Police and personal safety
We are sure you will find Scotland a very safe and positive environment in which to live and study, and hope you will have no reason for direct contact with the police. Occasionally situations will arise where you may need assistance from the police, for example if you were the subject of, or witness to, a crime. You will also have direct contact with the police if your behaviour or actions have led to you being arrested or charged with an offence.
The police authorities take their combined role of enforcing law and order very seriously, and offer information on how to avoid becoming the victim of crime and work to help any member of the public who finds themselves in difficulties. Police Scotland has produced safety guidance especially for students, based on their experience of providing support and advice.
The British Council has also produced a useful guide, Creating Confidence, which provides detailed and practical information on how to stay safe in the UK.
Information about Health and Safety on campus, including contact details for the Health and Safety team, can be found on the Safety website. Further guidance about safety on campus and in your accommodation can be found in our information leaflets.
Security staff
Each of our campuses have CCTV and Security Officers who patrol the campus 24 hours a day and can be contacted at any time should you need help, information or assistance.
Halls of residence
If you are staying at the Edinburgh campus, each hall of residence has a Warden. This is an experienced student who lives in the halls with you, and is a point of contact should you need any help. There are always two Wardens who are on call between 17:00 hours to 23:00 hours every night. They can be contacted by calling in at main reception or by telephoning 3501 from the phone in your room. Wardens are not available after 23:00 hours.
If it is urgent or if you need assistance after 23:00 hours, please contact security on 0131 451 3500, or by dialling 2222 on an internal telephone. If that's not possible then you can pick up a red phone situated throughout the public areas in your building.
At the Scottish Borders Campus you can contact the Security Control Room by calling: 01896 892273. Overnight there are Residences Security Officers on duty for your welfare and safety.
Fire Safety for those with a disability
Our Disability Team and Health and Safety team can offer Personal Care Plans for those who have access issues to ensure you can get out of the building safely in the event of a fire. Our Disability Team can meet with you to agree a Personal Care Plan. Depending on your individual needs, this may include the provision of fire alarm pagers for during the day and vibrating pillow pads to wake students who are deaf or hard of hearing at night if the fire alarm sounds.