Commuting to and from Uni can give you so much freedom. You have the luxury of living at home and can usually cut down on costs like rent and food bills. It sounds like the perfect lifestyle but, in reality, it also comes with a large fear surrounding safety. As a young woman, travelling as a commuter is rather scary for me, as there has been a rise of stories in the media regarding unprovoked attacks on women of a similar age to me. As some of my seminars finish at 7pm it can be daunting travelling alone through the city when it is already getting dark. If you are a fellow commuter or are perhaps considering commuting to Uni, it is important to prioritise your safety. Here’s just a bit of advice on the best way to protect yourself when out and about.
Carry A Personal Safety Alarm
Having a safety alarm gives you lots of reassurance. You can walk through the city knowing that you have an extra form of protection if somebody gives you any unwanted attention or worse. They are so simple and subtle, literally requiring you to reach for a button before a piercing ring is heard. I’m sure the whole city would wake up to the sound of it; it’s so loud! This not only startles attackers but alerts others around you that you need help.
Download A Tracking App
At first, the idea of a tracking app was not one I wanted to get on board with. The idea of my family following my whereabouts on their phones was something I considered a major invasion of my privacy. When you go to Uni to gain independence, this seems like a step in the wrong direction. However, having a tracking app that you can activate when you are travelling alone can be really useful. It makes me feel protected in the sense that my family know where I am and when to expect me home. If you need help in a difficult situation, most tracking apps have an SOS feature that alerts your loved ones that you need help. They will be able to see where you are and come to the rescue.
Phone Home
Call me a snowflake but I ALWAYS have my parents on FaceTime when I’m travelling alone on a train. It not only makes my journeys less boring, but it helps them know exactly where I am. As someone with anxiety, I often find myself needing my parents’ advice when travelling. But being on a video call also makes me feel so much more safe. I find that people are less likely to approach you if they see that you are talking to someone (and you have your camera on). If you find yourself in trouble, you don’t even need to actually be on the phone to someone. You can pretend to be on a fake call to give that ‘busy’ look, warning others that you have someone on the other end who knows where you are.
Don’t Take The Shortcut If It Puts You In Danger
Shortcuts across fields or through alleys can save you lots of time, but I strongly encourage you to stick to the main road where lots of people are passing by. If you take a shortcut through a secluded place, you are more likely to run into danger. So it’s best to stick to a more public place. Even if it adds a few extra minutes onto your journey.
Empty Carriages Aren’t Always Best
Train carriages with just a few people in aren’t always a good thing. While you have the luxury of getting a seat to yourself, it can bring extra attention to you as you are one of the few people in the carriage. Always stick to carriages that have a fair few people in and feel free to move if you feel that something isn’t right.
Use A Trusted Mode Of Transport
I always opt for trains when I’m travelling home, but this isn’t always an option if you have stayed out late. If you have to get a taxi, please make sure it is from a trusted company and not just a random car that is waiting outside a club ready to pick you up. Ringing up a taxi firm ensures that your journey is logged and that you can travel back as safely as possible.
Have One Earphone In And One Out
Travelling with music blasting in my ears is a must-have during my commute. I can’t travel through Birmingham without listening to a good bit of Taylor Swift, but I always remember to only have one earphone in. This way I can be aware of my surroundings and listen out for upcoming vehicles or passers by whilst still listening to my music. This is my favourite tip and one that I always do, no matter the weird looks I get from my parents when they wonder why I only have one ear pod in.
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