Personal safety

On campus

  • Keep your belongings with you and avoid leaving anything valuable unattended (e.g., don’t leave your laptop unattended in the library or in the  classroom).
  • If you're riding a bike to campus, speak with the Concierge at Level 2 to access the bike cage and store your bike safely.
  • Save the Security number in your phone or use the Monash bSafe app to call Security if you need help on campus.
  • If you ever feel unsafe, use the services provided by Monash Security.

At home

  • Keep windows and doors locked, especially at night.
  • Don’t open the door to strangers.
  • Don’t hide a key outside the house.
  • Keep valuables out of view from outside your home.
  • Turn off your appliances when you are not using them, including the heater, when you are sleeping.
  • Never turn off smoke alarms.
  • Don’t attempt to put an oil fire out with water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and put a cover on the pan.
  • Never smoke indoors
  • If you need immediate assistance with a fire, call 000.

In public

  • Don’t leave your mobile phone, laptop or tablet out in the open or unattended.
  • Keep your handbag, purse, or wallet on or near you, and avoid carrying large quantities of cash.
  • Leave your passport at home.
  • Don’t give out personal information to strangers (e.g. your address).
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings (e.g. look where you’re walking rather than at your phone; if you have headphones in, keep the volume low).
  • Cross the road only at pedestrian crossings - traffic lights and zebra crossings.
  • Look for safety features such as CCTV cameras and security personnel.
  • If you feel threatened, go to the nearest shop or house and ask the occupant to call the police.
  • If you see any trouble or suspect that trouble might be about to start, move away from the scene and alert the police.
  • Be wary of casual requests from strangers – someone asking for a cigarette, the time, or coins could have other motives.
  • Avoid using ATMs at night.

Water & Sun Safety

  • Check the Victorian Water Safety Guide when planning an outing to the beach.
  • Never swim at night
  • Only swim at beaches that are patrolled and have lifeguards
  • Always swim between the flags
  • Don’t enter the water unless you know how to swim
  • Be SunSmart when outdoors: Slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, and seek shade.

Going out at night

  • Plan your trip to your destination and back again.
  • Never take a ride with a stranger.
  • Travel in a group (if possible).
  • Use footpaths and crossings and stick to well-lit areas.
  • Never leave your drinks unattended.
  • Know your own limits – if you’re not comfortable with something, say no.
  • Look after your friends.

Drink spiking

If you’re going out, it's essential to keep track of your drinks and ensure you can see them being poured. Drink spiking is when someone deliberately adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge, which can leave them vulnerable to sexual assault, robbery and other harmful actions. Drink spiking can occur anywhere drinks are served, but you can take action to be prepared and seek support if something goes wrong.