As a global capital city, London is generally not a dangerous place to live and study as long as you are streetwise. This article outlines some key points about safety whilst you study in London.
As far as physical safety is concerned, the majority of areas in London are perfectly safe during the day, provided that you are moderately sensible. It should be noted however that there are some neighbourhoods such as Wood Green, Harlesden, and Thamesmead which have increased incidents of crime.
The London Mayor and Greater London Authority maintain "Crime and Community Safety" at the top of their agenda, as a way of keeping all regions of London safe for all, and has resulted in a number of neighbourhood safety campaigns. Recently a crime map of London (maps.met.police.uk) has been launched on the internet by The London Metropolitan Police to show the public the concentration and type of reported crime in any specified location of London. If you are looking for accommodation whilst you study in London, this map may be a beneficial way to determine safety levels in a particular area before you arrive.
When you arrive to study in London for the first time, you may not be familiar with your new environment so taking a few preventative measures to ensure you stay safe is a good idea:
Safe Keeping of Valuables
When you move to your new home to study in London, if you decide to go out during the day, do not leave your cherished possessions and vital documents on public view, and remember to always lock the door and windows behind you.
It is always wise to store copies of your passport, visa details, entry clearance and immigration stamps away from originals, so that you have a back up.
do not leave any belongings outside where you live as they are likely to be taken instantly. For example, if you have a bike it is better to keep it inside your building, or in a locked room as London bike thieves can be notoriously fast at stealing frames, wheels and seats even when a bike is protected with a security lock, and attached to a post.
Prepare your Route
Most International, and even national, students who are new to study in London may be apprehensive when travelling on the London Transport Network. However there are resources online such as the "Travel for London" (TFL) website which can greatly help you in getting where you need to go. Your selected route can then be printed which can be especially useful if travelling at night in an unknown area.
Zip it
It is worth remembering that pickpockets generally frequent busy underground stations, shopping districts and outside ATMs, so be cautious when carrying valuables such as a mobile phone or wallet in a crowded location by keeping them out of sight in a closed bag or pocket. When you study in London, use plastic bankcards and try not to travel around the city with any more than £50.00 of cash on you, as there are cash machines located in almost all areas.
Your safety should not be a cause for concern when you study in London as long as you act with a minimum level of awareness in your environment.
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