1. Off-Campus Student Living Guide
  2. Neighbourhood Safety

Neighbourhood Safety

Walking home

Use  when walking late at night.

The Queen's SeQure app has a variety of services encouraging safety, including 'Walkhome', 'Friend Walk' and 'Safe Walk'. You can call Campus Security, 911, or Kingston Police directly through the app.

If you're walking alone, call someone and share your location through your phone or Friend Walk in the SeQure App.

Stay aware

Build a buddy system with neighbours. Report suspicious people, sounds, or activity to the police immediately.

Keep your phone charged before heading out. Stay alert while walking. Avoid scrolling through your phone, watch for vehicles and cross at marked intersections. 

Mailbox safety

Avoid putting your full name on your mailbox or apartment directory; use initials or your unit number instead.

Limiting personal information helps protect your privacy and reduces safety risks.

Well-lit areas

Keep entrances well-lit and leave porch lights on at night.

Close blinds, especially after dark to prevent people from seeing inside.

Stick to public sidewalks and stay aware when walking in unfamiliar areas. 

Answering the door

Check to see who is at the door before answering, especially when home alone. Ask repair or utility workers for ID. Legitimate workers won't mind. 

Consider installing a doorbell camera for added safety and package theft prevention.

Apartment safety

Don't enter or exit the building if strangers are loitering near the entrance.

Don鈥檛 hold the door open for people unless you know they live there or have permission to enter.

University District Safety Initiative

The University District Safety Initiative helps reduce pressure on emergency services during large street gatherings (move-in, Orientation Week, Homecoming, and St. Patrick's Day).

Holidays and Summer Break

If you're leaving for an extended period:

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Close blinds to prevent people from seeing inside.
  • Hide or take valuables with you.
  • Unplug appliances (except for the fridge).
  • In winter, keep heat at 13 degrees Celsius or higher to prevent frozen pipes.
  • Use timers or leave a few lights on to make the home look occupied.
  • Have your  while you are away. 
  • Have a trusted friend or neighbour check on your place and give them a way to reach you.