM or are on the phone
- Appear confident. Know where you are going, try not to look lost (even if you are) and walk with a posture and pace that portrays confidence
- Walk with friends. If you have to walk alone, use the safest route to your destination. At night, walk in well-lit areas
- Trust your instinct. If you feel uneasy, head towards a location or situation that you feel safer in (crowds, shops)
- Carry a personal alarm
- Dress down. Try not to wear flashy jewellery or remove them on your way home
- Call 000 for police, fire brigade or ambulance
Out and about
- When walking, avoid using headphones in quiet areas or near traffic
- Look both ways before crossing the road. Cross at pedestrian crossings and do not follow other people without looking. Watch out for cars and bicycles that skip the red light
- Do not hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers
- If you plan to ride a bicycle, learn the safety requirements annd road rules. For more information, go to vic roads or Bicycle Victoria
- Drink spiking - Never leave your drinks unattended or allow strangers to buy you drinks. Be aware of the effects of alcohol on yourself and others, and how it may affect your safety. More information on the Victoria Police website
- Look out for your friends
- Take a taxi from a Safe City Taxi Rank. See the City of Melbourne website for details
- Swimming - whether it's at the beach or a pool, read up on water safety at www.watersafety.vic.gov.au before you take a plunge. Many students put their lives in danger because they were not aware of water safety
- Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunblock, wear sunglasses and a hat, and stay in the shade. For detailed tips, go to www.sunsmart.com.au
- If going to the countryside (especially in summer), check the Country Fire Authority (CFA) website for warnings beforehand
Public transport
- Plan your journey or remember the timetable so that you are not waiting for too long
- At night, sit near other people or as close to the driver as possible. If it is very late, consider taking a taxi. The Nightrider bus service runs on weekends after midnight
- Be alert for the tram's bell. While it sounds pleasant, tram drivers use it to warn people of its approach
- The metlink website has extensive safety information on trains and trams
On campus
- The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus has a 24-hour security service to provide a safe environment for all students and staff. You can contact Security and Traffic on 8344 6666
- Blue emergency telephones are located around campus. All telephones have emergency buttons and video surveillance nearby
- Campus security patrols are available to escort you to your car, public transport or other location on or in the near vicinity of campus
- If you ride a bicycle, choose a good lock and never leave it unlocked
- For more safety tips and information on security services go to the Security and Traffic website
At home
- Do not leave your doors or windows unlocked even if you stay in apartments, student accommodation or residential colleges where you might feel safer
- If you think someone has entered your home, do not go in. Contact the police immediately
- Make sure there are working smoke alarms where you live. Do not take the battery out. If there are no smoke alarms, your landlord is obliged to install them
- In case of a fire, make sure you have quick and easy access to an exit. Leave your key in the door if possible
- Keep valuables and electronics out of sight
- Do not open the door for just anyone. Ask for identification if you are unsure
In the car/driving
- Do not leave valuables or electronics in the car
- All passengers must wear seatbelts
- Watch for pedestrians and bicycles
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Your belongings
- Do not carry originals of important documents such as passports. Carry a certified copy instead
- If you carry a bag, keep it close to you
- Never leave your belongings unattended
- Don't openly display your electronics, especially at night. If using an iPod, consider switching to a different set of earphones
- If you carry your laptop with you, use something other than your laptop bag (e.g. backpack, grocery bag)
- Mark your belongings with an ultraviolet pen. Include the University's name and your Student ID
Protecting your information
- Do not give your personal information to strangers
- When using an ATM, shield the keyboard so that it is harder to see and check that the card slot has not been tampered with
- Be wary when you receive emails, especially from banks. It is highly likely that your bank will never ask for your personal information via email
- If you receive anonymous phone calls, be polite but firm when you decline and do not give out personal details
- When using public computers, always log out of your accounts and make sure none of your login details are "remembered". Clear the cookies/history/cache if necessary
- For information and updates on scams, as well as tips to protect yourself, go to www.scamwatch.gov.au
What if something happens to me?
- In the unfortunate event that something does happen to you, do not hesitate to call the police on 000. Go to a police station if you think you are in danger
- If your credit card gets stolen or you feel that it has been compromised, contact your bank immediately to cancel it