As winter nights draw in some of our daytime activities (such as lectures and travelling home) will start to take place in the dark. This change can be strange at first, but it soon becomes part of our routine.
Take a look at these simple strategies and support services that help you continue your daily routine whilst feeling safe:
The MyWay app
The MyWay App is a fantastic app to make sure you feel safe walking to and from lectures, back from Student Union nights, and to sports training sessions throughout your time at Reading.
The app has some super handy features including:
- Automatic SMS text to an emergency contact to let them know you’re home safe.
- Sharing location with friends and loved ones who can track your journey with your approval.
- Motion sensors around campus, the student area and Reading Town Centre to let you know how many others are on roads to keep you informed.
- Directions with options of walking and public transport
Find out more and download the app.
The what3words app
With what3words, it sums up your location in 3 words to try and make it easier to for services like security to find your location.
It’s especially useful when you can’t describe where you are or your digital maps aren’t working.
The University of Reading Security Services – Staying safe and secure
Our friendly and supportive security team are on hand 24/7 to maintain a safe and secure environment for students across all University sites.
The team are responsible for security patrols of our campuses, surveillance/ emergency response for all University property, operating a 24-hour control room and extensive CCTV networks.
Security has introduced a “Hawk-Eye” chaperone service which will help to reassure individuals that security is aware of their location and will track them on CCTV as they return to their cars or Halls.
If you wish to use the service or need further advice, please call security on 0118 378 7799
Security equipment
Security offers a range of security equipment to help individuals protect themselves and their property, including high visibility vests, bike d-locks and personal alarms – these items are available to purchase from the Security Office in Whiteknights House.
Advice
Security offer advice on a range of topics such as:
- Personal safety
- Keeping your vehicle secure
- Keeping your bicycle secure
- Safe cycling
For more information, visit our Safety and Security pages.
Contacts
For cases where you require emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade etc.), dial 999 immediately.
- Police (non-emergencies): 101
- Report a crime through the Police
- University Security Services emergency control extension: Telephone 0118 378 6300
- University Security Services (non-emergency): 0118 378 7799
- Email: securitycontrol@reading.ac.uk
- Health and Safety Services Telephone 0118 378 8888
Tips for feeling safe on campus
- Download and use the MyWay app and what3words.
- Add security contacts to your phone (contacts above)
- Use the Chaperon service so security can make sure you are safe
- Take a look at the Campus Watch initiative (similar to neighbourhood watch)
- Reading buses run excellent bus services all over Reading so all the main student housing areas have regular bus services. The 21 bus runs from the centre of campus, and the new RUSU 360 bus runs on the nights that 3Sixty is open
- If you are feeling nervous when leaving a lecture, see if anyone else is walking in your direction and team up
- Use the main paths on campus all of these are well lit and are covered by CCTV
