Campus safety at The University of Sussex has emerged as a critical concern among students, with recent discussions highlighting the complex balance between existing security measures and ongoing student anxieties, particularly regarding nighttime safety.
The University of Sussex is located in a relatively rural setting outside of Brighton, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and vulnerability, especially for students living on campus. With a significant portion of the student population residing in university accommodation, ensuring their safety both on and off campus is vital.
The university has implemented several security measures, including staffed reception areas, regular campus patrols, and 24/7 monitoring systems. However, student interviews reveal varying levels of awareness about these services. Many students were unaware of the availability of an after-dark escort service provided by the security team, a crucial resource for those feeling unsafe while navigating the campus at night.
To Be Improved on Campus
Lighting and the overall layout of the Sussex campus remain a significant concern for many students. Several students highlighted poorly lit areas and secluded pathways between buildings as particularly problematic. A third-year student expressed their dread about the route from The Freeman Centre to the bus stop, stating, “The lighting is useless. I often resort to using my phone light or go the longer way to walk with others”.
A first-year student living in university accommodation on campus said, “Although I try to come back to campus with friends, it’s not always possible. The walk from the train station to Lullington accommodation is long and can be daunting”. Through talking to students from all years on campus, new students through to third and fourth-year students, many are unaware of the escort service that can accompany students across campus or to and from Falmer Station.
One international student highlighted the difficulty she encounters during university holidays pointing out that “campus can often be like a ghost town, provoking anxiety when leaving my accommodation, particularly at night”. Although the campus is often a busy and bustling environment, when students return home, sometimes for long periods, those students who stay living on campus, can feel vulnerable, particularly on quiet, dark evenings.
Universities should be safe environments for all students and staff, and The Students’ Union has proposed several recommendations to address these concerns. These include enhanced lighting in vulnerable areas, improved response time for the escort service, and regular safety workshops for students. The University administration has committed to reviewing these proposals as part of their ongoing campus safety enhancement program.
Who to Call
Although security patrols the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is important to be aware of where to find help if you think that you or someone else is at risk.
After-dark security escort facility. University security staff provide a service to escort you across campus, or to and from Falmer Station. To book this service, call the Security office at +44 (0)1273 877777.
The Security Team is based in Bramber House and can be reached through the 24-hour Residential Reception there.
They can also be contacted by calling 8234 on an internal phone or +44 1273 678234 from a mobile. Their email address is sef.security@mitie.com.
In an emergency, you should call 999. You must also call security on 3333 on an internal phone or +44 1273 873333 on your mobile, as they will need to direct emergency services to your location. They are also trained in first aid and can get to you faster than an ambulance. It is a good idea to keep the security number on your mobile.
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