'The UK is a safe place to study and live in. You can make your time here as an international student even safer by using common sense. To help you stay aware of your personal safety while you study in the UK, we’ve put together a few useful tips. '
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 and credit cards in an inside pocket or money belt is always a good idea. You should also keep telephone numbers for your UK institution handy in case you need to call them when you arrive In the UK.
Dealing with crime as an international student
In the unlikely event that you do have anything stolen, are assaulted, followed or threatened while you study in the UK, you can contact the police. 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.
To report a crime just phone your local police station or ask someone at your institution to do it on your behalf. You can also report information on crimes anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, where there is danger to life or a crime is in progress, 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.
You can find an essential guide to the law in the UK at the Directgov website: Directgov – public services all in one place.
