'The UK is a very safe place in which to study and live. We’ve put together a few useful tips to make sure your time as an international student in the UK is problem-free. '
Keep your passport, travel documents and tickets in a safe place. Before travelling to the UK, take a separate photocopy of your passport showing your personal details and immigration stamps.
Carrying your cash, credit cards and traveller’s cheques in an inside pocket or money belt is always a good idea when you travel to any country or big city. Keep telephone numbers for your UK institution handy in case you need to call them when you arrive In the UK.
Getting help while you study in the UK
It is very unlikely that you will ever feel unsafe in the UK, but if you need help then the UK police are friendly, helpful and easy to approach. They have a duty to protect everyone and will always encourage you to report any incidents.
In the unusual situation where you may need to report a crime, just phone your local police station or ask someone at your institution to do it on your behalf.
In an emergency, if you need to report an incident, fire or seek urgent medical help, you can dial 999 to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance. This call is free of charge from any UK phone but should only be used in an emergency.
UK law for international students
The laws in the UK may be different from those in your home country. This especially applies to the use of tobacco, alcohol and self-defence sprays:
- You must not carry drugs with you of any kind (unless prescribed by a doctor), or use any illegal drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, LSD or amphetamines.
- It is illegal to carry any sort of weapon including knives, self-defence CS gas sprays, guns or stun guns.
- You must be 18 and over to buy tobacco and alcohol
- You should never buy property that you think might be stolen, no matter how tempting it seems.
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