On campus safety measures
Life on campus
You're supported 24/7 by our Campus Security and Surveillance Team. You can call them at any time if you find yourself in an emergency situation. You'll also get CCTV protection in most University buildings and halls. Our CCTV is monitored throughout the day by Security Officers in our Control Room.
Keeping you and your property safe is the team's priority. We run events throughout the year to help you protect your property and provide secure bike storage if you need it. We also have a dedicated Police Liaison Officer should you need to share concerns.
Campus Security and Surveillance Team
The Security and Surveillance Team aims to provide you with a safe and secure environment to live and study in. They are your main contact for emergencies on campus. The team is available 24 hours a day, throughout the year, for emergencies and non-emergency queries.
Emergencies on campus
We recommend adding the Campus Emergency number – +44 (0)23 9284 3333 – to your phone right away.
Once it's saved in your contacts, you can quickly call our Security and Surveillance team, any time of day, in the event of an emergency:
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Emergency phone number: +44 (0)23 9284 3333
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Emergency internal extension number: 3333
Reporting non-emergency situations on campus
You can contact our security officers in a non-emergency situation by calling our control room team. Our security officers also attend events and respond to calls.
Control room team
Our main control room is staffed 24 hours a day by security officers who are a contact point for students, staff, visitors and the public.
The Central Alarm Monitoring System (CAMS) is also in the control room. It monitors fire, intruders, personal attacks, the lift system and environmental activation from alarm systems across campus 24/7.
- Control room phone number: +44 (0)23 9284 3418
- Control room internal extension: 3418
- Email: campus.security@port.ac.uk
- Location: Security Lodge, Waltham Street, Portsmouth, PO5 4BE
University Police Liaison
The University also has a dedicated liaison officer, who supports students with any enquiries or issues they have on campus. A new officer is starting in the role in the summer of 2021. More information on how to contact them will be available shortly.
Everyday security and safety on campus
Our Security and Surveillance Team has measures in place to make sure you're studying in a safe environment.
CCTV
For your safety, there's prominent CCTV across campus. You'll find it in most of our buildings – including halls – and it's monitored by a team of Security Officers from the campus control room.
ID Cards
You'll get an ID card when you start uni. Most student and staff cards will only work in University buildings during certain hours.
Emergencies off campus
If you need immediate medical advice and guidance, but you're not in a life-threatening emergency that requires an ambulance, call 111.
If you're in an emergency off campus, call the Emergency Services on 999 and ask for the ambulance, fire or police.
University Police Liaison Officers
The University also has a dedicated liaison officer, who supports students with any enquiries or issues they have on campus. A new officer is starting in the role in the summer of 2021. More information on how to contact them will be available shortly.
My main role as the Police University Liaison Officer to the University is to support and reassure students and staff around University Campus. I can assist with any concerns you may have.
Tips for staying safe at university
Stay safe in halls, across campus and around the city, and remember to report anything suspicious or unusual to the Safety and Surveillance team. Always follow University notices and signs.
Stay safe in your halls
- Close and lock your doors and windows
- Make sure you have adequate insurance
- Don't allow strangers into your hall or house
Stay safe on campus
- Don't leave valuable items on show
- Mark and record your property
- Lock your bicycle using a D lock and use cycle storage where possible
Stay safe in the city
- Walk home safely in a group (of 6 or fewer in line with Covid guidance) and on well-lit, busy routes
- Carry a personal attack alarm, especially if you're out at night
- Plan in advance how you're going to get home from an evening out
- Only use well-marked licensed taxis and make a note of the number plate and licence number
Preventing property theft
When you study and live in a busy city, it's essential not to leave your property or possessions unattended. Keep them with you or lock them out of sight.
You can register your property and get a property marking kit from Immobilise, the UK National Property Register. Mark your property before starting uni to make sure your possessions are protected from the day you arrive.
Keep your property safe over the holidays
If you're heading home for the holidays, don’t forget to leave your term time address safe and secure. Don’t leave any expensive equipment or presents on view from your windows - take valuable items home with you if you can. Make sure the property is secured properly and try not to advertise on social media that everyone has left for Christmas, as this could make your house an easy target for burglars.
If you're establishing or have established a good relationship with your neighbours then you could ask them to keep an eye on your house while you are away – you could give your neighbours your contact details in case of problems.
It's also advisable to take precautions against any cold weather. If you can you may want to set your heating times to come on low for a few hours in the evening. If you have an electric key meter don’t forget to make sure there is enough credit on the meter to cover you whilst you are away.
Preventing bike theft
Cycling is a great way to get around our city campus and we have more than 1,500 cycle hoops and racks across campus, including 4 cycle cages that require a student or staff ID to enter. These cycle cages are located at Mercantile, Eldon, Burnaby car park & Harry Law car park and you can email campus.security@port.ac.uk to get access to these applied to your student card.
Bike storage
All our halls of residence have secure bicycle storage, but bike security should be considered if you're renting privately. Wherever you're living, take out insurance cover on your bike, as halls insurance doesn't cover cycles.
No matter where you park your bike, make sure to use 2 locks, including a D-lock. Lock the frame and wheels to the stand. Make sure the stand is immovable and that your bike can't be lifted and carried off.
Bike registry
You can get your bike marked and registered to the National Cycle Database at our free bicycle events throughout the year.
Student Watch
Student Watch is a programme that aims to improve student safety awareness and community relations. A joint initiative with the Hampshire Constabulary, it's open to all University of Portsmouth students as a volunteering opportunity and is a great way to network and build your CV.
Volunteers are a point of contact for students with safety concerns, and they are supported by the University Police Liaison Officer. Being a good neighbour, marking your property, fire safety advice, street sense and protecting your home are other issues tackled by Student Watch.