Student safety in Australia

Australia attracts many students from all over the world for pursuing their higher education. The multicultural environment is undoubtedly a safe one for the students. Having said that, it is important to take some precautions to remain on the safer side.

Contact your university security service

All campuses in Australia have a special body to ensure the safety of their international students. So, as the first step, check if your school offers one and keep the security officer’s number saved in your phone.

Various universities and schools also offer services like shuttles and security escorts to drop you to your accommodation or stations after hours. Some go a step further and have their own mobile apps with a direct line for students to get in touch with the security.

If, at any point of time, you feel unsafe in and around you campus or accommodation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your college authorities.

Emergency contacts

If you happen to face any emergency, call the toll free number 000. This is a common number that can be used for fire, police or ambulance.

Some other emergency contact numbers you should have saved are:

• SES assistance in floods and storms: 132 500
• Police attendance: 131 444 (all states except Victoria)
• International incident emergency helpline: 1300 555 135 (within Australia)
• Outside Australia– external site: +61 2 6261 3305

It’s important to stay alert

When outdoors

• Avoid travelling alone especially during the night. Pre-book a taxi or have your friend drop you. Carry sufficient emergency cash
• Do not carry your passport when you go out exploring. If you do not have a permanent place to live, contact your university’s international support team to get you campus storage facilities
• Never carry an inordinate amount of cash with you. Use cards and online banking
• Australian laws may differ from your home country. So, learn the laws before to avoid break them unintentionally

Public transport

The public transportation system is Australia is particularly well developed and convenient to use especially in the urban and metro areas. But it’s always better to be alert:

• Never board an isolated bus or train or metro
• Familiarise yourself with transport time tables especially if you travel at night. Stick to well-lit routes
• Board a carriage closest to the driver or the guard to avoid untoward incidents
• If you are in a carriage with only one other person and it makes you uncomfortable, move on to the next compartment

Taxis

• Know the address of your destination
• Explain to the driver the route you are comfortable with and if he deviates, politely remind
• Ask the driver to drop you off near your house if you don’t want to reveal your exact location

Lastly, remember the Internet too can be dangerous. So be wise about how you conduct yourself both online and offline.