​​​Each individual is responsible for his/her own safety despite additional security measures implemented by Stellenbosch University. Please make sure that you don't put yourself in danger by being careless or unaware.

Follow these tips:

• Avoid walking alone. Make arrangements to get home safely before you leave. Walk with friends or use the shuttle service.
  
• Sport fields, the mountain road and parks are isolated, even during the day. Don't go walking or jogging on your own, regardless of whether it is dark, dusk or day. Invite someone to go with you or establish an exercise group.
  
• Earphones with loud music limit your awareness of you surroundings and a criminal can surprise you. Make sure you are aware of what is going on around you when you go walking or jogging.
  
• Cellphones and computers that are visible, make you a popular target.
  
• If a vehicle stops to ask for directions, keep your distance to avoid being pulled into the vehicle or being robbed.
• If you think you are being followed or you see a stranger approach in a quiet area, cross the road or change direction. Walk purposefully and as fast as you can to a safer area with people and good lighting, even if it means you have to take a longer route home.
• Invest in a safety whistle if you have to walk alone. You'll attract attention when you blow the whistle and a loud noise in a criminal's ear might distract him/her long enough for you to get away.
• Carry pepper spray in your hand - available at the Matie Shop.
• Don't allow people to enter a building allowing for card access with you. Insist that the person uses his/her own card.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, immediately move to a safer area with more people and lighting. Ask for help.
• Use the safest routes even if they're not the shortest.
• Be careful at ATM machines. Look around before and after you withdraw money.
• Don't drink too much and become an easy and vulnerable target. Be a good friend and make sure your companion who has had too much to drink arrives home safely.
• Keep your keys ready.
• Property can be replaced, but not lives. If your attacker is armed, it is safer not to resist.

Report suspicious looking people, behaviour of vehicles to: 021 808 4666 (Stellenbosch) or 021 938 9507 (Tygerberg).