Staying safe at university - on and off campus
It’s important though that as part of your student experience, you make sure to put your safety and wellbeing first.
Here’s our guidance on ways to keep yourself and your friends safe - on and off campus, and what to do if you need support.
Alcohol and Drugs
At LJMU we acknowledge that some of our students may choose to use drugs and alcohol. The university does not condone drug use, including the use of illegal drugs and misuse of medication or alcohol, but we do take a harm reduction approach, which means all our students can access non-judgemental support, services and resources. Our aim is to help you make informed choices and stay safe so whether you are accessing support, advice or help for yourself or a friend, flatmate or course mate, we can guide you to specialist non-judgemental support, at the university and with local services.
Find out more about harm reduction support when it comes to drugs and alcohol.
Spiking
Although Liverpool is a relatively safe place to live and study, spiking has become more common in recent years. Staying alert when out socialising and knowing the warning signs can help you look out for yourself and your friends.
It may sound scary but if you think you’ve been spiked, tell someone you trust straight away, get to a safe place and report it to the police by calling 999. Some drugs leave the body quickly so it’s important to do a test as soon as possible.
Watch this video from the Police which gives advice on spiking, bust myths around spiking and explains how to report it.
Report+Support
Report and Support is LJMU's harassment and sexual misconduct reporting platform where you can report incidents of bullying, harassment, hate crime or sexual misconduct. There are two ways to report an incident either by reporting and getting support or reporting anonymously. Find out more about Report + Support.
Complete the Preventing Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Module on Canvas
Your Canvas dashboard includes a training module entitled Preventing Harassment and Sexual Misconduct. We strongly encourage all students to complete this training to help you understand what constitutes harassment, sexual misconduct, and consent, as well as the role of bystander intervention. Developing this understanding is vital in creating the safe, inclusive, and positive student experience we strive for here at LJMU.
Around campus
SafeZone
To give students and staff quick access to help whenever it’s needed, we've introduced the SafeZone app.
The app will connect you to the university’s Security Team at the touch of a button. Whether you need urgent help, first aid, or just some advice, SafeZone ensures support is always nearby. Find out more and download the SafeZone app.
Remember you can also contact security via the phone number found on the back of your student ID card.
Student Life and Wellbeing support
Our Student Advice and Wellbeing team offers a range of support including mental health and wellbeing support. You can book an appointment with one of our advisors or use the drop-in service. Find out more on our Student Support pages.
Martin: our dedicated university police officer
Martin our University Police Officer is easily accessible in the Student Life Building to anyone who wants to discuss their experience, report a crime, or ask for advice and guidance. Just ask for Martin at the JMSU reception desk.
Our Student Life Building open 24/7
Our Student Life Building is open 24/7 with LJMU security staff always on site. This means you always have a place to go and people who can help you if you are ever worried about your safety.
Respect Always and Freedom of Speech
Our Respect, Always principles are embedded in everything we do here at LJMU. They ensure that you are treated with respect and that you extend the same courtesy and consideration to others. These principles guide behaviour in physical and virtual teaching and learning spaces, halls of residence, and across all our campuses. Make sure to check them out on our LJMU webpages.
We also have a responsibility to promote and protect freedom of speech. We encourage open and respectful expression of ideas, both in and beyond the teaching environment. The protection of free speech is fundamental to the role of universities and, when guided by our Respect, Always principles, enables healthy debate, critical thinking, and the development of new ideas and research.
Your safety at LJMU
We're committed to a study and work environment that enables students and staff to feel safe. Find out more on our Your Safety webpages.
