Coming to a new country always presents uncertainties for new students unfamiliar with risks to
personal safety and the resources available to support and protect you.
Australia is acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world, but you still need
to be careful and avoid certain situations to ensure your personal safety.
At UWS, your safety is at the forefront of our concerns. Campus Safety and Security officers
are approachable and committed to keeping every campus, building and facility safe and
secure, for all students, staff and visitors.
But everyone has a role to play in keeping the campus safe.
The UWS security team are based on each campus and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They can assist with a security escort to or from your classroom, office or car, or on-campus residence
First Aid help and
lost and found on each campus.
UWS focuses on three messages. DETER potential incidents and behaviours
DETECT actions and activities when they occur
and RESPOND to incidents when they occur
To ensure your safety at all times and minimalise your risk of an incident,
we recommend the following handy tips.
You need to protect your valuables, so keep your bags secure and within sight and carry
only what you need for that day.
Be aware of your surroundings and people around you and use routes that are well lit and populated.
When using public transport, plan your route ahead of time and check the timetable to avoid
being stranded and always let people know where you are going. While on a train, sit
close to the guard's compartment (indicated with a blue light), and on a bus, sit close
to the driver.
Avoid confrontation by not fighting for your belongings. If approached, walk away rather
than provoke confrontation and phone UWS Campus Safety & Security
or 000 for help if you feel threatened.
UWS Security also provide security escorts if you are concerned for your safety and wish to be escorted
from a location within the campus.
UWS takes the safety of staff and students very seriously and the safety precautions
we recommend can increase your personal safety when travelling to and from a UWS Campus.
For all urgent campus incidents including suspicious persons, vehicles, trouble, or you
are in an isolated area on campus, the 24/7 emergency number is: 0414 240 458.
Otherwise call 000 for police, fire or ambulance.
In any situation, you will need to provide details of reported incidents such as what,
when and where did it happen? Who is involved? And your contact information.
“Think Before” is an external resource for international students and is a national
program that advises and supports international students in Australia
and provides information on safety issues
And remember, If you see something, say something!
Australia has many extraordinary and beautiful places to explore.
As well as being safe on campus, you should also be aware of your safety when participating
in activities such as driving, biking, swimming at the beach or bushwalking.
There are strict driving laws in Australia to keep roads safe.
You must always wear a seatbelt, follow the speed limit and not drink alcohol.
When Biking, always wear a helmet and follow the road rules and ride on allocated
bike paths. If you are going walking, travel with other people, make sure
someone knows where you are at all times, stay on a walking track, and make sure you
have plenty of water.
There are 5 things to remember when you're at the beach and in the water.
Find the flags and swim between them - the red and yellow flags mark the safest place
to swim at the beach
Look at the safety signs - they help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach.
Ask a surf lifesaver for some good advice - surf conditions can change quickly so talk
to a surf lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water.
Get a friend to swim with you - so you can look out for each other's safety and get help
if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult.
Stick your hand up for help - if you get into trouble in the water, stay calm, and raise
your arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - do not try and swim against it.
UWS takes the safety and security of all students on and off campus, very seriously. Being aware
of safety issues, and being armed with the knowledge on what to do in certain situations
will ensure you have a positive experience whilst studying in Australia.