During your time at university, we'll support you to feel safe. There are lots of services on campus for you to access during the Welcome Festival period and throughout your studies.
Safety during the Welcome Festival
The Welcome Festival is a time to meet new people and adapt to your new life as a student. Remember to try and go out with other people, eat well, and always go out knowing how you are getting home. If you can, it's a good idea to charge your phone before you go out in the evening and take some emergency money out with you. If you're staying in, remember to lock your room and flat door at night.
Staying safe
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. Whether you're settling into student life, exploring the city, or navigating new experiences, we're here to offer practical advice and support to help you stay safe and informed.
Registering with a GP
If you are living in student accommodation or moving into the area, it is important to register with a GP in Worcester You will be asked to fill in some forms and provide the surgery you chose with some contact information and a short medical history.
You can find detailed advice on our Medical Provisions webpage.
Callmy Alert app
The Callmy Alert app is the University's official safety app for students.
Whether you're feeling uncomfortable in a situation, don't feel safe walking home or have fallen over in your halls, you can easily and immediately notify the University security team and PCSO's through the app.
Use the code 'WR2 students' after downloading the app and registering.
Mental health services
Our firstpoint team are working to support you. If you feel you need targeted support for your mental health we offer initial STAR (Support, Triage, Advise, Referral) appointments and these can be booked through the Firstpoint desk.
You can find additional resources, including workshops, mindfulness advice and Student Minds on our dedicated Counselling and Mental Health Service webpages.
Our Security Team are all trained in Mental Health First Aid. You can contact the Security Team directly on Security@worc.ac.uk or you can call on 01905 855000 or on 07977 973956.
Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment
The University of Worcester offers a positive, supportive environment, giving our community the confidence to work, study, innovate and excel.
Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment refer to a broad range of behaviours, from the most severe forms of sexual violence to unwanted touching, stalking, abusive or degrading remarks.
We are committed to promoting a culture of tolerance, respect, and inclusion, where everyone’s boundaries and personal space are respected. Consent is vital in all interactions. Without consent, behaviour may constitute a criminal offence. In cases where a crime may have occurred, the matter will be referred to the police, and their investigation will take priority.
We also encourage you to be cautious when using dating apps. Meeting new people online can be exciting, but it’s important to prioritise your safety, especially if you're considering inviting someone to your accommodation. Always trust your instincts, and if you ever feel unsafe or need immediate help on campus, contact the University’s 24-hour Security Team. They are there to support you at any time, day or night.
If you ever feel unsafe while out, the Ask for Angela initiative is available in bars across the city - just ask staff discreetly for help.
We promote a culture of accountability through our bystander intervention programme, and we do not tolerate any incidents of sexual harassment or misconduct.
You can read more about this in our Sexual Misconduct policy, including how to access support.
Sexual health
We take sexual health seriously. Our Students’ Union offer a free condom delivery service, pregnancy advice service and the SH:24 service can assist with questions about contraception and STI testing. You can access their Sexual Health and Wellbeing webpages for more information.
The NHS Worcestershire Integrated Sexual Health Service offers friendly, non-judgemental, specialist services across Worcestershire. They can also discuss emergency contraception and guide you through local services and support. For more information you can check out their ‘Know your stuff’ website.
Cyber security: staying safe online
When you're spending a lot of time online, it’s easy to overlook small warning signs that could signal something suspicious. A link might look legitimate at first glance, or an email might seem to come from a trusted source. But scammers often rely on these moments of inattention to trick people. Take a moment to pause and double-check before clicking on links, downloading attachments, or sharing personal information.
We've had students targeted by scams, including fake job offers. If something feels off, don’t share personal information or send money. When in doubt, speak to the Students' Union (SU) or IT Services.
Helpful resources:
If you’re ever unsure or concerned, contact IT Services or the Students’ Union - we’re here to help.
Water safety
It’s always important to be mindful of water if you are running or walking by the river and canal in the city. You might be keeping fit, walking a dog, on a walk with friends, or returning home from a night out, whatever you are doing, please be aware of your surroundings, be extra vigilant and stay well clear of riverbank edges.
The University is situated close to the banks of the River Severn, with City Campus on the east side and Severn Campus and St John’s Campus on the west side of the river, connected by several bridges. While our campuses are unlikely to be affected by flooding, adverse weather can impact travel between them.
Always check local weather and flood warnings before setting out and allow extra time for your journey if conditions are poor.
To help you plan a safe journey:
The Royal Life Saving Society UK have excellent advice for water safety in a variety of environments.
Money safety
Managing your money wisely is an important part of student life. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Loan sharks often advertise on social media, offering quick cash with extremely high interest rates. These short-term loans can trap you in long-term debt. If you need financial help, speak to the University or the SU first. There are always safer options available.
- Carrying large amounts of cash can put you at risk of theft. If you're waiting for a UK bank account to be set up, try to limit how much cash you carry and store it securely.
- Essay mills are services that offer to write your assignments for you, often promoted through social media. These are scams. Not only are they illegal under UK law, but using them can lead to serious academic consequences, including expulsion. They can also leave you vulnerable to blackmail or data theft.
If you're struggling financially or academically, you're not alone. The University offers a range of support services:
Drinking and Driving
We want everyone to have a positive and safe experience during the Welcome Festival and throughout the year.
Know your limits when drinking. Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and aware.
Look out for your friends and make sure no one goes home alone.
Never drink and drive. It’s dangerous, illegal, and carries serious consequences. If you're using a taxi, only get into a pre-booked vehicle.
The University has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. If you need help, please reach out to firstpoint or the Students’ Union for advice and resources.
Staying safe on a night out
Drink spiking is a serious crime. Substances used to spike drinks are often odourless, colourless, and tasteless, and alcohol itself can also be used to spike a drink. Symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred vision or confusion
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paranoia or unconsciousness
If you think your drink has been spiked:
- Tell a bar manager, security, or member of staff immediately. Staff at The Hangar and other venues have been trained to respond and can test your drink.
- Stay with a trusted friend or security.
- Call 999 if symptoms worsen or report the incident via 101 after the event.
- Never go home alone, and don’t leave with someone you don’t know or trust.
You should never leave your drink unattended and always keep an eye on your friends’ drinks too. If you feel unsafe, the Ask for Angela initiative is available in bars across the city - ask staff discreetly if you need help.
Staying safe in Sports Clubs and Societies
Joining a Sports Club or Society is a fantastic way to make new friends and we encourage you to join one of the wide range of clubs and societies on offer.
We want everyone to be safe and feel included when participating in a club or society. Upon joining, you agree to abide by our members’ code of conduct, which outlines the standards of behaviour and conduct expected of all members.
The University of Worcester and Worcester Students’ Union have a zero tolerance approach to any “initiation activities”, which are sometimes known as “hazing”.
Any student who is found to have organised or participated in any such event will be subject to the University’s Student Disciplinary Procedures.
Where to go for support
The most important thing to remember as a new student is that you are never alone. There is always someone here to support you.
firstpoint
Your first point of contact for guidance on accessing specialist support and provide information that will be useful throughout your studies. If you're not sure what to ask or don't know where to start, speak to firstpoint.
- Visit firstpoint in the Pierson Study and Guidance Centre, located on St John's Campus.
- Email firstpoint via firstpoint@worc.ac.uk
- Telephone firstpoint: 01905 54 2551
Students' Union
The Students’ Union offers free, confidential, and impartial advice to all University of Worcester students. Whether you need support with academic issues like misconduct allegations, appeals, or mitigating circumstances, or you're facing personal challenges such as drug use, gambling, or sexual health concerns.
Security
Our Security Team are here to keep you safe 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They can help with multiple issues from locked-out students to first aid to reporting crimes. A full list of the roles of the security team is available on their dedicated security webpages.
- Questions and concerns can be emailed to Security@worc.ac.uk
- Telephone Security 01905 855000 or on 07977 973956
International Experience Office
The International Experience Office provide support for international students, including setting in, advice on visas, and helping with cultural adjustment to studying in a different country.
Report a concern
If you have concerns relating to sexual misconduct, domestic abuse or stalking, or harassment, bullying, assault, discrimination or hate crime you can report that concern via the University’s Report a Concern Portal.
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