Stay safe and enjoy your time as an international student in London with these simple tips. Learn how to navigate the city, who to contact in an emergency and how to prioritize your well-being.
<h2>Emergency contacts and information</h2> <ul> <li> <p>In an <a href="https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/emergency-services">emergency</a>, contact the police, ambulance, or fire department on 999 or 112. These numbers are free to call – only use them in a real emergency.</p> </li> <li> <p>To report non-urgent crime, contact your local police station by calling 101 from within the UK.</p> </li> <li> <p>Information about major incidents in the capital can be found on the <a href="https://www.met.police.uk/">Met Police website</a>. You can also sign up to alerts on <a href="https://twitter.com/Metpoliceuk">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/metpoliceuk/">Facebook</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>The latest transport information can be found on the <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/">Transport for London website</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h2>Is London safe?</h2> <p>London is a very safe place but as with any big city, it's worth taking sensible precautions. As an international student in London, it's essential to stay safe while enjoying your time in the city. Here are some easy tips to help you:</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Be aware</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>Know how to reach emergency services if needed.</p> </li> <li> <p>Trust your instincts and avoid any situation that feels unsafe.</p> </li> <li> <p>Make sure to report any unattended bags or belongings in public places.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be cautious of people you don't know and be aware of common scams.</p> </li> <li> <p>Find out more about how London’s Met Police actively protect Londoners and visitors via <a href="https://www.met.police.uk/projectservator">Project Servator</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Watch the National Police Chiefs' Council's (NPCC) video with advice on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jxOXbpTmnk">what to do in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Download the free citizenAID app on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.citizenaid.theapp">Android</a> or <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/citizenaid/id1184553467?mt=8">Apple</a>, which gives advice on immediate actions in case of an incident.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Stay Connected</strong></h4> <p>Keep your phone charged and share your schedule with friends or family, so they know your whereabouts. Make sure you have emergency contact numbers saved in case of any urgent situations. Check out some recommended safety phone apps below:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>'CitizenAID' </strong>(FREE on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.citizenaid.theapp" rel="noopener">Android</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/citizenaid/id1184553467?mt=8" rel="noopener">Apple</a>) gives advice on immediate actions in case of an incident.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>'what3words'</strong> (FREE on <a href="https://app.what3words.com/3W1yMkiB5tb">Android </a>| <a href="https://app.what3words.com/YTRDRhbB5tb">Apple</a>) will give you an exact location based on 3 words that you can provide to the Emergency Services in case of emergency.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>'SafeZone' </strong>(FREE <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.criticalarc.safezoneapp">Android </a>| <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/safezone/id533054756">Apple</a>) enables you to call for help when you need it most, giving you fast access to university response teams. Log in with your Uni details!</p> </li> </ul> <h4> </h4> <h4><strong>Safe travel in London</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>Get to know the areas you'll be visiting, and ask others about safe places to go.</p> </li> <li> <p>Plan your route before you leave. See the <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Transport for London website</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Only use <a href="https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/taxis">taxis</a> or registered minicabs.</p> </li> <li> <p>Try to avoid walking alone at night. Keep to well-lit main roads.</p> </li> <li> <p>Beware of wearing headphones – they reduce awareness of your surroundings.</p> </li> <li> <p>In the UK, cars drive on the left. To ensure you cross roads safely, only use designated crossings, only cross when the green man is showing and take note of the signs indicating "look right" or "look left" to spot any oncoming traffic. </p> </li> <li> <p>Keep your phone charged and share your schedule with someone you trust.</p> </li> <li> <p>Use public transport wisely and keep your belongings secure.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Keep your belongings safe</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>Don't leave your bag unattended anywhere in London – this can lead to a security alert.</p> </li> <li> <p>Keep your purse or wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash.</p> </li> <li> <p>When using a cashpoint, check that no one is looking over your shoulder and that the ATM hasn't been tampered with. Cover the keypad so no one else can see your PIN number.</p> </li> <li> <p>Keep your mobile phone, MP3 player, camera and other gadgets out of sight in your pocket or handbag when not in use.</p> </li> <li> <p>Record details of your electronic serial numbers (ESNs).</p> </li> <li> <p>Inform your service provider and police if your phone or other valuables are stolen or lost. Dial 101 for your nearest police service.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Staying safe in bars and restaurants</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>Make sure you keep your property out of sight and safely under the table.</p> </li> <li> <p>Many venues have clips under the tables, use them to secure your handbag or briefcase.</p> </li> <li> <p>Don't accept drinks from strangers.</p> </li> <li> <p>Drink responsibly when socializing.</p> </li> <li> <p>Check up on your friends by phone or text to make sure they got home safely and vice-versa.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Useful contacts</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p><strong>In an <a href="https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/emergency-services">emergency</a>, contact the police, ambulance, or fire department on 999 or 112. These numbers are free to call – only use them in a real emergency.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>For free and confidential support for victims of crime and their families, visit the <a href="http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/">Victim Support website</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>If you have a complaint or query over your <strong>consumer rights</strong> visit <a href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/">Citizens Advice</a> for information and advice.</p> </li> <li> <p>To report non-urgent crime, contact your local police station by calling 101 from within the UK.</p> </li> <li> <p>Information about major incidents in the capital can be found on the <a href="https://www.met.police.uk/">Met Police website</a>. You can also sign up to alerts on <a href="https://twitter.com/Metpoliceuk">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/metpoliceuk/">Facebook</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>The latest transport information can be found on the <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/">Transport for London website</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p>