Safety

Campus meetup guide

Every Campus Swap trade happens face-to-face on campus. Here's how to make every meetup safe, smooth, and successful.

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The golden rule

Always meet in a busy, public location on campus during daylight hours. Never meet at a private residence, in a vehicle, or off campus.

Recommended meetup spots at NMU

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Main Library

Ground floor entrance

Busy, well-lit, security cameras. Open Mon–Sat.

☕

Student Centre Cafeteria

Nelson Mandela University Student Centre

High foot traffic all day. Plenty of seating for inspection.

🏛️

Faculty Building Foyers

Any faculty building entrance

Convenient if buyer/seller attends that faculty. Always staffed during business hours.

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Campus Bookshop Area

Near the official campus bookshop

Ideal for textbook exchanges, compare new vs secondhand on the spot.

These are suggestions based on common Campus Swap meetups. Always confirm hours and access with the relevant building administration.

Your meetup checklist

🛍️ If you're the buyer

  • Bring your phone with the Campus Swap app open and ready
  • Know the item's listed price and condition before you arrive
  • Test electronics, bring a charger if needed
  • For books: check the edition, ISBN, and look for heavy highlighting
  • For clothing: check the size label and inspect for damage
  • Don't feel pressured, take your time before confirming receipt
  • Confirm in the app only after you're fully satisfied

🏷️ If you're the seller

  • Arrive on time, no-shows damage your rating and may result in suspension
  • Bring the item clean, charged (if electronic), and ready to demo
  • Have all accessories listed (cables, cases, manuals) with you
  • Don't accept alternative payment, escrow protects you both
  • Be patient while the buyer inspects, this builds trust
  • Stay until the buyer confirms receipt in the app

High-value items (R1 000+)

For expensive electronics like laptops, phones, or tablets, take extra precautions:

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Bring a friend

A second person at the meetup adds safety and a witness.

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Meet during business hours

Daytime meetups at staffed locations are safest.

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Test thoroughly

Boot the device, test all features, check the IMEI number on phones.

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Document before and after

Photo the item before the meetup to compare condition.

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Something went wrong?

If you feel unsafe, leave immediately. Contact NMU Campus Security (041 504 1111) or SAPS (10111) in an emergency. Then report the incident to Campus Swap.

Report an incidentFull safety guide