Tips to Stay Safe
During Your
Stay in the UK
Tips to Stay Safe During Your Stay in the UK
The United Kingdom is the first choice for international students
when it comes to pursue their higher education as the education
system of the UK is globally recognized. Studying at UK
universities can be exciting but students need to know how to
stay safe during their stay in the UK. One aspect of studying
abroad that our students and parents inquire about is the safety
of the university and town to which they will be relocating. Of
course, in every country, certain areas are safer than others, but
the UK is usually regarded as a safe location to live and study. It is
always possible to request that colleges install any safety
precautions surrounding campus, such as emergency call boxes,
all-night university transportation, and so forth.
Universities and institutions in the United
Kingdom place a high priority on the
safety of their students on campus. As an
international student, you will have
access to a variety of emergency
contacts. Don't worry, most universities
have 24-hour security. Once a student has
transferred to a new institution in a
different town in a foreign country, the
ideas below may be useful in making
them feel safe and comfortable in their
new surroundings.
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1. Get to Know the
University Security Service
Almost every campus in the United Kingdom has a
separate organization in place to safeguard the safety of
their overseas students. So, as a first step, see if your
school has one and save the security officer's phone
number in your phone.
Several universities and schools additionally provide
services such as shuttles and security escorts to transport
you to your accommodation or train stations after hours.
Some go so far as to create their own mobile apps with a
direct channel for students to contact security. On the
premises, there is also CCTV surveillance and security
that operates around the clock. If you ever feel insecure
on or around your campus or in your accommodations,
don't hesitate to contact the college authorities.
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2. Stay Alert Outside of Campus
1.
You must always be aware of your surroundings and
watchful. If you feel uneasy at any time, leave the
area or notify someone you trust. Also, avoid
travelling alone, especially at night. Pre-book a taxi
or arrange for a friend to drop you off. You should
walk in a group on well-lit streets. Carry enough
cash for an emergency. However, accepting rides
from strangers is not a good idea.
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3. Navigate Safe through the City
Take the time to thoroughly research the routes in your
city. Also, try to get to know the area and use the most
recent maps for directions. Regional trains, buses, and
tubes can be used to travel short distances. When taking
a taxi, ensure it has a meter; if it doesn't, agree on the far
ahead of time to avoid any confusion later on. Moreover,
the laws in the United Kingdom differ from those in India.
So, memorize them ahead of time to avoid inadvertently
breaking them.
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4. Keep Your Documentation
and Money Safe
As an international student, you must always
maintain all of your documents with you. Keep
your passport, identity, visa paperwork, and
immigration forms in a secure location at all
times. If you want to utilize cash, keep it in
multiple locations rather than just one. It is
always preferable to use a credit card rather
than cash. Additionally, when you go exploring,
don't bring your passport with you. If you do
not have a permanent address, contact your
university's foreign support office to arrange for
campus storage.
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5. Hangout with Friends
Carefully
1.
Exploring new locations and enjoying your new
surroundings can be thrilling, but before you go, do
some research and look up any information you can
find on that location to determine if it is safe for
you to venture there. Inform your friends and
family of your plans ahead of time. You can also
share your current location with someone you
know and trust.
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6. Stay Connected Always
Always keep your friends and family up to speed on
your whereabouts. Here's how to stay connected at all
times:
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Get a local phone number and distribute it to
friends, relatives, the university office, and your
roommate.
When you are not in a classroom, keep your
phone charged and ringing.
Keep someone informed if you're travelling to
another town or to the nearby shopping mall.
Share your current location with someone you
trust if you feel unsafe at any moment.
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7. Driving in the UK
Before driving in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern
Ireland as an international visitor, you must meet the legal
criteria and follow the proper processes. If you want to
drive, you can check the British Government Website to
see if your current license is still valid. You can drive in the
UK for the first year of your stay if you have a valid driving
license from your home country or an International
Driving Permit. After one year, however, you must apply
for a provisional UK license and have 'L' plates on your car.
Until you pass your complete UK driving test, you must be
accompanied by a person who holds a full UK driving
license.
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8. Discrimination or
Harassment
1.
The United Kingdom caters to a wide range of
religious and ethnic communities. Britain, by
nature, is a tolerant culture that believes in the
abolition of discrimination and the advancement of
human
equality.
Age,
handicap,
gender
reassignment, marriage or civil partnership,
pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief,
sex, and sexual orientation are the nine protected
categories. You can report any sort of unfair
treatment, discrimination, or harassment related to
any of these categories to your institution. You can
also get in touch with the Equality Advisory Support
Service by dialing +44 (0) 808 800 0082.
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9. Keep Your Information Safe
The last thing you want to do is lose your work,
whether it's your notes from yesterday's lecture,
revision for tomorrow's exam, or your final year thesis
submission. In addition, one of the most important
ways to keep your computer safe is to use security and
antivirus software. You leave your device vulnerable to
malware and adware, which can install unwanted
software on your browser or computer if you don't use
protection and antivirus software.
Furthermore, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is
an excellent way to improve your online security. It
establishes a secure, encrypted internet connection
that conceals your device's identity and location. It
comes in handy if you frequently connect to public
Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops or use your card online.
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10. Stay Safe During Night Out
When you go out, there are a few things you should consider so
that you may enjoy your nights out at university while being
safe, especially if alcohol is involved. If you're going to a friend's
house first for pre-drinks, limit how much you drink. It is
acceptable to use alcohol in moderation. However, being under
the influence of alcohol might make you susceptible and more
likely to become a victim of crime.
Furthermore, while it is exceedingly unusual, there is a chance
of drink spiking when you are out. So, keep an eye on your drink
and never leave it unattended. If you need to change rooms, ask
your friends to keep an eye on your drink.
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“
In the end, although students will be
on a trip of a lifetime, knowing how to
be safe while studying in the UK will
ensure that they continue to enjoy this
incredible experience.
”
THANKS
www.ahzassociates.co.uk
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