Apart from choosing a major, choosing the right university can make this life transition for students downright overwhelming – we know, we’ve been there!

If you’re considering studying in Pretoria, one of the elephants in the (mental) room that you have to address is safety. In this article, we want to ease your mind by addressing that – is Pretoria really safe for students?

Allow us to give you some insider insights on our city! Read on to learn more about safety in Pretoria.

Is Pretoria safe for students?

Pretoria is generally safe for students because most universities are located in secure locations. Accommodations near campuses are gated communities.

Moreover, schools offer escort services for students who get home late on weekdays. There is even a 24/7 Crisis Service provided by the University of Pretoria in case of emergencies.

Aside from this, different institutions constantly hold safety awareness programs to remind students how to keep themselves away from harm.

Read on below as we outline five major reasons why Pretoria is generally a safe choice for students.

4 Reasons Why Pretoria is a Great Place to Pursue Your University Degree

1. Most schools are located in secure areas.

Most schools in this city like the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) are located in secure locations, away from the so-called ‘crime hotspots’ of the country.

For instance, UP is located in Hatfield, one of the notably safer suburbs in Pretoria. Here, residents and students can leisurely walk around without being concerned about their safety. 

Although the neighbourhood itself is quite pricey, the area is safely guarded by local authorities.

Meanwhile, UNISA is located in Muckleneuk, Pretoria. Despite being a developing suburb, it has sturdy and secure blocks of apartments in the area where all units have airtight security.

2. Communities here are gated.

Apart from having many student-friendly accommodation inside and outside campus, Pretoria’s communities are mostly gated, with a security guard on duty 24/7. 

Some dorms may have curfews, which may dampen your excitement – but think of the big picture and remember that this is just to ensure your safety.

3. Schools do their part to keep you safe.

We have to give it to our schools for going the extra mile in keeping students safe! A lot of them implement safety awareness programs to empower students, offering the tools and resources they need to stay vigilant and mindful of their surroundings.

For instance, the University of Pretoria launched their ‘Green Route’ project, a program where students can request to be escorted using a specified ‘route’ to and from school between 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on weekdays. 

If that doesn’t add to your peace of mind, we don’t know what will.

4. Pretoria has a 24/7 Crisis Service Hotline.

To ensure your safety, the city of Pretoria along with the local universities provides a 24/7 Crisis Service Hotline that can be contacted for emergencies, whether through public or private phones.

Regardless of what happens, you’ll know that you can always call for help so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Here are the following contact details to keep in mind for your safety:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any tips about your living and studying in Pretoria, please share them in the comments below! Let’s help a fellow student out.

To know more about Pretoria, here are some related articles we recommend reading!

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• What is the safest area in Pretoria?
• What is the best place to live in Pretoria?