My top tips for staying safe in Falmouth
This article was written by BA (Hons) Fashion Design student, Lillian.
Hi! My name is Lillian and I am a third-year student here at Falmouth University.
I was so excited when I got into Falmouth, knowing that I was going to be studying in a vibrant seaside town where I could take in the local arts and culture, the historic pubs and the beautiful beaches.
Falmouth is one of the safest universities in the UK to study at, and that has certainly been my experience during my time here. However, you will still want to take certain precautions to ensure your safety, as you should anywhere. After three years of living in Falmouth, here are my tips for staying safe in student accommodation, on nights out, at the beach and more.
Home Security
On-campus security is available 24/7, which extends to on-campus accommodation in Glasney Village. The Glasney Lodge team is always a phone call or email away, or you can pop in at any time and they will be happy to help.
Second and third year are really exciting, as most students move into off-campus accommodation. It’s so much fun getting to move further into the local area, and I felt really safe living in Penryn.
That being said, I still made sure that the front and back door were locked at night, and never left my window open when away for a longer period. Don't leave your valuables out in plain view, and consider getting them security marked. If they do get stolen, it will make it easier for the police to identify them.
Nightlife
Falmouth is generally a safe place for a night out, but it’s still really important that you and your friends are all looking out for each other, and that you know your options for getting home, whether that's normally public transport or taxi. If you plan on drinking, it’s important that you make sure you’ve eaten beforehand, and I’d highly recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the night. You can get tap water for free from any bar, club or pub – you just have to ask!
Be careful about going off with people you don’t know, and never leave your drink unattended. If you do for whatever reason, don't drink it and get yourself another from the bar. You should also make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out. I also bring either cash or my physical bank card with me in case my phone dies and I need to pay for a taxi or bus fare.
Beach safety
Coming to uni by the sea means that you’ll likely be spending a lot of time at the beach. Here in Falmouth, we're lucky to be close to several amazing beaches, but if you’re not used to swimming in the sea, it’s important to learn how to stay safe in and around the water. Familiarise yourself with common hazards like riptides and what to do if caught in one, as well as the Float to Live lifesaving position. The RNLI website is your best friend when it comes to ocean safety.
It’s also important to be mindful of your valuable possessions when you’re at the beach. If your whole group is planning to go in the water at the same time make sure no valuables, like wallets or phones, are left out in plain sight. I’ve never had an issue leaving my stuff at the beach, but if the beach is particularly busy it is always best to take turns swimming so that someone is watching over your belongings.
Online safety
Your university accounts will automatically be set up with multi-factor authentication to protect your online information. This is something that you can set up on personal accounts as well, such as your email.
Choosing strong passwords is also essential, even if they can be harder to remember. Avoid using generic passwords such as ‘password’ or anything including your name. Instead, use use a mix of upper and lower case letters and special characters.
Be extremely wary of messages asking you for personal information or money. Even if it appears to be from someone you know, verify it is actually them, preferably by speaking to them over the phone or in person.
If you’re ever in doubt, check in with the IT team in the library – they are on hand five days a week for any and all tech-related issues.
Personal wellbeing
During a time full of so much change, it’s important to always take time for yourself and set boundaries to protect your state of mind. Always remember, it’s okay to prioritise yourself and your time; there are so many new and exciting things to experience at uni, but if something just isn’t for you, that’s okay. Personal wellbeing is the top priority during your time at uni.
The Student Helpdesk is your go-to contact for any concerns during your time at uni, from struggling with your workload to mental wellbeing concerns. Falmouth University offers great mental health support with counsellors, either in person or with a third-party online therapy provider, free of charge.
You might also like
My experience at Falmouth’s International Women’s Writing Conference
My experience of applying for an online degree through Clearing
You've accepted your offer - what next?
