At Fourah Bay College, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. Here are some essential safety tips to help you navigate campus life securely:
- Stay Aware: Always be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as mobile devices when walking around campus.
- Travel in Groups: Whenever possible, walk with friends or classmates, especially during late hours.
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep personal items like bags and laptops secure and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual or feel unsafe, report it to campus security immediately.
- Know Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and the locations of campus security offices.
- Participate in Safety Drills: Engage in safety drills and training sessions to prepare for emergencies.
By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to a safer campus environment. Remember, your safety is a shared responsibility.
Practical Safety on Mount Aureol and Around Freetown
Fourah Bay College sits on Mount Aureol, overlooking Freetown, and its hillside location shapes everyday safety in ways new students may not expect. The roads up and down the hill are steep and winding, so pedestrians should keep to the roadside edge, face oncoming traffic where there is no footpath, and take extra care after dark when visibility drops. During the rainy season, which in Sierra Leone usually runs from around May to October, heavy downpours can make slopes slippery, wash debris onto paths and reduce visibility for drivers. Sturdy footwear, a reliable rain jacket and a small torch are worth keeping in your bag.
Getting to and from campus
Many students rely on shared taxis, poda-podas and okadas (motorbike taxis) to reach the city. If you use an okada, ask for a helmet, agree the fare before setting off and avoid riding with heavy bags that affect balance. Where you can, travel with people you know at night, and let a friend or roommate know your route and expected arrival time. Keep a little cash separate from your main wallet so a lost purse does not leave you stranded.
Health and personal wellbeing
Safety also means staying well. Freetown's climate makes dehydration a real risk, so carry water, especially on long days moving between lectures. Malaria remains common in Sierra Leone; sleeping under a treated net and using repellent are sensible habits, and anyone feeling feverish should seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting. For questions about vaccinations or medication, speak to a qualified health professional.
Residences and digital safety
In halls, lock your door even for short absences, avoid lending keys and keep valuables out of sight from windows. Back up coursework regularly, since power cuts and device theft can both cost you weeks of study. Be cautious with mobile money: never share PINs, and treat unexpected requests for transfers, even from familiar numbers, as possible scams until confirmed in person.
If you are new to the hill, the campus overview is a good place to learn the layout, and the contact page explains how to reach the college offices when you need help.
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