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How do I get help with safety and security as an International Student?

Sheila Mahon
Sheila Mahon
  • Updated

National College of Ireland is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

On Campus Security: call +353 (0)1 449 8686

Security is available on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If the security guard is on patrol, your call will automatically transfer to their mobile.

If in immediate danger - call Emergency Services 112 or 999

Ask for Garda (Police), Ambulance, Fire Brigade or Coast Guard. 

Meet Your Local Gardaí (police officers)

NCI has a strong and active relationship with local Community Gardaí, who regularly engage with students throughout the year.

Welcome Programme

During each Welcome Programme, Community Gardaí (Police Officers) deliver safety awareness sessions, offering practical advice and answering student questions about staying safe in Dublin.

Pop-Up Garda Station at NCI

To make Garda support more accessible, a pop-up Garda Station operates on campus.
This gives students, staff, and the local community a convenient way to:

  • Speak directly with Gardaí
  • Report concerns or incidents
  • Ask questions about safety
  • Get advice on living in Dublin

The pop-up Garda Station usually runs every second Thursday. Keep an eye on your NCI email for the latest dates and updates.

Safety Tips

Anti-social behaviour is never the responsibility of the victim. If you are subject to harassment, racism, violence, or theft, it is never your fault. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of opportunistic crime.

  1. Keep valuables out of sight. This reduces your chance of being targeted for theft. Be aware, for example, how easy it is for a pickpocket to take a wallet from your back pocket: keep your valuables securely zipped away or in a front pocket.
  2. Pay attention to your surroundings. Staying alert helps you identify potential risks early.
  3. Avoid confrontation. If you are shouted at or have insults thrown at you, walk on as if you haven’t heard anything, even if they are using very personal, very hurtful language, do not engage. Often, they are hoping to provoke a reaction from you, as an excuse to start a fight, but they will do nothing if you ignore them. This is particularly hard to take if you are subject to racist insults. But please, put your personal safety in the moment ahead of any other consideration. You can walk away and subsequently report the incident to the guards.
  4. Money Mule Warning: Do not allow your bank account to be used by someone else, even if asked by someone you know. This is illegal and can have serious consequences. For more information please see Garda webpage here.

The Garda have also created a Campus Watch Guide which provides further advice on:

  • Personal safety and the security of your accommodation, or vehicle
  • Road safety
  • Crime, sexual crime, anti-social behaviour
  • Drug & alcohol awareness 
  • Money laundering and Cyber Crime
  • Respect for Diversity

Reporting an Incident

If you experience or witness an incident, it’s important to report it, as it supports efforts to prevent future incidents.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

  • If you notice anti-social behaviour on or near campus, you can contact NCI Security at any time: : +353 (0)1 449 8686
  • Security will provide support and may share information with local security teams or Gardaí if needed.
  • If there is injury, immediate danger, or a serious incident, call 112 or 999 straight away.

Reporting a Crime

  • If you are a victim of crime or, a witness to one, you should report this to An Garda Síochána as soon as possible. By sharing any information you have about a crime you can help An Garda Síochána solve crimes and potentially prevent future crimes from taking place. For more information please visit the Garda website here.
  • If you have been the victim of a crime in the area around NCI, you must report it to Store Street Garda Station, 4-6 Store Street, Dublin 1, D01 W773; telephone +353 (0)1 666 8000
  • Theft under a value of €500 may be reported online, however if you have items of a greater value taken from you, or if you have been subject to harassment or assault, it is best to report the crime in person.

Reporting Racism

Racism is never acceptable. If you are a victim of racism or if you witness racism, you can report the incident to:

  • INAR (Irish Network Against Racism) - INAR use this information to raise awareness, campaign against racism, and to lobby for changes in government policy.
  • SpeakOut (NCI) – a confidential reporting tool that allows you to share concerns anonymously

Support Services 

Experiences of anti-social behaviour, crime, or discrimination can affect your wellbeing. Support is available both within NCI and externally.

Support at NCI

Support Outside NCI

Know your rights

The Citizens Information has comprehensive information for victims of crime which include:

 

 

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