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Security on campus: top tips from The University of Edinburgh

21st August 2017 Posted by: Nina Napier - Editor

WHEN considering studying abroad, safety is often a concern for both students and their families. According to the British Council’s Student Insight survey, safety is the fifth most important factor when deciding where to study. For those thinking about studying in the UK, it is reassuring to know that it is often considered one of the safest study abroad destinations in the world (due to its lack of guns, good healthcare and a mixture of cultures, amongst other things) and for extra assurance, Edinburgh is one of the safest cities in Britain.

However, feeling safe when studying abroad it is about more than picking a nice city to live in. Universities also have to do their part to make international students feel welcome in their new home, as well as reassuring families that their loved ones will be safe.

As the Security Manager at the University of Edinburgh for the past five years, Peter McGrath has dedicated himself to this task. An expert in community well-being across campus as well as a parent to three graduates – one from the University itself – he has worked to strengthen relations between the University, learners and their families when it comes to aspects of security. We asked him to reflect on his successes and impart some security tips for new students and their families.

How safe is the University of Edinburgh?

The University, for the most part, falls within the city landscape and is part of the fabric of Edinburgh. The city itself enjoys a reputation for being friendly, welcoming and safe and this is no different when passing through the University estate. People here take time to look out for each other and help to reduce the prospect of harm.

security on campus - university of Edinburgh - Student world online

Anything students and family can do before they arrive?

Some simple, practical steps to keep yourself and your belongings safe would be: ensuring helpful contacts are stored in phones, noting descriptions of personal property and having an understanding of local geography and identifying common routes of travel.

 

What do you suggest international students do when they arrive to settle in?

The important thing is to make yourself familiar with your surroundings. Try to connect with a local student, understand the city and how the University fits within it. If unsure about anything, then ask. There is an abundance of support and, in a crisis, University Security are on hand and have their contact number on the back of the matriculation card.  

 

What should students do to protect their belongings? Does University accommodation include insurance?

Note a description, take serial numbers, apply some unique and personal marking to valuables and take photographs. Ensure doors and windows are secure if your residence is vacant and never leave property unattended. University Halls do carry insurance, cover and details can be found on the website.

Inorgraphic - top tips for a safe night out - student world online

 

Any top tips for a safe night out in Edinburgh?

Enjoy it with friends, stick together, look after each other. Keep your phone charged and always have enough cash for a bus back to your home. Edinburgh is a very compact city and you won’t have too far to travel for a good night out.

 

Any top tips for financial security?

Usual safeguards when drawing cash from an ATM, check your surroundings and protect your PIN. Put cash away safely and always, if you can, keep a little bit in reserve for an emergency - and make that less accessible and separate from your main funds so that you don’t spend it. 

 

Any British laws to bear in mind regarding security?

As with any country, be aware of the laws of the land. Restrictions on the carrying of weapons and the control of drugs are a priority for policing. Drinking alcohol is legal at the age of 18 although many clubs and bars will look to set a higher age limit for serving and consuming. It’s worth knowing that Scotland has a lower drink drive limit than elsewhere in the UK. It’s simply best not to drink and drive.

 

Who can help if students need it?

Counselling Services, Chaplaincy, Resident Wardens, Edinburgh University Students’ Association and, indeed, many other support functions exist. University Security are around 24/7 and can always be contacted in an emergency. Security can access out of hours support if needed.  

security team - Edinburgh - student world online

Tell us a bit about the Security team.

The University of Edinburgh Security team is comprised of individuals who exhibit, and project, a diversity of life experience, backgrounds, and cultures. They have been selected for what they can show in terms of a practical and calm response to situations, as well as the friendly and engaging style they will have with the University community. Whilst a number have police and military service experience, all staff are trained to the same standards and are equipped with key skills to help them respond to incidents ranging, for example, from a student in distress through to major events on campus.   

 

What kind of useful events have you run in the past?

I have looked to develop student and staff safety in my time here. Some of the events the security team have been involved in include:

  • Welcome Week introductions to security
  • Cycle Marking Events across campus
  • Victim Support - where campus crime has impacted them
  • Building Security Surveys
  • Improved contact routes to security
  • Developing, with others, the out of hours support for students

 

What are you most proud of achieving whilst you’ve been at Edinburgh?

The most obvious answer is delivering an improved visibility and service within the University. In local surveys, we rank highly in the field of customer satisfaction and it is pleasing that many students take the time to write in and acknowledge the support provided.

The following is a recent example from a graduate of 2017:

From first year when I stayed in Pollock Halls with some lovely security guards, to this year, when staff members came all the way across the city to rescue my friend's USB which had been locked inside a building at 10pm the day before his dissertation deadline, you have always been accommodating and incredibly helpful whenever something goes wrong. It has really meant a lot to have staff on the ground who care about the students, and who we know we can trust and turn to.

security on campus event - Edinburgh - student world online

What is the future of UoE security and are there any projects or events upcoming?

University Security numbers have recently increased and are reflective of an expanding estate and a growing community. We are constantly looking to improve our service and our skills and have recently purchased defibrillators for all our cars ensuring we can help people who live work and pass through our landscape. Our next big venture is Welcome Week 2017 when, once again, we will introduce ourselves and our service to many thousands of new students.  

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If your family still have some concerns about you studying abroad, Peter’s Letter to Parents and Guardians will help your family feel at ease. Find out more about security initiatives and advice for students and staff

This article was written in partnership with the University of Edinburgh Security Section. If you are interested in studying at The University of Edinburgh head to their profile for more information and to send an enquiry.

 

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