In recent days, we have heard the voices of many concerned students about the safety around Guildford’s streets. Whilst Guildford is fortunate to have strong local support, we want you to feel equipped and confident to enjoy your Surrey experience whilst keeping yourself and others safe. That’s why we have collected useful information below about what you can do to look after yourself, and who you can contact to seek support or make a report.

I’ve been proud of our students’ calls to action, such as petitions for a review of local lighting and CCTV. Your Students’ Union will continue to represent and advocate for you; in the past, campaigns brought about increased local lighting, Report + Support, the Consent Course, and much more. Remember that we are here to empower you, and welcome your thoughts about how we can continue to keep Surrey safe.

As always, take care!

Liam White

VP Support

Tips for Walking Alone at Night

Whether you’re at Uni or at home, keep in mind the tips below if you’re out when it’s dark by yourself:

  • If you have to walk, avoid short cuts in lonely areas. Keep to well-lit, busy streets. Always walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.
  • If you regularly go walking or jogging, vary your route.
  • Avoid using a personal music player or mobile phone while walking or jogging. They can distract you from your surroundings.
  • If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police.
  • Speak to someone at Nightline or Strut Safe on your way home.
  • When approaching your car or home, have your keys ready so you can enter without delay.
  • Consider carrying a personal safety alarm. Surrey Union provides free safety alarms, you can come to the union building to pick one up from reception.
  • Remember to look out for Street Marshals in yellow jackets -They’re here to keep you safe.
  • Use lit-up areas such as Yorkies railway bridge/ pathways between the University and Southway
  • If you are at Rubix and someone is making you uncomfortable, go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’ and they will assist you, discreetly.
  • If you are at Rubix and you or a friend are stuggling with the effects of drinking, you can speak to a member of Welfare Watch and they can assist you.
  • If you are attacked, shout ‘fire’ as loudly as you can; studies have proven that passers-by are more likely to respond to ‘fire’ than ‘help’. Try to get to a safe place and call the police.

If you Want to report something or Need Support

Report and Support

Abuse, bullying, harassment, hate crime and sexual misconduct are never ok. All staff, students and visitors to campus can report something anonymously or with their
contact details.

Visit: reportandsupport.surrey.ac.uk

Additional Support Services

At Surrey and beyond, there are services available if you or someone you know needs advice or support:

Nightline
A confidential and anonymous service run by students for students from 19:00 to 7:00 every weekday during term time.
Visit: surreyunion.org/nightline

Union Support
We are here to offer impartial advice and guidance. We also have a range or support page on out site covering a range of topics.
Email ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk Visit: surreyunion.org/support

Centre for Wellbeing
The Centre for Wellbeing is here if you would like to talk through a personal, emotional or psychological issue.
Email: centreforwellbeing@surrey.ac.uk Visit: wellbeing.surrey.ac.uk/centre-for-wellbeing

Samaritans
If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell you what to do.
Visit: www.samaritans.org or call: 116123

Strut Safe
If you’re walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you
feel safe until you are through the door.
Call: 0333 335 0026 Visit: strutsafe.org

Get in Touch

If you would like to contact the Union about any way in which you think safety could be improved, please email ussu.information@surrey.ac.uk