Living in a new country is an exciting experience, but it’s important to look after yourself. Australia is generally a safe place to live and study, but there are some situations and risks you should be aware of that might be different to what you're used to at home. You can learn more about these scenarios and how you can exercise caution below.

Water and fire safety

• It’s important to always be safe around water, especially when you are going for a swim in the ocean or another body of water like a river or lake. Patrolled beaches have red and yellow flags you must swim between to avoid being caught in dangerous rips and currents. The red and yellow flags also mean that lifeguards are present on the beach and will keep their eye on you when you are swimming between them. Never swim at a beach that doesn't have red and yellow flags, even if the water looks safe, and never jump into bodies of water you aren’t familiar with, especially natural lakes and rivers. Find out more about water safety in Australia, translated into many languages.
• Fire awareness is essential in Australia. In summer, many of our rural areas are at risk of bushfires and subject to Total Fire Bans. If you plan to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer, it’s important you understand the risks and what to do in a fire emergency. The CFA Victoria website has more information about what a Total Fire Ban means.

Personal safety and relationships

• If you are out and about at night, you should follow this helpful advice to ensure the personal safety of you and your friends. It includes information on staying safe on public transport, while drinking, in the outdoors and on the road. Always be aware of your surroundings when you’re in public (try to avoid becoming isolated, and stay in well-lit, populated areas) and always leave valuable items at home, not in your car or your bag.
• In Australia, sex, dating and relationships are built upon mutual respect, equality and consent. You and your partner must both provide affirmative consent – this is a verbal or physical expression of ‘yes’ that you would both like to participate in a sexual act. This includes everything from kissing and intimate touching, to penetrative sex. It also includes partnerships across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. To learn more, complete our Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin module and visit Sexual Health Victoria’s Dating in Australia site.
• If you experience any concerning behaviour, including dating or family violence, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual behaviour (e.g. kissing, intimate touching, sex), you can contact Deakin’s Safer Community service for a confidential discussion about your situation and your options.

Online safety

All students, but especially international students, can be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and online scams. Our online safety and security pages contain lots of helpful tips about how you can secure your digital devices, protect your personal information and recognise a scam while you are studying in Australia.

In an emergency

It's important to learn what to do if you experience or witness an emergency. You can call Triple Zero (000) for free anywhere in Australia and be connected to police, fire and ambulance services. If you are not sure which service you need, tell the operator the situation and they will guide you. If you are not confident explaining in English, tell the operator your language and you will be connected to a translator who can help.

SafeZone

SafeZone is a free app that connects you directly with Deakin security. It can be used for emergencies, when you may need an escort back to your car, or assistance for those with a disability. We encourage you to download SafeZone and sign up using your Deakin email. You can also get in touch with a Campus Support Officer for assistance on campus.

Learn more about SafeZone

Safer Community

Safer Community free, confidential support service for those who experience concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour. You can talk to someone in the Safer Community team for advice, or make an incident report to them. They can support you with disclosures of sexual harm, family violence, stalking, harassment, or any other behaviour that makes you feel threatened or unsafe.

Learn more about Safer Community

Further reading

Study Australia has a useful guide to staying safe, with particular information for ensuring your personal safety when you are out and about, on public transport and using the internet.