Stay safe at UNSW this winter

To ensure your safety this winter, there will be increased safety operations from Protective Services and NSW Police during the next few months.

Published on the 16 June 2026

Stay safe on campus

What exactly is happening regarding UNSW campus safety this winter?

The winter months mean a drop in temperature and fewer daylight hours, meaning it'll typically be night by the time classes end for many students.

While UNSW campuses are still safe, the University is encouraging everyone to stay alert as Protective Services and NSW Police have reported a recent increase in anti-social behaviour occurring on and around campus. These incidents have included unsafe use of e-bikes, misuse of fire safety equipment, verbal abuse and disruptive behaviour affecting students, staff and visitors.

Don't worry, UNSW is continuing to work closely with Protective Services and NSW Police in response to these incidents.

Protective Services, together with local police and youth liaison officers, has increased patrols and targeted operations across campus and surrounding areas. Additional police and security presence will continue across campus during school holiday periods.

Your safety is our priority and in the spirit of UNSW's ongoing safety culture message – Think Safe - Be Safe - Home Safe – we're encouraging everyone in our community to stay aware, act safely and support one another on campus.

How to stay safe on campus

If you're on campus during the darker evenings this winter, please stay vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. Protective Services encourages students and staff to:

Stay alert and avoid distractions when moving around campus
Travel with others where possible after daylight hours
Report suspicious or unsafe behaviour immediately
Seek assistance if they feel unsafe or require support.

UNSW's Gendered Violence Response Team (GVRT) is also available for those who need the support. Created to provide person-centred support for our community, the GVRT are a team of mental health experts who provide holistic, trauma-informed and wraparound support for students who’ve been affected by gendered violence.

The University does not tolerate racist, abusive or threatening behaviour and remains committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the University community.

Gendered violence support

The SafeZone App

For direct access to the UNSW Security Operations Centre, prompt notifications regarding safety issues in your vicinity and personalised emergency assistance without delay, please download the SafeZone app. In the event of an emergency, the app allows you to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team who will be able to get the right assistance to you.

The SafeZone app also has features such as:

Check-in timer: Inform Security if studying alone or late at night, and they will keep an eye on you.
Real-time notifications: In the event of a serious incident posing a risk to the university community, SafeZone can notify you instantly through push notifications, SMS, or email.
Emergency button: Press the button in case of any emergency.
First aid assistance: Press the first aid button for initial medical support.

Download SafeZone app

Reporting concerns and getting help

If something feels unsafe, unusual or out of place, please report it immediately to Protective Services. They operate 24 hours a day and can assist with safety concerns, suspicious behaviour and emergency situations across campus. Here are their contact details:

Emergency: 9385 6666
General assistance: 9385 6000
For immediate emergencies, always call triple zero (000).

By staying alert, reporting concerns early and looking out for one another, we're all contributing towards keeping our campuses safe and welcoming for everyone.

Report an incident