How to Stay Safe at University When Studying in the UK

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How to Stay Safe at UniversityWhen Studying in
the UK
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How to Stay Safe at University When Studying in
the UK

• The United Kingdom is the home to some of the
  best universities in the world. Because of this,
  students from all over the world come to study at
  UK universities. Most international students are
  excited about a new adventure and being in a new
  country. However, moving to a new country can
  also be overwhelming. Its normal to be a little
  concerned about your safety and wellbeing.
• While theres no real cause for concern, its
  always better to be safe than sorry. Keep the
  following tips on how to stay safe at university
  in mind so you can feel more comfortable in your
  new environment.

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How to Stay Safe at University in the
UKGenerally, you dont need to be worried about
your safety when studying at a university in the
UK. The UK is a fairly peaceful nation and ranked
33 on the Global Peace Index 2021. This is a
comprehensive list of 163 countries. While
youll likely be safe on campus, its still a
good idea to be careful when in the city. This is
especially true if youre moving to a large city
like London and Manchester. Keep these safety
tips in mind so that your university experience
in the UK can be a great one.
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Store Important Documents and Valuables Carefully

• The best safety tip we can give you is always
  taking care of your valuables and important
  documents. Your passport and official paperwork
  contain sensitive information that you must
  protect. Instead of leaving these lying around,
  store them in a safe place. Other important cards
  like your Student ID card should be kept on you
  at all times.
• We would also advise taking pictures of important
  documents so you have them available on your
  phone in case of emergencies.

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Sort Out Your Health Insurance

• One of the first things you should take care of
  when arriving at university in the UK is your
  health insurance paperwork. As a student, you may
  be entitled to treatment from the National Health
  Service (NHS) once youve registered. However,
  this isnt always the case. For example, if
  youre doing a short course, you may have to get
  health insurance from your home country. In
  either case, this should be taken care of in case
  of emergencies.

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Note Down the Emergency Numbers

• Knowing the emergency numbers is one of the first
  things you should do when you arrive in a new
  nation. While this is one of our more obvious
  safety tips, it still needs to be said. Its
  crucial that you save the emergency numbers since
  they will allow you to reach the police, the fire
  department, or an ambulance. In the UK, these are
  999 and 112.

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Get To Know Your Surroundings

• When youre in a new city or country, its always
  best to explore and get to know it. However,
  before you do so, dont forget to note down your
  accommodation details on a piece of paper or as a
  note on your phone. If you lose your way, you can
  always ask someone to help you or guide you in
  the right direction.
• This also involves getting to know the public
  transport system. Download the bus and train
  timetables, so you know how to navigate your new
  city. When you become more familiar with the
  routes, youll generally feel safer.

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Have a PlanWhen You Go Out at Night

• Whether youre going to the theatre or getting a
  pint with your friends, you should always have a
  way to get back to your dorm or apartment. If
  youre staying out late, you should know when the
  last train leaves or pre-book a taxi. Its also a
  good idea to check in with friends and share your
  location if you feel unsafe.
• Additionally, take routes youre already
  comfortable with and make sure you have your ID
  card, phone, keys, and money with you when you go
  out. Avoid dark streets and alleyways, and stick
  to well-lit areas if it's dark outside.

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Pickpockets Are Common in Urban Areas

• If youre in a large city like London or
  Manchester, you may come across pickpockets.
  These thieves work in teams and may bump into you
  or otherwise try to steal your belongings. Be on
  the lookout for unusual behaviour and stay
  attentive. Its also a smart idea to choose a bag
  thats close to your body (like a cross-body bag)
  instead of an open tote that people can reach
  into.

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Dont Put All Your Money in One Place

• Its a good idea not to keep all your money in
  one place. While you should carry cash, dont
  leave all of it and all your debit cards in a
  single place. Once you arrive in the UK, open a
  bank and deposit any cash that youve brought
  with you for safekeeping. This is also useful in
  case you lose or misplace your wallet. In this
  case, youll have money available while you
  resolve the issue.

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Take Care When Using ATMs

• You will need to withdraw cash from the ATM time
  to time. However, its always best to be careful
  when doing so. Make sure there arent people
  close to you looking at your PIN, and cover the
  numbers with your hand or sleeve as youre typing
  them in. If you note suspicious activity and are
  alone, its best to go to another ATM.

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Ensure Accommodation Safety

• You dont have to worry too much about people
  breaking in if you're living on campus. In
  addition to there being safety in numbers, most
  UK universities have security teams and CCTV
  cameras.
• However, accommodation safety can be an issue if
  you stay off-campus and rent a flat. Leaving your
  doors and windows open may result in burglars
  targeting your home. Closing your windows is
  especially important if you live on the ground
  floor. Locking the door when you leave your
  apartment and always having your keys on your
  person are good ideas.

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• Conclusion
• Studying at a UK university is generally safe
  because of the low level of crime in the country.
  However, emergencies and accidents can happen
  without prior warning. Use these tips on how to
  stay safe at university and beware of your
  surroundings, so you arent the victim of a
  crime. This way, you can ensure that your UK
  university experience is an excellent one.

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