How US and UK Universities Are Prioritising Student Safety

16/09/2024•12 minute read

College Applications, US Admissions, UK Admissions

How US and UK Universities Are Prioritising Student Safety

Moving overseas and living independently for the first time is an exciting adventure, but it’s also a big change from the familiar comfort of Singapore. US and UK universities fully understand the concerns that both students and parents may have, which is why they've implemented a wide range of safety measures across their campuses. These institutions are dedicated to creating secure and supportive environments where you can thrive and make the most of your study abroad experience!

If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, this blog will walk you through the various safety protocols in place at top US and UK universities, from campus security to easy reporting systems. You’ll also find forms of pastoral support, like counselling services, which are readily available whenever you need them. Read on to find out more about how US and UK universities are prioritising student safety!

Keeping You Safe on Campus

Universities understand that your campus is where you’ll spend most of your time, and they take security seriously to ensure your safety. From 24/7 surveillance to campus-wide emergency systems, these institutions have developed robust security measures. At UCLA, for example, the campus is protected by its own police department and emergency medical services, which can be easily contacted via helplines or on-campus emergency phones. Similarly, all Ivy League universities have their own police forces that operate in tandem with local law enforcement, ensuring rapid response to any situation.

Many universities also require ID checks for all individuals entering campus buildings, further enhancing safety. MIT, for instance, uses security checks at all entry points, where students and staff must present a valid university ID. University College London (UCL) has a similar system in place—students must scan their ID cards to access all buildings, ensuring only authorised individuals are allowed inside.

In addition, universities like Stanford have embraced technology to further enhance campus safety. Stanford has developed the SafeZone app, a free, location-based tool that connects users with emergency responders. The app offers real-time updates on safety alerts, quick access to emergency contacts, and detailed campus maps. SafeZone also provides more accurate location tracking than standard phone features, ensuring a faster and more effective response during emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness

Beyond security, institutions also have wider emergency response systems in place, such as fire safety and evacuation routes. In the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, staff members have been trained to assist students and security personnel with the evacuation.

These include emergency response drills and the specialised alert system at Stanford University, as well as the varied and extensive training provided to staff at Columbia University in managing crises. Institutions such as the University of Manchester also offer emergency response courses on-campus, which may prove useful in the event that a medical emergency occurs as collateral during a wider event.

Here’s a quick look at some common safety protocols adopted by universities in both the US and UK:

Fire safety: Staff and students will receive fire safety training and induction upon their orientation into campus or their respective accommodations. Escape routes are usually displayed in all classrooms and suites, and all fire exits are marked. If a fire breaks out, an alarm will be activated and staff will guide students to the Fire Assembly point.
Bomb threat or suspicious package: In the event that a bomb threat is received and evacuation is deemed necessary, staff or residential advisors are responsible for guiding students calmly to the assembly point. Emergency services will be contacted, and further direction will be provided following this.
Natural disasters:
Tornado: Move indoors immediately, and to the lowest level of the building, or a tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large roofs e.g. auditoriums, gymnasiums. Once in a secure location, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and move away from windows.
Earthquake: Do not run outside. Take cover under a desk, making sure that your head and neck are not exposed to falling debris. In the event that you are outdoors, stay in an open area. Only once the shaking stops should you move towards your assembly point.
Flood: Do not enter the flooded area. Call the campus hotline, and wait for emergency services.

It's helpful to remember that while these situations may seem overwhelming, you always have support! No matter where your university is located, campus security is a well-organised system focused on providing assistance to students like you during challenging moments.

Beyond the Campus: Safety Measures at Student Dormitories

Residential halls are another point of contact for universities to ensure your safety, especially as they serve as hubs of student life. As a result, all on and off-campus university housing will have a guard stationed at the entrance desk 24/7, like at the University of Leeds. These are often accompanied by pastoral services, such as those provided by the University of Bristol. Alternatively, universities like Oxford have launched network schemes like that of Safe Lodge, which makes safe shelter available to all its students regardless of which college they belong to.

All in all, these security personnel are your first point of contact at the very front of the building. In the event that you find yourself being followed or threatened, the guard on duty can immediately intervene to assist you. Furthermore, only student residents can move freely with the aid of their fob or key provided during orientation. All other visitors, even if they are your friends or guests, will be asked to sign in.

In the US, the University of Pennsylvania has an extensive technical security system on top of a physical security presence, including electronic door alarms and a unique security access code which is randomly assigned to each resident. Additionally, institutions like the University of Chicago have a Safety Escort programme, whose helpline matches members of the university community to a patrol officer who can accompany them to their destination in the event that they feel unsafe.

As for certain UK universities, you’ll likely only be living in student halls during your first year. However, there are universities that support their students’ safety in non-university off-campus housing. For instance, the University of Leeds recommends that when its students move into non-university private residences in their second year onwards, they should check that the property is registered under the Safer Homes, Safer Leeds security standard.

Student Advocacy and Reporting Mechanisms

Universities across the US and UK also understand that students might be hesitant to approach security personnel to report their concerns. As a result, most universities have harnessed their technological capabilities to launch their own remote reporting platforms.

In the UK, the SafeZone app is used by universities such as UCL and the University of Bristol, amongst others. Once downloaded, the app allows students and faculty alike to lodge both emergency and non-emergency reports with their university’s security team 24/7. The app is also programmed such that these reports can even be launched without speaking, should the need arise. Similarly, in the US, the University of Southern California (USC) offers a Report & Response platform, allowing students, staff, and visitors to submit reports—anonymously if desired—when they need to report concerns or incidents. Alternatively, members of the institution can also file reports online with their campuses’ specialised police departments.

After a report is lodged, universities can activate support networks to protect student welfare, complementing their existing wellbeing services. This is crucial in cases of crime or harassment, as these distressing experiences can significantly impact the victim.

For instance, USC offers specific and entirely confidential services catered to survivors of sexual assault via its CARE-Support Centre. Students who may not be entirely comfortable or confident in immediately approaching a counsellor can access more general support first. These include the Student Guild Advice Team at the University of Exeter, the Campus Support and Intervention team at USC, and the Student Support Services at the University of Nottingham, all of which are avenues that can then guide you toward specialised resources should you need them!

Your Well-Being: Mental Health Support

Mental health support programmes are also widely available at all universities, and free of charge for students. In order to access these resources, you’ll simply have to register with your institution’s health centre. This typically involves simply filling up a form either online or in-person, after which you’ll be directed to make an appointment!

However, it’s crucial to note that due to the wide availability of these support services, waiting times can be quite long. As a result, it’s always important to recognise the urgency of your own situation, and to request an emergency appointment if you feel you need it.

Furthermore, universities acknowledge the challenges their students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and actively work to ensure that their well-being services are multi-faceted and continually improved. As a result, universities like Cambridge have rolled out additional services such as the Wellbeing Advocate Network. These individuals serve as representatives within departments who will keep staff and students informed and updated about Cambridge’s wellbeing programmes, effectively ensuring that everyone has access to them. Other institutions such as King’s College London have adopted a more collaborative approach, working closely with their student union to understand the needs of their student community. In line with this, they’ve introduced new academic support models, including a Mitigating Circumstances allowance. This allows students to seek the faculty’s understanding of their academic performance if they face unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or bereavement.

Health Services

Of course, programmes aimed at supporting your physical health are also widely available and typically free of charge at universities! As a result, it’s best to treat the university’s health centre as your primary port of call for health screenings, after which you can always be referred should you need further specialised care. In some cases, health centres like those at the University of Michigan have a variety of specialised services already available, ranging from their pharmacy to nutrition clinic.

As an international student in the UK, you pay the Immigrant Health Surcharge with your student visa, which makes you eligible to use the NHS service. To access the NHS, you need a working UK phone number or SIM card. Then, you can call the NHS free helpline at 111 to speak with a healthcare advisor, who will direct you to the appropriate service. In an emergency, dial 999 to be taken to A&E.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also crucial to ensure that you’ve kept up to date with your vaccinations to ensure you remain in the pink of health! If you’ve forgotten, though, you can still receive the updated COVID vaccines from the immunisation clinics at your university in the US, or at a Boots outlet in the UK. To continue keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, universities such as the University of Glasgow also enforce the wearing of face masks, especially during large-scale gatherings, such as examinations.

With this roadmap to the various safety measures in place at universities in the US and UK, we hope that you’ll feel more confident and reassured in navigating your new environment! While these may seem like daunting scenarios, it’s always best to be prepared and know your options so you can act prudently if an emergency occurs.

Studying abroad is a great way to build your resilience and vigilance, and with the help of these university safety and support measures, navigating these new experiences will hopefully prove less nerve-wracking!

Ready to take on university life abroad? Crimson Education is here to guide you through every step, including understanding campus safety measures to ensure your well-being. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your academic and personal journey!