• Students are often loaded down with books and folders. Try to keep one hand free, walk confidently and be aware of your surroundings.
  
• If you are out at night, try to walk with a group of people. Avoid danger spots such as poorly lit areas and walk facing oncoming traffic.
  
• Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk.
  
• If you see someone else in trouble, think before going to their aid. You may help more by alerting the police or university security.

Transport

• If you are using public transport, make sure you check departure times, especially of last trains, tubes and buses.
  
• Try and have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet stays out of sight.
  
• Always wait for a bus, train or taxi in a well-lit place, near other people if possible.
  
• If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver or conductor. On the underground or on trains try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages.
  
• If you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to move to another seat or carriage or get off at the next stop if you know the area.
  
• Carry the telephone number of a trusted, registered taxi or minicab company with you. If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance. Ask for the driver's name, as well as the make and colour of the car.
  
• Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive – is it the taxi or minicab you ordered? Try to share a taxi or minicab with a friend and sit in the back of the car.
  
• If you chat to the driver, be careful not to give out any personal details.

Going Out at Night

• Freshers' week has the reputation of being an alcohol fest. If you are going to drink then know what your limit is and remember alcohol dulls your instincts and can lead to you making dangerous decisions.
  
• When you are going out make sure someone knows where you are going, whom you are meeting and when you expect to return. Always plan how you are going to get home.
  
• If you are going out with a group of people then watch out for each other and make sure everyone stays safe.
  
• Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them. Be especially careful never to leave your drink unattended, even if you are going onto a dance floor or to the toilet.
  
• If something tastes or looks odd, do not eat/drink any more of it. Be aware though that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless. If you feel ill or light-headed tell a trusted friend or a member of staff straight away and ask for a taxi to take you home. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
  
• If someone you do not know or trust offers to buy you a drink, either decline politely or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added to your drink.
  
• Surprisingly, the most common date rape drug is alcohol. Victims are often unaware that extra shots of alcohol have been added to their drinks making them far stronger. For more information on staying safe when drinking send an A5 SAE to - Alcohol + Safety + You, The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, PO Box 17818, London SW14 8WW or visit www.suzylamplugh.org/tips.

Get an Alarm

• We all want to feel as safe, confident and secure as possible and one thing that can really help with this is a personal safety alarm.
  
• The most common misconception is that a personal alarm is used to attract the attention of passers by. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on a personal alarm to do that for you. Firstly, there may not actually be anyone within earshot. Secondly, and most importantly, hearing an alarm does not necessarily encourage people to help. Often personal safety alarms pulsate, sounding like a car alarm. How often do we ignore it thinking it’s a false alarm and annoying rather than a cause for concern?
  
• The purpose of a personal alarm is to shock and disorientate an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away.
  
• The best way to ensure your personal safety is to plan ahead. Your alarm is no use to you in a bag; have your alarm in your hand when you feel vulnerable or threatened. Then -
  
• If your exit is blocked or you feel attack is imminent, hold the alarm close to the attackers head (if you can) - Activate alarm, An ear-piercing shriek will be emitted, This should temporarily put the assailant off balance - mentally and physically, Use the shriek to spur yourself into action, putting you back in control and giving you vital seconds to get away, Do not waste time checking it has had the desired effect on the attacker - just go.

What else can you do if you feel attack is imminent?

• Use your voice to make lots of noise. Shouting an instruction like “Call the Police!” makes it very clear to anyone within earshot that you are in danger and need assistance.
  
• Try diversion techniques. Doing something unexpected can confuse an attacker and give you a chance to get away. Some of the suggestions we have heard that have worked are: pretending to vomit or pretending to see someone and calling out to them for help. Thinking about it in advance will help you to think more clearly in an emergency situation.
  
• For more information on personal safety and about personal safety alarms and how to buy them, visit www.suzylamplugh.org or call 020 8876 0305