Safety on campus

UNSW College is committed to the safety of all students, staff, contractors and visitors to our campus.

Caution wet floor sign

Every member of our College community deserves to feel safe and welcome, especially on campus. At UNSW College we are committed to providing a safe learning environment and inclusive campus experience for everyone.

Our safe, diverse and welcoming campus is situated right in the heart of one of the safest and most liveable cities in the world. Ranked 4th Safest City in the world* – you will feel at home from the moment you arrive, to living in Sydney and studying on campus.

The safety of students, staff and visitors at UNSW College is our top priority, find emergency contacts, familiarise yourself with after-hours security services and know where to go if you need help

Download the StaySafe@UNSW app 

Your safety and security are our top priority. You can have all of UNSW’s safety and security services in your pocket: simply download the StaySafe@UNSW app. It gives you quick access to campus emergency contacts, and a range of additional safety features.  
 

With the StaySafe@UNSW app you can:

  • Request a security escort  – if you’re out late studying and need to get across campus, our security team can come and get you

  • Track the night security shuttle – or you can finish studying in time for the arrival of the security shuttle

  • Locate help points around campus – for a direct link to security services, or to request a security escort

  • Activate the Work Alone feature – if you’re studying by yourself, the app can check in on you at regular intervals and notify a nominated emergency contact if you don’t respond

  • Activate the Friends Walk feature – nominate a friend to when you start and finish a journey, if you’re walking somewhere alone

  • Access support resources – such as mental health or employment assistance via Student Advisors 

  • Report a safety concern – if you’ve seen or heard something that makes you or someone around you feel unsafe, at risk or under threat, you can report it to the Security Team via the app. 
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play

Reporting safety concerns on campus 

If something happens that isn’t an emergency, but still makes you feel unsafe, you can report it to Campus Security at any time. Get in touch by calling +61 2 9385 6000, visit the Security Office at Gate 2 of the UNSW Sydney (Kensington) Campus, or report via the StaySafe@UNSW app.  

If you notice a hazard around campus or are injured, notify a UNSW College or UNSW Sydney staff member as soon as you can.  

Safety is everyone’s responsibility 

To help us keep the UNSW College environment safe and welcoming for everyone, we ask that you:  

  • look out for your own safety and the safety of others 
  • report any incidents to Campus Security 
  • follow instructions and signage around campus 
  • listen and cooperate with emergency procedures 
  • report any hazards, injuries or incidents to a staff member 
  • reach out to someone if you need help. We are here for you! 

Staying safe tips: 

  • Download the StaySafe@UNSW app for security at your fingertips 
  • Download UNSW’s app Uni-verse and use your phone to navigate around the UNSW Sydney campus or visit the campus maps page 
  • Avoid isolated areas, particularly after hours. Remember the free night security shuttle and security escort service! 
  • Laboratories and workshops pose a health and safety risk, so remember that unauthorised access to these areas is restricted 
  • Emergency help points are located around the campus. They link you directly to Campus Security  

Sexual harassment or assault 

If you need to talk to someone about an incident of sexual or indecent assault, or make a complaint about other misconduct that has happened to you or someone you know, you can make a report through the UNSW Sexual Misconduct Portal. This can be an anonymous report.  

If you’re unsure what to do or are feeling afraid about speaking up, you can also talk to a First Responder. UNSW First Responders are students and staff who are trained to offer you confidential support. They understand that reporting sexual misconduct can be difficult and can provide you with help and guidance. You can find a First Responder to talk to here.  

If you require immediate emergency assistance, contact UNSW Security (9385 6666) or the Police (000). If you feel you need to talk to someone right now by phone or online, you can call 1800Respect (1800 737 732).

Be aware of scams 

It’s important to be aware of the threat that scammers cause to your personal, financial and academic wellbeing. We’ve noticed an increase in illegal scammer activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the uncertainty to exploit people. International students have also been targeted and are being directly asked for money.  

If you receive a request from someone claiming to be from UNSW, or a government or police agency asking for money, please contact International Student Support for advice to see whether it is legitimate (a real request). This is confidential and will not affect your visa or enrolment.  

Scammers will often pretend to be from an official organisation such as: 

  • Australia’s immigration office or other government departments 
  • An official visa agent 
  • Australian police 
  • An Embassy, High Commission or Consulate 
  • A UNSW representative  
  • The World Health Organisation 
  • A property rental agent. 

Scammers will want money or information and may ask you to: 

  • provide personal, bank or credit card details 
  • send money to a third party 
  • pay additional student fees or a fine 
  • pay a ‘deposit’ 
  • pay additional money for your visa 
  • pay your rent to someone other than your landlord. 

Scammers may threaten you by saying, ‘Unless you pay money/fees/fine’: 

  • your visa will be cancelled 
  • your place at university will be cancelled 
  • you will fail your course 
  • you will be deported 
  • you will be arrested 
  • you will lose your job 
  • you will be evicted. 

None of this is true. Do not give any personal information, bank or credit card details over the phone or via email.  

What should I do if I suspect a scam? 

  • Do not provide any information.  
  • If you receive a phone call – hang up. 
  • If you receive a text, email or social post that you are not sure about, delete it. Do not reply. Do not click on any links. 
  • If you receive a request for money, or a threat, or if you have any doubts or suspicions about any request – cut off communication and contact a UNSW Student Advisor to check whether it is real.  
  • Email: student.support@unswcollege.edu.au
  • Speak up! Don’t be afraid to seek help or advice. Speaking up protects you, your family and other students. 

For information about the latest News and Alerts on Scams visit:  scamwatch.gov.au 

A useful free download with some great information is the Little Black Book of Scams 

If you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact Kingsford Legal Centre on (02) 9385 9566 for legal advice. 

Emergency Contacts

  1. Dial triple zero (000) 
    For emergency assistance and life-threatening situations, you should first always call triple zero (000) for police, fire or ambulance.
  2. 24/7 Call Campus Emergency (02 9385 6666)
    If you experience an emergency or critical incident on campus at any time call 02 9385 6666.
  3. 24/7 General Security (02 9385 6000)
    For general security and safety issues you can call Campus Security on 02 9385 6000 for assistance
  4. 24/7 Security Office
    Our security office is a safe space, open 24/7 if you need to speak with someone or get help in person. It is located at Gate 2 of the UNSW Sydney (Kensington) campus.