Staying safe in Stellies
Hi, commenting on my mom's account, but I am going into my 3rd year in Stellenbosch (female). I have never had any safety incidents nor have my close friends and this is my advice:
Refer to the map I have attached to this comment. The safer areas in central town are below the red line. A lot of student accommodation is in the orange area, which seems to also be safer, but I lived in res and am not familiar with this area. During the day, you should be fine to walk around in these areas with normal South African street vigilance. Be more cautious when walking up Bird Street and around that area behind Eikestad Mall. I recommend carrying pepper spray whenever you are alone or in small groups just in case and for peace of mind.
At night, never travel alone, always in groups or at least a pair. It’s wisest to Uber rather than walk if you have to travel at night. During the day, Victoria Street (with the big Oak trees parallel to campus) is full of students and is a super safe route to class and the mall, but be cautious walking down at night as it’s less busy at this time and there’s lot’s of places for attackers to hide behind short walls and bushes etc.
If you need to walk home from campus alone at night, you can call Campus Security (the number is on the back of your student card) and a security guard will walk you home.
As extra precaution try to let someone know when you’re going out at night or share your location (Life 360 is a great app) just in case you find yourself in an unfortunate situation.
If you do find yourself needing help, don’t be shy to ask someone who happens to be nearby. The town is crawling with students and 9/10 times they’ll be happy to help you out.
In terms of clubbing and going out, just go with a group of people you trust and try to drink responsibly. People do get drinks spiked quite often, but if you’re with decent friends they’ll notice quickly and get you home safely. Try always watch your drinks being poured and keep a hand over your cup while you’re dancing.
Once you’re in Stellies, you will very quickly figure out which areas you feel safe in and which ones you’d rather avoid, so don’t worry too much before you arrive
As someone who lived in Stellenbosch for over a decade, I have a few observations that relate directly to personal safety. The first is that while Stellenbosch is a University Town, it is not a closed campus.
Only Uber at night always. Uber in groups. Always be with Friends when leaving clubs/ bars. My son and his friends have a Life360 group, so that they can look after each other. If one of your friends has had to much to drink- rather take them home. They just have to be street wise and they will have a fabulous time.
My girl is in her 2nd year. Has a car and works at night too. Lives 1km from her campus but there is no walking anywhere..ever.. 🙁 Share rides, do not walk alone at night anywhere (groups are false safety), join the WA security groups to report things and just be very vigilant at all times. Fun can be had and they will... 🙏
Uber even if it’s 1km home. Most of the uber drivers know the students and are very helpful. My daughter has had a great experience there. 4 years.
I asked some of the students that stayed on the hostel so this was the responses Morning🌻 * Always walk in groups * Call campus security to escort you around campus after 6pm. * Always be vigilant when you are walking. * Don't walk with earphones in your ear you become an easy target. Hope this helps.
I could write a book about this topic - most advice has been covered I am sure in this feed. I do want to say that students need to STOP walking with pods in their ears - it dulls the sense of awareness and being alert and STOP walking with your faces in your phone, blissfully unaware of your surrounds. Think, think and think again - before making decisions and if you feel uneasy - LISTEN to your gut and make another plan. I go to Stellenbosch often - and the amount of students walking with their ears covered, phones tucked into back pockets of pants and just "in their own worlds" - that is number one - be alert, and be aware!
Don't walk in any public space with their cellphone in their hands.
When on campus, and you work late, call campus security to escort you, even if it is to your car in the parking lot. Wait inside the building where you are.
When I was living there, there were some bars we would avoid later during the night. We also made friends with all the bouncers- they know alot more than what you think and had a few help me before when I was in sketchy situations.
My son is now in his 5th year there and it truly has been the most amazing place to study. The opportunities for them to explore this beautiful part of the world has left him with the most wonderful memories. Having said that, I do worry about his safety as these kids are easy targets. I would recommend the following:
Truekrav is working with the uni to do seminars there to teach real self defence. You can speed up the process by requesting his services. Stay safe x
As is the case in the majority of towns and cities in South Africa, because Stellenbosch is not an isolated, protected island: Be vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, stay off the streets late at night, don't advertise your cellphone, don't walk with earphones, and always be sober.
Hi All this is the app with a buzzer for securityin Stellies. Here is the sign-up link for those who have not signed up yet or that can be distributed to potential sign-ups https://buzzer-app.co.za/abc-security/
From an SU-group I’m on: 🎓✨ Student Safety Initiative: Safety Tips for Students ✨🎓
Walk in Groups: There’s safety in numbers! Stick with friends, especially after dark. 
Stay Off Your Phone: Be present and aware of your surroundings – your safety comes first! 
Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Choose well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through dark alleys. 
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, listen to your gut and get to a safe place. 
Limit Distractions: No headphones! Stay alert to the sounds around you. 
Have an Emergency Plan: Know who to call and where to go in case of an emergency. 
Know Your Route: Plan ahead and let someone know where you’re going. 
Carry a Light and power bank. A flashlight for you to see and be seen.
Limit alcohol intake so you are aware 
Dress appropriately 
Emergency numbers to report incidents:
There are many beggars hanging around and even on campus. Please ask your children not to give them money but rather tickets for the night shelter. Sometimes they get aggressive when refused, but I've heard appalling stories of students givimg large sums of money and this perpetuates the problem. The parking area near the Eikestad Mall has been a no go area after dark for many years. During the day they should also be careful of the parking area at Pick n Pay in town.
Whilst crime happens in the day many of the abductions/ muggings happens at night around the clubs and bars where the thugs know students will probably have a cellphone and will most likely be under the influence.
Safety resources
- SU Security Resource Centre
- CoCreate Hub Stellenbosch
- Buzzer App Protection
- ADT Security Tips
- Carte Blanche on Stellenbosch abductions
- 24-hour EMERGENCY number: 021 808 2333
- WhatsApp walk-with service: 082 808 2333