The following information is relevant to all students. As with any other major city in the world, help to keep yourself safe in Glasgow by remembering the following advice:
- You are safest in bright, well lit and busy areas.
- Never take short cuts at night, stick to well-lit main routes.
- Get your cash out of the cash point during daylight hours if you are going out in the evening.
- Try to look and act confidently – look like you know where you are going and walk tall.
- Spread your valuables around your body e.g. keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.
- If someone tries to take something from you, it may just be better to let them take it rather than getting into a confrontation and risk injury.
- Shout fire! Rather than help! – it can often get more results.
- Do not listen to a personal stereo when out walking or jogging; you need to stay alert to your surroundings.
- In case of emergency, keep a £5 note in the back cover of your mobile phone.
- Put ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone numbers in your mobile phone (before or after the name). This way, if you are hurt or in trouble and someone arrives to help you, they will be able to find an emergency number in your phone.
- Stay with your friends whenever possible and don’t walk home alone.
- Look after friends if they have had a lot to drink and make sure they get home safely.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended in a pub or club.
- If you are alone, set your mobile phone to vibrate as to not draw attention to yourself.
- Don’t walk and text, you are likely to be distracted and you are giving thieves the chance to see what type of phone you have.
- If taking a lift or taxi, text the registration number to someone you trust.
- Mark valuable items with your name, phone number and postcode with a UV pen.
- Always keep the number of a trusted taxi firm with you.
- When arriving home by car or taxi, ask the driver to wait until you are in the house.
- Walk facing the traffic to avoid being followed.
- If you think you are being followed – cross over the road. If you are followed, cross back again. If you are still concerned then go to the nearest public place a shop, pub or house with the lights on and call the police on 999. Don’t use an enclosed payphone in which you could become trapped.
In an Emergency
In a serious situation, for example a fire, a robbery, a road accident or an assault, you should call the British emergency number 999. Calls to this number are free. Tell the operator which service you require – police, fire or ambulance. Then you should try to give as many important details as possible. You should only use this number in emergency situations.
If you would like to report a crime that is not an emergency, you should call 101.
At fire drills, make sure that you know what to do if the fire alarm sounds. In every room you are in, please check for the nearest exit, fire extinguishers and meeting point. If the fire alarm sounds, leave the building without collecting your possessions and go to the meeting point. Do not return to the building until the fire officer says that it is safe. Please be aware of the disabled access, especially for helping someone out of a building without using lifts in case of fire.
In a Non-Emergency
If you wish to contact the Police to report a non-emergency situation you can do so by calling 101. Calling 101 will enable you to:
- speak to your local police officer
- report a crime that’s already happened, such as a theft or damage to property
- get crime prevention advice
- make Police Scotland aware of any policing issues in your area
Police Scotland have introduced a simple officer verification process to provide reassurance to any member of the public who may be concerned about whether or not they are being spoken to by a genuine police officer working alone.
Please use this link which will direct you to the Police Scotland internet page where you will find further information about the lone police officer verification process.
Safe Walking Routes
At the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, we have many students and staff members who walk between our two buildings which are located at Renfrew Street and the Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks. It is our main aim to keep all of our students and staff members as safe as possible. Please find below information for two safe walking routes between the two campuses. We would advise these routes to keep you safe and seen. Please take care when travelling these routes.
If you are starting from the Renfrew Street building:
1. Turn left onto Hope Street.
2. Continue down Hope Street until you come to the end of the pavement.
3. Take a slight left and cross at the traffic lights in front of you.
4. Turn left after the traffic lights and continue down the left side of Cowcaddens Road.
5. Follow the pavement onto Dundasvale Road.
6. Continue on under the pedestrian tunnel.
7. Take a slight right onto Garscube Road.
8. Your destination will be on your right – it is an estimated nine minute walk. This route can also be taken in reverse from the Wallace Studios at Speirs Lock Studios.
If you are traveling from the Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks building:
1. Turn left onto Garscube Road.
2. Walk straight until you come to the overpass on your left.
3. Continue up the stairs and across the overpass.
4. Turn left down the hill and continue down the path.
5. When the path joins the pavement turn right and follow the pavement until you reach the traffic lights on your left.
6. Cross at the double set of traffic lights.
7. Turn left after the traffic lights and continue until you come to another set of double traffic lights on your left.
8. Turn right after the traffic lights and continue along Dundasvale Road.
9. Continue along and up the path adjacent to Cowcaddens Road.
10. Cross at the traffic lights on your right and continue straight down Hope Street.
11. Your destination is on your right – it is an estimated 12 minute walk. This route can also be taking in reverse from Renfrew Street campus.
Safety Tips
Awareness – Be aware of your surroundings when you are walking alone.
Avoid – Avoid talking on your phone, listening to your MP3 player and keep all valuable items hidden.
Open areas – Walk in open and well-lit areas where you can be seen.
Short cuts – Avoid taking risky shortcuts.
You may find the following guides from Police Scotland useful: