Travelling around the city and to and from uni

As winter is approaching, many of us at Coventry University are travelling to and from campus in the dark. Whether this is heading home from late lectures, study sessions in the library, sports practice, or from nights out with friends. Reduced daylight can increase risks and make journeys feel less comfortable, but with a few simple tips, you can stay safe and confident around campus and throughout Coventry.

Here are a few safety tips for darker evenings:

Download the SafeZone app

As a student at Coventry University, you have access to the SafeZone app. This is a free app you can use to ask for help or report a concern to the Protection Services team whilst you are on campus. 

The app works 24/7 and has multiple features:

• Emergency alert, you can press this if you feel unsafe, get injured, or need urgent help.
• First Aid alert, you can use this to get medical help.
• Help call, you can use this to ask for support including a safety escort or to report suspicious behaviour.

The SafeZone app does to track you outside campus areas, and you can choose when to share your location.

SafeZone does not replace 999. Always call 999 if it is a serious emergency. 

Save the phone number for Protection Service

Coventry University also has a dedicated Protection Services team. These are trained officers working around the clock to help keep everyone safe on campus.

You can save their phone numbers to your phone:

• Emergency contact: +44 (0)24 7765 5555
• Non-Emergency: +44 (0)24 7765 7363
• Email: Protectionshiftmanagers@coventry.ac.uk

If you are living at Godiva Place or Bishop Gate, you also have a team based at your accommodation who are ready to help if you need them. 

Stay bright and easy to spot

Visibility is key across campus and the city of Coventry; this makes you visible to road users whether you are on a bike or walking.

You can:

• Wear reflective clothing or accessories
• Use bike lights and reflectors, they are required by law in the UK after dark.
• Carry a small torch or use your phone torch for poorly lit paths.

Wearing bright clothing and being visible enables others to spot you before you are too close. 

Pick routes with lighting and people

Whether you are heading between university buildings, travelling back to your accommodation or walking to public transportation to get home. 

You should: 

• Use the main pathways around campus and busy streets like Gosford Street and University Square.
• Avoid isolated shortcuts such as back routes or alleyways.
• Walk confidently and avoid using your phone as this can be a distraction.

Buddy up after dark

It is safer and more reassuring to travel home with others.

You can: 

• Walk home with your friends or course mates when you are walking home from a late-lecture or a study session.
• Book taxis as a group to save costs and reduce the amount of time waiting around.

Choose trusted ways to get home

• Use trusted taxi apps such as Uber. 
• Use public transport stops with good lighting and CCTV.
• If you cycle, make sure you wear a helmet and lock your bike securely in designated bike racks or shelters. 

Update friends on your journey

• Keep others informed of your route or ETA. You can do this by sharing your location on Find My (iPhone), WhatsApp location, Life360 or by sharing your live location with a friend on Snapchat.
• Let someone know when you are leaving your location and when you expect to be home (But make sure to inform them when you get home!)
• Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank with you if you expect your phone to die.

Have each other's backs

The community at Coventry University is strongest when we care for each other and others around Coventry.

• If you see someone walking alone who looks uncomfortable, consider checking if they are okay, or walk nearby if it is appropriate.
• If something feels wrong when walking alone after dark, trust your instincts and take action. Whether that is changing direction, stepping into a shop or a well-lit area.

Be alert around traffic

Cyclists, drivers and pedestrians all share the same road space, so make sure to stay alert by:

• Using crossings where possible and avoid stepping into the road between cars.
• Remove headphones or keep one ear free when walking near roads.
• Be extra cautious near Sky Blue Way (near Godiva Place) and the Ring Road where traffic can be fast.

Dark nights don’t need to limit your independence or social time. With a few small changes like staying visible, travelling with others, and staying alert, you can enjoy your time on and off campus safely. Going on a night out to celebrate the holidays? Make sure you know how to have a responsible but fun time with these tips. 

Let’s support each other, look out for friends and keep Coventry University’s community safe this winter! ❄️