We know you've heard the usual personal safety spiel a hundred times before.
You're smart and, sometimes, even doing everything 'right' doesn't mean you actually feel safe.
Instead of rehashing those tips, let's talk about the actual support systems available when you need them.
Think of this as your quick-access toolkit for peace of mind.
We're taking action
We're continuing to work closely with South Yorkshire Police and key city organisations to improve safety across Sheffield.
Layla Barrett, Wellbeing, Sport & Physical Activity Officer 2025/26, is helping to lead and accelerate our night-time safety initiatives. View progress update.
Free anti- drink spiking kits are available to collect from our Hallam SU Helpdesk.
Walking home?
You don't have to walk alone.
Strut Safe
If you're walking solo at night, call 0333 335 0026 and a Strut Safe volunteer will stay on the phone with you until you're through your front door. Check the Strut Safe website for opening hours.
WalkSafe
The WalkSafe+ app enables you to share your journey, locate Safe Spaces, and see known crime hotspots so you can plot the safest route home.
Been spiked, harassed, or feeling unsafe?
Access support and incident tracking.
TASA Anti-Spiking App
Log spiking incidents anonymously on the TASA app so users can track where incidents are happening more accurately.
Bonus: it can send emergency messages to friends and locate nearby hospitals/police stations.
Report + Support
Report any sexual violence, harassment, abuse, or hate crime via Report + Support.
Submit anonymously for information, or share your details to access support or take further action.
There's no pressure to report formally or take any action. You choose the outcome of your report.
Your Safe Zone - CNTRL (Hallamnation's Home)
CNTRL (formerly Crystal) is a designated safe zone, and the staff are total pros at looking after our students. Seriously, they're trained for this.
Trained and ready
All doormen and the manager are specifically trained to step in for things like spiking, harassment, or anything else that makes you feel unsafe. Inside, in the queue, or outside - just flag them down.
Zero judgement
Staff will treat your issue with discretion and without judgement. Their only goal is your wellbeing and arranging the support you need immediately.
Free safe ride home
If you or a friend need support getting home safely, speak to the staff at Hallamnation; they can offer you a free taxi home, paid for by us. Never hesitate to ask.
For extra peace of mind, free anti- drink spiking kits are available to collect from CNTRL's Hallamnation event and our Hallam SU Helpdesk.
Whilst student nights should be safe environments to have fun without fear of harm, spiking incidents do still occur. Look out for your mates and continue to practice your usual personal safety measures.
Living in shared housing?
Make sure those you're living with understand safety at home is their responsibility too.
A few things to remind them:
- Lock doors - don't leave them on the latch or unlocked when leaving the flat/house.
- Close windows, and lock them where possible.
- Close curtains if it's dark to add privacy.
- Don't let strangers follow you into the building. Always check who is at the door before opening it.
We'd recommend talking to your landlord about getting a security alarm fitted too if your accommodation doesn't already have one.
Don't feel safe with your housemates? Contact Report + Support for support with emergency housing.
Remember: the blame for incidents lies solely with the perpetrator. It was not your fault, you are not to blame, and you are not alone.
Urgent support
Need urgent or out-of-hours help? Don't feel safe?
In a security emergency on campus
Call 0114 225 2000 for on-campus Security (or 888 from an internal phone).
University Security provides on-campus assistance 24 hours a day. All security controllers and patrollers are trained first aiders.
In an emergency
Call 999 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
If urgent, but not an emergency
Call NHS 111 for medical help (select option 2 to talk about mental health).
Call 101 for police.
Access urgent support services