Safety and security
Feel safe, secure and supported
At Deakin, your safety and wellbeing come first. From day one, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected.
Stay safe and supported at Deakin
Ranked #1 in Melbourne for student support and #1 in Australia for international student happiness, Deakin is committed to keeping students safe and supported. With well-lit campuses, visible security and award-winning support services, you can focus on settling in, making friends and enjoying university life.
24/7 campus security
We take a proactive approach to campus safety so you can feel confident from day one. Our 24/7 security teams patrol all Deakin campuses – Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool. Campus support officers manage building access, monitor CCTV and maintain a safe, secure environment.
Help when you need it
If you need help, whether it's an emergency, first aid or a safety concern, Deakin Security is available at any time. Call 1800 062 579 to reach our campus support officers or use the SafeZone app to get support quickly, including after-hours escorts to your car or accommodation. If there is an immediate risk to life, call Triple Zero (000) first.
Confidential support
If you experience or witness behaviour that feels threatening, inappropriate or concerning, our Safer Community team is here to help. This free, confidential service responds to reports with care and sensitivity. Deakin has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual harm or violence.
Emergency and support numbers
Deakin security and support services are available 24/7. Save these numbers so help is always within reach when you need it.
- 24/7 security (all campuses): 1800 062 579
- Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 000
- Safer Community team: 9244 3734
- After-hours mental health support line: 1300 239 002 (call) or 0485 829 309 (text)
What I like most about living and studying in Australia, especially in Melbourne, is how genuinely friendly and welcoming people are. No matter where you are, there is always someone willing to help. That sense of openness and community has made studying here feel both exciting and reassuring.
Master of Health Promotion
Stay safe with the SafeZone app
Starting university in a new city or country can feel unfamiliar, but Deakin’s SafeZone app helps you feel confident and connected throughout your studies. Trusted by thousands of Deakin students, this free app connects you directly to campus security and support services whenever you need help.
With SafeZone you can:
- request emergency assistance, first aid or support for a disability
- ask for an escort across campus, day or night
- share your location instantly with security
- receive safety alerts and tips relevant to your location.
Living safely in Melbourne
Ranked the 8th safest city in the world and the #5 best student city globally, Melbourne is one of the most welcoming and multicultural cities for students. With reliable public transport, dedicated student services and vibrant communities, Melbourne is designed to help you feel at home.
Safe student accommodation
Deakin's on-campus accommodation is designed to help you feel safe, comfortable and connected, with 95% of students saying they feel safe and comfortable in their new home.* With 24/7 support, all-inclusive facilities and a welcoming residential community across our campuses, our residences are more than just a place to stay.
Supporting your child’s safety at Deakin
Whether your child is moving from across the country or from overseas, Deakin provides a safe, well-supported environment where students are cared for, connected and never far from help.
Safety for students under 18
Almost 1,000 students under 18 study at Deakin, with many more engaged through research, school outreach and work experience programs. As a child-safe organisation, Deakin is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every young person in our community.
Frequently asked questions
Deakin's 24/7 security control room is available on 1800 062 579 from any campus. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
Yes. Melbourne is ranked the 8th safest city in the world and the #5 best student city globally. With reliable public transport, a welcoming multicultural community and dedicated student support services, it is one of the best places in the world to live and study.
Deakin campuses are designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. Friendly campus support officers patrol all campuses, monitor CCTV and alarms, manage building access and respond quickly to emergencies and security concerns.
Students can also use the SafeZone app to contact security 24/7, share their location, request first aid or arrange an escort to their car if they feel unsafe.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately for police, fire or ambulance services. If you are not sure which service you need, tell the operator what is happening and they will guide you. If English is not your first language, you can tell the operator your language and they will connect you with a translator.
If you are on campus, contact Deakin Security on 1800 062 579 or use the SafeZone app to share your location and request immediate assistance.
Yes. Deakin Security is available 24/7 across all campuses, including evenings and weekends. Students can also access after-hours mental health support by calling 1300 239 002 or texting 0485 829 309.
Online safety means knowing how to protect yourself in digital spaces, including securing your devices, protecting personal information, recognising scams and knowing how to respond to online abuse. At Deakin, students can access dedicated guidance and trusted resources to help them stay safe online throughout their studies.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Deakin Res, "2025 Highlights at Deakin Res!," YouTube video, December 15, 2025, 1:13, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rWTLDIITVA&t=55s.
Contact us
Our campus support officers are here to help. Whether you have a question, a concern or just need some guidance, you're always welcome to call or visit us in person.
Phone: 1800 062 579
Melbourne Burwood
Building C, Level 1, Room 06
Geelong Waurn Ponds
Building JB, Level 2, Room 207
Warrnambool
Building A, Level 2, Room 56
Geelong Waterfront
Building D, Level 2, Room 100
