The United Kingdom is a safe place for international students to call home – it consistently ranks the top 50 nations worldwide according to the Global Peace Index and placed 34th in the world in 2024.
While studying in the UK is relatively low risk, it’s useful to have a good understanding of how to navigate student life and the different services available through your university.
Campus security and safety
Every higher education institution has its own safety and security policies in place for your protection. In many cases, this includes on-site campus security.These staff will manage entry into buildings, patrol the campus regularly, and respond to any incidents.
You can often request an escort service from a university building to your car or a transport terminal, helping you feel safe whatever time you’re travelling.
Some unis will have a live location app where you can walk with this open and then tap to call security to you. Make sure that, as part of your induction, you attend sessions on what to do in case of fire or a medical situation that needs first aid.
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Student ID
Your university will provide you with a photographic student ID card. It’s important to carry this with you at all times.Not only will it let you access all the buildings on campus, but it also lets you benefit from a range of student discounts on everything from travel to food, drink and events.
Safe and inclusive spaces
Universities in the UK work hard to createsafe and inclusive environments for individuals of every background.Students can always expect to be free from harassment, judgement or abuse. If you experience any of the above, you’ll be able to speak to university staff and get help.
The cultural and political landscape of the UK may be different to your home country. This means that what is allowed and accepted may be different too. You should avoid commenting on or criticizing other people based on their personal background.
Discrimination is taken extremely seriously. This means you should treat people the same, whatever their personal characteristics, and expect people to treat you equally in return.
If you’re feeling confused or need advice on UK culture, your university’s international office will be able to help.
See AlsoAfter Menses, How Many Days Are Safe? | Timing MattersPrayer rooms
Every university in the UK offers access to prayer rooms (sometimes called faith rooms, multi-faith rooms or contemplation rooms). Many universities also provide spaces for students of a particular faith.These spaces are designed for worship, reflection or quiet reflection, and are open to all students. These rooms may have separate entrances for men and women, separate rooms or screens to divide rooms, and toilet facilities.
Some universities also have outdoor spaces in which students can practice their shared or personal beliefs.We recommend checking what prayer facilities are offered before you arrive. If you’re using shared or multi-faith prayer rooms, you should be sensitive to the rights and beliefs of other users of the space.
University faith support staff, often called the university chaplaincy, can help you use the space and offer advice.
Single sex accommodation
Many international students studying in the UK will live in university accommodation. When you reserve your accommodation space, you’ll be able to choose between mixed or single sex living options.
University accommodation (sometimes called dormitories or ‘dorms’) is usually structured as a house or apartment made up of several private rooms, connected by shared kitchen, dining, and living areas. You may have private (‘en-suite’) or shared bathroom facilities depending on the option you select.
If you want to live in single-sex accommodation, make sure to select this when reserving your living space. Universities cannot guarantee the sex of your flatmates or housemates in mixed accommodation.
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Embassies and consulates
It's a good idea to find out where in the UK your country's embassy or consulate is, how to get there if you need to, or the best way to contact them.
They exist to help their citizens while they're abroad, whether that's travelling or studying. You can contact them for any sort of assistance while you're away from your home country, including:
- Passport-related queries, such as getting an emergency passport (if you lose yours, or have it stolen) or by replacing and renewing passports
- Voting in an election in your home country
- Filing taxes in your home country
- Visa and immigration help (they cannot issue you with a visa, but can help direct you to the right government department).
Accommodation security
University accommodation in the UK is a great choice for international students. Not only is it usually in a convenient location but benefits from a range of additional security measures to keep you safe.
Your accommodation will usually have:
- Security personnel who patrol accommodation sites and respond to any issues
- CCTV cameras located throughout public areas (not inside the accommodation itself, but in corridors and entrances)
- Secure access systems which only allow residents to access certain areas
- Routine inspections by security staff to identify any risks or issues
If you ever feel unsafe or have a problem while in university accommodation, you can contact accommodation security or facilities teams who can assist. Many universities support apps which allow you to raise requests or get advice quickly and easily.
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University life in the UK
Your life as a university student in the UK will be a unique experience. You might encounter new ways of living, studying, and socialising that are different from the way students do it in your home country.
This guide will help you succeed as a student, whether it’s understanding the different types of university in the UK, adopting good academic habits, or making friends.
University life in the UK
Basic safety tips
Moving around your local area
UK cities come with a low risk of antisocial behaviour or crime. While this risk is low, you can maximise your safety by:
- Planning your journey before you set off
- Using main roads and avoiding quiet or dark areas at night
- Travelling with someone else
- Not displaying your valuables
- Storing your valuables securely when travelling or in crowded areas
- Being careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs
- Sharing your location, or checking with friends they got home safely
University support services
It’s a good idea to make a note of the contact details for your university’s international student support office before you arrive.If you have any problems and need advice or help, they’ll always be available to assist.
Friends and family
Sharing your contact details with friends or family, especially those who are with you in the UK, is a great way to stay safe. Check in regularly with people, particularly during your arrival at university or if you’re going somewhere new.
Don’t forget!
- Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road
- You should cross at a designated crossing point, especially on busier roads
- Check for bicycles, which often travel on the edge of the roads and may be moving quickly
Getting help
Even if you never need to use them, it’s a good idea to remember and store useful contact in your phone for quick access.
Emergency services
- Police (emergency) – dial 999 and ask for police
- Police (non-emergency) – dial 101
- Medical (emergency) – dial 999 and ask for ambulance
- Medical (non-emergency) – dial 111
- Fire – dial 999 and ask for fire service
When you call, make sure you give your location and a description of what is going on, as well as what you need.
If you require emergency healthcare, you can call or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency), or a minor injuries unit. In both you'll be seen by a doctor or nurse in order of severity, so if you have a minor injury, such as a cut or burn, a minor injuries unit would be a better option. It means you'll be seen quicker, and will leave the emergency department free for more severe incidents.
Several cities also have walk-in centres available if you need same-day medical attention, especailly during weekends and late nights. There don't require an appointment, but may be subject to long waits at busy times.
Your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)you pay when you get your visa means you can access NHS services for free, so you won't need to pay to use these services.
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Choosing your UK university
If you’re still deciding which universities to apply to, you might be wondering which cities or areas in the UK are safest for university students.
Wherever you choose to study, you’ll be safe. The UK is a diverse country where people from all backgrounds and nationalities live together, while every university in the UK invests heavily in campus security and support services for international students.
Find out how to apply now