Most students evaluated safety and security as extremely important, both on campus and in the surrounding neighbourhood. A strong sense of community, belonging, and caring for one another emerged as a central motif.
You also told us you value education and awareness of support and resources available to you.
Speak Week November 2025
Safety is a shared responsibility
Everyone plays a part in creating a safe and inclusive student community.
We encourage all students to:
- Be respectful, kind, and aware of others
- Look out for friends and peers, especially at night
- Report unsafe incidents or locations
- Share safety information and resources
Top Tips
1. Move Smart at Night
Simple choices that help you stay confident when travelling after dark.
- Stick to well-lit routes
- Travel with friends when possible
- Let someone know your ETA
2. Know Your Travel Options
Make your journey easier by planning ahead.
- Check bus timetables before going out
- Use real-time apps
3. Stay Aware, Not Afraid
Confidence is your best tool.
- Keep headphones low and phone away
- Trust your instincts
- Walk with purpose
4. Look Out for Each Other
Safety works best when we look after our community.
- Check in on friends
- Don’t leave anyone alone if they don’t feel safe
- Step in or seek help if something feels off
5. Know Where to Get Help
Support is closer than you think.
- Campus security contacts
- SUBU Advice
- The Retreat
- Emergency services
6. Night Out Safety Tips
Enjoy yourself and get home safely.
- Keep your drink in sight
- Have a charged phone & portable charger
- Set a group chat check-in
7. Protect Your Belongings
Small habits make a big difference.
- Keep bags zipped
- Avoid showing valuables
- Use tracking apps
8. Digital Safety
Staying safe online is just as important.
- Turn on phone location sharing with a trusted friend
- Use strong passwords
- Be mindful of oversharing on socials
9. Accommodation & Home Safety
Feel safe where you live.
- Lock doors and windows
- Know your building’s emergency contacts
- Report faulty lighting
10. Community Courtesy
Kindness and respect create a safer environment for everyone.
- Be aware of how your actions affect others
- Support and uplift vulnerable groups
- Speak up when something isn’t right
For more safety advice and tips please visit the Dorset Police website.
Campus Support
- Safety and personal security - Stay safe on and off campus with advice, emergency contacts, reporting support, and practical personal security guidance. Bournemouth University provides 24/7 campus security, wellbeing resources, and safety information to help students feel informed, supported, and secure while living and studying in Bournemouth.
- Morebus Night travel tips - Travel safely across Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch with Morebus night routes running seven nights a week. With live bus tracking, onboard CCTV, trained drivers, and routes serving key student areas, students can travel more confidently and stay connected late into the night.
- Community Wardens - The Community Warden Scheme run by SUBU, BU and AUB and supported by Bournemouth Borough Council, are a team of students paid to work each week, patrolling the main student roads in Winton, Wallisdown and Charminster. They are there to support both students and permanent residents, and to help them integrate in the local community.
- SUBU Advice - The SUBU Advice service is a free and confidential space located on the 2nd floor of the Student Centre to help students with Academic, Housing, Personal and Money advice; helping students understand their rights, options, and next steps to resolve their issues.
- University Front Room - On Talbot Campus, the University Front Room provides a safe space for students struggling to cope and need help. You don't need an appointment; just pop in and talk to the friendly team.
- Reporting an Incident or Accident - Report accidents, incidents, or safety concerns quickly through Bournemouth University’s online reporting system. Students can access guidance on emergencies, personal safety, harassment, and wellbeing support, helping the university respond effectively and maintain a safer environment for everyone on and off campus.
- Sexual Violence - SUBU Advice has a Sexual Violence Practitioner within the team. This role covers sexual violence, understanding emotional and societal responses to rape, sexual violence, and safeguarding. You can speak to a member of the team privately and confidentially at SUBU Advice on the 2nd floor of the Student Centre.
- My Safer Dorset - My Safer Bournemouth is a community safety platform providing trusted information, guidance, and reporting tools to help residents and students stay safe. It brings together local partners to raise awareness of risks, prevent crime, and signpost support across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
- STARS Dorset - STARS Dorset is a local charity offering free, confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence. It provides counselling, advocacy, and ISVA services, alongside education and prevention work, helping survivors access trauma-informed support, recovery, and empowerment across Dorset.
- The Shores - The Shores is a specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Dorset offering confidential, trauma-informed medical, emotional, and practical support for anyone affected by sexual assault. It provides 24/7 access to care, crisis support, and referrals to specialist services including counselling and advocacy.
- Bournemouth Town Pastors – Bournemouth Town Pastors are trained volunteers who patrol the town centre at night, offering a calm, non-judgemental presence to support people. They provide practical help, a listening ear, and work alongside emergency services to promote safety and wellbeing in the town on weekends.