At the University of Pretoria (UP) we take the safety and security of our students seriously. We understand it can be overwhelming finding your way around especially for new students. It can be a very stressful time for students, which can lead to them being more distracted and less observant than usual. This is why we would like to remind you to please take note of the following suggestions and measures that UP has in place to ensure you are always safe:

• In an emergency, call the numbers on the back of your student card to reach UP’s 24-hour security response service. 
• Your access card is your key to UP. But it’s more advanced than other keys, since it records every swipe in and out of UP premises. Thus, it is important that you don’t lend it to anyone. If you lose your card, please report this to the Student Service Centre immediately. In this way you help keep yourself and other members of the UP community safe. 
• Don’t become a victim of crime. Keep your phone tucked away safely, and don’t give it or your laptop to a stranger to make a phone call or send a message. 
• Don’t stop to speak to strangers, especially when walking alone, not even to give directions or for anyone wanting to “pray for you”. Avoid deserted streets, and if you feel unsafe, the Department of Security Services emergency contact details are on the reverse side of your student card.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and keep your belongings safe by not leaving them unattended. Study with a friend who can look after your things in public spaces. 
• All UP campuses have 24-hour security guards. Use our Green Route to be escorted to and from your res or car by security between 6pm and 6am daily. Call the 24-hour UP Operational Management Centre at 012-420-2310 if you feel unsafe and would like a security escort.
• Keep your bike safe by getting your student number stamped on it – for free! That way UP Security can trace it back to you should it be stolen and found. Bring your bike to the Admin Building on Hatfield Campus to get your stamp
• Proper locking is your first defence against bike theft. Always use a U-lock, attach the bike frame (never just the wheels) to a secure bike rack or pole. Position the U-lock with the keyway facing down to make it harder for thieves to access.
• If you’re driving into Hatfield Campus, why not choose the easier, safer option: park at Hillcrest Campus and use the FREE Park and Ride facility from Hillcrest to Hatfield. Find the bus schedules on #ClickUP under Institution. 
• Check load-shedding schedules regularly and don’t use lifts close to load-shedding hours. Keep devices charged as a backup light source. Be extra careful at intersections where traffic lights are out. Avoid using devices when walking in public during load-shedding – the light attracts criminals to you.

To ensure the safety of our students while on campus, we have instituted various security measures watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/JGjmLnVMy74

Should students ever find themselves in need of help we encourage you to please contact our emergency number, which can be found on the back of your student access card: 012-420-2310/2760 or 083-654-0476, or our tollfree number 0800-006-428.