You know your campus. You know your usual routes, your favourite spots between lectures and probably exactly how long it takes to get from one side of campus to the other. But when it comes to safety, familiarity shouldn't mean switching off.

Whether you're heading to a late lecture, leaving a study session, meeting friends after class, attending a campus event or making your way home, student safety at NWU is something we all have a role to play in.

NWU has Protection Services (https://services.nwu.ac.za/protection-services ) and emergency support available across its campuses, with 24-hour emergency contacts for security, fire, medical and rescue-related emergencies. But the little things we do every day matter too. Think of this as your quick safety reset.

Know your campus, even when you know it well

After a few semesters, you probably don't need Google Maps to find your next lecture. You know the shortcuts. You know where your friends usually meet. You know which route gets you where you're going fastest. But your usual route isn't necessarily the best option at every time of day. If you're moving around campus after hours, pay attention to lighting, how busy an area is, and what's happening around you. It's also worth knowing where you can go if you need assistance. And if you've been at NWU for years but still don't have your Campus Protection Services number saved, consider this your sign.

Walking somewhere? Take a buddy

Late lecture? Evening study session? Heading back after a campus event? If you can, walk with someone. We're all guilty of thinking, “It's just a quick walk. I'll be fine.” But having someone with you, particularly after dark or in quieter areas, is a simple way to add an extra layer of safety. If your friend is heading in the same direction, go together. And if you're leaving somewhere alone, let someone know where you're headed. It doesn't need to be a whole announcement. A quick “I'm heading home now” in the group chat will do.

Put the phone down for a minute

We know. That WhatsApp message is waiting. That TikTok is halfway through. And someone just posted something you absolutely need to see. But when you're walking, especially at night or through quieter areas, give yourself a break from the screen. Keep your headphones at a reasonable volume, stay aware of what's happening around you and keep your phone secure. You don't need to be paranoid. Just present.

Going out? Make getting home part of the plan

The night is going well. The music is good. Your friends aren't ready to leave. Fair enough. But before you head out, think about how you're getting home. Whether you're being collected, using a ride-hailing service, getting a lift with a friend or using another form of transport, having a plan makes things easier when it's time to leave. If you're using a ride-hailing service, check the vehicle and driver details before getting in. And if your plans change, let someone know. “I'm leaving now” takes about five seconds to send.

Keep your valuables close

Your phone is expensive. Your laptop is expensive. That bag you've had since first year may be held together by hope, but you still don't want to lose it. Keep your belongings close, particularly in crowded areas, on public transport and around busy student spaces. Avoid leaving your phone, laptop or bag unattended, even if you're only stepping away “for a minute”. That quick coffee run is not worth coming back to an empty table.

Trust your gut

Something doesn't feel right? You don't have to convince yourself that you're overreacting. You can leave. You can change your route. You can call someone. You can wait somewhere safer.

You can ask for help. And if you see a friend who looks uncomfortable, check in. Sometimes “Want me to walk with you?” is enough.

Look out for your people

Student safety isn't only about what you do for yourself. It's also about the people around you. If you're out with friends, check that everyone has a way home. If someone is uncomfortable, take them seriously. If a friend needs help, don't leave them to deal with it alone. And if you notice something concerning on campus, report it through the appropriate NWU channels rather than assuming someone else will. A safer campus is something we build together.

Save your NWU emergency contacts

This might not be the most exciting thing you'll save in your phone, but you'll be glad you did if you ever need it. NWU Protection Services provides 24-hour emergency support on its campuses. The numbers differ by campus, so save the contacts relevant to where you study.
 

Mahikeng Campus

Protection Services:
018 389 2167
018 389 2331
079 896 5356

NWU Emergency Services:
018 389 2277
018 389 2167

View the full Mahikeng emergency contacts and services.

Potchefstroom Campus

Protection Services and security emergencies:
018 299 2211
018 299 2215
018 299 1110

Thuso psychological crisis line:
018 299 1777

View the full Potchefstroom emergency contacts and services.

Vanderbijlpark Campus

Protection Services and security emergencies:
016 910 3339

Emergency Services:
016 910 3339
066 241 0116 if there is a landline disruption

View the full Vanderbijlpark emergency contacts and services.

For additional student support, NWU's Seek Help/Support Here page brings together Protection Services, emotional support and national helplines.

Save the numbers now. Future-you will thank you. Safety doesn't mean missing out!

Staying safe doesn't mean staying in your room. Go to the campus event. Stay for the late study session. Catch up with your friends after class. Grab food. Attend the game. Enjoy your campus.

Make the memories. Just keep safety somewhere in the mix. Because after a few semesters, it's easy to think, “I've been doing this for years. I know what I'm doing.”

And you probably do. But sometimes the simplest habits are worth repeating.

Stay aware. Look out for yourself. Look out for your people. And if something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Because campus might feel familiar, but looking out for each other never gets old.