Safety firstA personal safety guide for international students

www.educationuk.org

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Contents

Introduction 3

About the police 4

Arriving in the UK 6

Taking out insurance 8

Looking after your belongings 9

Finding private accommodation 10

Safety at home 12

Safety on the streets 14

Using public transport 16

Using taxis 17

Driving in the UK 18

Laws in the UK 20

Racial discrimination and harassment 21

Useful helplines and websites 22

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Introduction

Whether you are coming to the United Kingdom (UK) for a short training course or to attend a longer study programme, we want your stay here to be a valuable and enjoyableeducational and cultural experience.

For many of you this will be your first timeliving away from home in an unfamiliar country.

This guide is designed to help you preparefor your stay here and give you practicaladvice about living and studying in the UK. It highlights some of the safety and securityissues you need to be aware of and listsorganisations to contact if you do need help.

By international standards, the UK is a safecountry, with low levels of violence andstreet crime. A recent survey by the BritishCouncil showed that the vast majority ofthose students who responded have notbeen the victims of crime while in the UK.

Much of the advice is common sense, but itcan make a real difference. You can makeyourself safer and protect your family,accommodation and belongings by followingsome of these simple suggestions.

The British Council, the Home Office and thepolice are working together to make all

students less vulnerable to crime while theyare studying at school, college or university.

Staff at your institution are there to help youtake care of yourself and settle happily intoyour local community. They, or local communitypolice officers, usually give talks aboutpersonal safety and give practical advice tohelp you get around as safely as possible.

Taking the personal safety advice in this guide(and insuring your belongings when youarrive) should be one of your first priorities.

Do remember that the vast majority ofinternational students enjoy a positive andrewarding experience during their stay in theUK; the suggestions that follow are intendedto advise, not to alarm.

We hope that you find this guide helpful.

Helen ClewsBritish Council

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About the police

The police in the UK are friendly and helpful, have a duty to protect everyone and can always be safelyapproached. They are committed to promoting crime prevention and work closely with educational institutions,their staff and students to promote and reinforce student safety messages.

Registering your stay

Some international students arerequired to register their stay with thepolice within seven days of their arrival.The stamp in your passport will tell youwhether or not you should register.Many universities and institutionsorganise registration sessions oncampus. If yours doesn’t and you needto register, you should take yourpassport, two photographs and £34registration fee to a local police stationor, if you are studying in London, theOverseas Visitors’ Records Office(telephone 020 7230 1208).

During your stay if you do haveanything stolen, are assaulted, followedor threatened, you can contact thepolice who will always encourage you toreport the incident. Do not worry aboutlanguage difficulties as the police willfind someone, free of charge, who

speaks your language. You can tell yourtutor, welfare officer, your host family,security on campus, or someone youcan trust that they can contact thepolice for you or you can even do itanonymously.

Your local police station can alsoprovide helpful advice about crimeprevention and a home securityassessment, if required. They can alsoprovide a certificate if you need tomake an insurance claim for a theft.

In an emergency

In an emergency where there is adanger to life or a crime is in progressyou can contact the police, fire brigadeor ambulance by dialling 999 from anytelephone. This call is free of chargebut should be used only in anemergency.

How to report a crime

To report a non-emergency minorcrime, call your local police station –you can find their number in thetelephone directory. Alternatively youcan ask someone you know and trustto make the call for you.

The charity Crimestoppers runs the0800 555 111 number, which allowspeople to telephone anonymously withinformation about criminals or crimes.The information is then passed on tothe police. Just tell them what youknow, not who you are.

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Arriving in the UK

In the excitement of arriving in a new country, it can be easy to become distracted and misplacethings, especially as you get on and off planes, trains and coaches. Here is some practical advice tohelp you when you first arrive in the UK.

� Take special care of your passport,travel documents and tickets andkeep them with you in a safe place.Before you travel, take a photocopyof all the pages of your passport thatshow your details (name,photograph, passport number andits date and place of issue) and allthe pages that have any entryclearances or immigration stamps onthem and pack this separately fromyour passport. If you do lose yourpassport contact the police and yourEmbassy immediately and give themyour passport details.

� We strongly advise against carryinglarge amounts of cash with you. Justbring enough to cover your immediateneeds (about £250). Bring a creditcard, if you have one, to pay forthings like rail tickets and hotel bills.If possible, your cash should include

some coins so that you can usepublic telephones and ticket machines,and some small denomination banknotes (£5 and £10).

� Carry cash, credit cards andtravellers’ cheques in a safe place,such as an inside pocket, a moneybelt or a zipped bag. Make a note ofthe serial numbers of your travellers’cheques and pack this separatelyfrom the cheques themselves. Keepyour travellers’ cheques separatefrom your passport. If you lose yourtravellers’ cheques or credit card,report the loss to the police and theissuing organisation immediately.

� Keep the telephone number of yourcollege or university handy, in caseyou need to call for advice or tellthem about a change in your plans.

� Label your luggage clearly so that itcan be forwarded to you if it getsseparated from you during thejourney. If you do lose your luggage,report the loss immediately toofficials of the airline or shippingline. At airports or seaports, checkthe ‘lost property office’ to seewhether it has been handed in there.

� If you need to leave your luggagesomewhere while you change moneyor make telephone calls, find anofficial ‘left luggage office’ (availableat airports and at major rail andcoach stations). For a small fee, youwill be able to leave your luggage ina supervised area. The attendant willgive you a receipt so that you cancollect your items later.

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� Always use a licensed taxi. You cancheck whether the taxi is licensed bylooking at the back of it to ensure anofficial licence plate is attachedbefore you get in. You should neveragree to travel in an unlicensed taxiwith an unlicensed driver.

� From Heathrow Airport, you cansafely travel in one of the famous‘black cabs’. At other airports theinformation desk will give you the names of reputable companieswho are permitted to work there.Never agree to travel with someonewho approaches you inside theterminal building unless you havemade a specific arrangement to bemet by a ‘minicab’ company.

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Taking out insurance

It is essential that you take outinsurance when you arrive in the UK to insure your belongingsagainst theft and accidentaldamage. You can find insuranceinformation on most college and university campuses or youcan consult your students’ union or bank.

For general advice on insurance and a full list ofinsurance brokers contact The British InsuranceBrokers’ Association at www.biba.org.uk.

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Looking after your belongings

� When moving into new accommodation,don’t leave luggage or belongings outsideor in the open trunk/boot of a car or taxi.

� Use an ultraviolet pen to mark yourvaluables with your name and student IDnumber (see your students’ union officefor details). This will enable the police toreturn them if they are stolen andrecovered.

� Ask your college if they provide safestorage or consider purchasing a smallpersonal safe to keep your passport,travellers’ cheques, wallet/purse and othervaluables locked away.

� Make sure your television, video and othervaluables can’t be seen through a windowand never leave cash or credit cards lyingaround.

� If you go away on holiday, try to leaveyour valuables in storage (manyeducational institutions have a securestorage room) or with a trusted friend.

� If you have a bicycle, always lock it up by its frame and wheel to a fixed objectwhen you’re not using it. Mark it with yourpostcode so the police can return it if it is stolen and recovered.

� Try not to use a computer case whencarrying a laptop; use a less obvious bagto carry it in and think before using it –and displaying other expensive items such as watches and jewellery – in busypublic places.

� Register your mobile phone free of chargewith Immobilise Phone Crime(www.immobilise.com). If it is stolen, call08701 123 123. You will need to haveyour IMEI number (15 digit serial number)when reporting a stolen mobile phone –this can be found by dialling *#06# onmost mobiles or by looking behind thephone battery. You should keep a note of your IMEI number in a safe place incase it is required. Never leave yourmobile phone unattended.

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Finding private accommodation

It is important for you to have suitable, safe accommodation while you are studying in the UK. Startmaking arrangements as soon as you have been accepted on your course – this is especially important if you are planning to bring your family with you.

Make sure you arrange some form ofaccommodation before you arrive inthe UK, even if it is only temporary.Contact the student officer at yourEmbassy or High Commission beforeyou leave your home country – theymay be able to give you information.

You can get information aboutaccommodation owned by privatelandlords from the accommodationoffice at your institution. Contact themas soon as you are accepted on yourcourse to find out what is available.

Here are some tips to help you findsafe, private accommodation:

� Ask the accommodation office atyour institution, the welfare office orthe students’ union for advice andhelp. They may have lists of localaccommodation to rent and mayalso have inspected it to check it issuitable. They may be able to help ifyou have any problems.

� Check whether the accommodationyou are going to see is in a safe areabefore you go. To find out aboutcrime statistics in the area you areplanning to live, look at:www.crimestatistics.org.uk.

� If possible, take someone with youwhen viewing accommodation. If youare alone, leave the address you aregoing to and your expected time ofreturn with a friend or colleague.

� Find out exactly who might haveaccess to the accommodation apartfrom yourself.

� Be businesslike in your dealings withprospective landlords or landladies.

� If you feel uncomfortable with anyonewho is showing you accommodation,mention that friends know where youare and are expecting your return ata certain time.

You can get more useful advice aboutfinding student accommodation in theUK at: www.ukcosa.org.uk.

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Safety at home

� Lock all outside doors and deadlockwindows when you are at home andconsider using or purchasing asafety chain or spy hole for yourfront door.

� If you are female and live in a flatwith a door-entry system do not put‘Miss’, ‘Mrs’, or ‘Ms’ in front of yourname; just use your family name. Ifin doubt about a visitor, do not lethim or her in.

� If you live in a flat or a house withan outside light and/or a burglaralarm, make sure you use them. Ifthe alarm can be set to cover zonedareas, set the alarm downstairswhen you go to bed.

� Every home should have at leastone smoke alarm, preferably two,which should be tested regularly.These can be bought very cheaplyfrom hardware shops and other high street retailers.

� If you have a telephone-answeringmachine, don’t record a messagesaying: ‘I am not available’, as thisreveals to the caller that you are asingle occupant. It is better to say: ‘No one is available to take your call.’

� If you ever receive obscene orthreatening telephone calls or notestell a member of staff at yourinstitution or the police.

� If you live in a shared house, don’tassume there is someone else inwho will make it secure when yougo out. Make sure you leave thehouse secure at all times.

� If you are going away, tell someoneyou trust where you are going andwhen you will be back.

� Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed. Keep houseand car keys separate and out ofsight in the house.

� Leave keys in a safe place whereyou can find them easily in case youneed to leave in a hurry, but don’tkeep them near doors or windows.

� If you are leaving the house empty,ask a friend to open and close yourcurtains/blinds in the mornings andevenings. Use a time-switch for yourlights and radios to make it appearas if there is someone in; these canbe bought from hardware shops andother high street retailers.

� If you do see signs of a break-in –smashed windows or open doors –don’t go in. Go to a friend orneighbour’s house and call thepolice. Do not touch anything whenyou do go back in as you coulddestroy valuable evidence.

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Electric and gas fires,

heaters and cookers

� If you have cookers, fires and/orheaters in your accommodation,make sure that they are checkedevery year by a professional person.If you think any gas fires, heaters orcookers are unsafe, get a carbonmonoxide detector, which you canbuy in hardware shops and somepetrol stations.

� If you live in rented accommodation,ask your landlord or landlady to havecookers, fires and heaters checked.They are required by law to show youthe most recent safety certificate.

� Whenever you go out, turn off gasand electrical appliances, such asthe cooker, television and iron (butnot refrigerator).

How to avoid being trapped

by fire when inside buildings

� Know the location of and, whereappropriate, how to use fire exits,fire-assembly points, fire-fightingequipment and first-aid facilities.

� Know the procedures for emergencyevacuation and follow them asnecessary.

How to report a gas leak

If you smell gas anywhere, either in thehouse or in the street, call thefreephone gas service emergencynumber on 0800 111 999. If it is in yourown house and it is safe to do so, turnoff the gas supply and open thewindows and doors.

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Safety on the streets

Generally speaking, it is safe to walk on the streets in the UK, although you should avoidwalking alone at night and use your common sense wherever you are.

� When you first move into youraccommodation, find suitable andsafe routes to petrol stations, shopsand telephone stands. Try to findroutes that are well lit and busy.

� Walk on the pavement, facingoncoming traffic. When crossing theroad, remember that vehicles driveon the left in the UK so they will becoming towards you from the right.

� If you are returning home late atnight, walk in a group or use publictransport. Avoid putting yourself atrisk by taking shortcuts, for example,through dark alleyways or parks.

� Don’t carry large amounts of cashwith you when you are out.

� Always carry enough change and/ora telephone or telephone card tomake a telephone call, or to get ataxi, should you need one.

� Be alert and brief when using amobile phone and try to conceal it.

� When using a public telephonestand, face outwards, so that youcan see what’s going on around you.

� If you feel you are being followed,cross the street (more than once ifnecessary), and if you are stillunhappy move as quickly as possibleto a public area, such as a restaurantor bar, and telephone for help. It isnot necessarily the best idea to usethe first telephone that you see if it isin an isolated spot.

� Don’t accept drinks from strangersor leave your drink unattended inpublic places as ‘spiking’ drinks withdrugs or alcohol is on the increase.

� Carry a personal attack alarm in your hand when walking at night in caseyou need it quickly.

� Avoid confrontation – it’s better andsafer to walk away if you are beingprovoked or hassled.

� Be aware of others around you atcash point machines and try not touse them at night or in poorly litareas. If you must use a machine, gowith a friend and leave as soon asyou have your money.

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� Always memorise your PIN (personalidentification number) to accessyour money from a cash machine.Never write down your PIN or give itto anyone else.

� Have your keys ready well beforeyou reach the door of your car orhouse.

� Carry your bag close to you with theclasp facing inwards or strap it overyour shoulder. If someone grabsyour bag, let it go. Your safety ismore important.

� If you live in halls of residence, makesure no strangers follow you whenyou walk through the main entrance.

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Using public transport

Public transport in the UK is reliable, relatively inexpensive and convenient to use.

Here are some tips on using it safely:

� If travelling by bus, try not to waitalone at bus stops. When on the bus,sit downstairs (if on a double-decker)where the driver and other passengerscan see you. Arrange for others tomeet you at the bus stop if you arereturning late and have a long wayto walk home.

� If you can, take a taxi rather thanwalk the streets with a road map andyour luggage.

� If you travel by train or Underground(tube), don’t sit in an empty carriage.Try to sit near groups of people in awell-lit area.

� If you travel by train, store yourluggage as close to your seat aspossible, or where you can easily seeit. If you use a luggage rack, checkyour belongings regularly, especiallywhen a train stops at a station.

� If travelling a long way by train, makesure someone knows which train youare travelling on and when you aredue to arrive.

� Check the time of the last train, bus,tube or tram home to avoid beingstranded at night.

� If you are lost, or in need ofassistance when travelling by train,find a member of staff or telephonethe British Transport Police onfreephone 0800 40 50 40.

� Do not open the doors until yourtransport home has completelystopped.

� Try to avoid walking alone aftergetting off a train, bus, tube or tram.If you can, walk close to a group ofpeople or arrange for someone tomeet you.

� Never walk across or touch railwaylines – it is very dangerous and youcould be badly injured or even killed.

� To remain safe and alert don’t listento personal stereos or have longconversations on mobile phoneswhile you are walking.

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Using taxis

There will probably be times when you need to take a taxi duringyour stay in the UK, for instance, when you first arrive here or after anight out. If you don’t feel safe walking home, use a taxi.

However, you do need to be aware ofsome basic safety guidelines aboutusing them. Here are some helpful tips:

� If you need to use a taxi, ask youreducational institution torecommend a taxi company andkeep the telephone number handy –never use an unlicensed company.

� Check the back of the taxi to ensurethere is an official licence plateattached before you get in.

� Be aware that some minicabs thatstop in the street may be cheaper butare not licensed, and are thereforenot as safe as taxis or minicabs thatyou arrange by telephone.

� Agree the fare with the driver beforeyou get into the taxi in order to avoidmisunderstandings when you get toyour destination.

� Sit in the back of a taxi and directlybehind the driver, whenever possible.

� It is quite acceptable to chat with thedriver, but do not give away anypersonal information.

� Have your cash ready and leave thecab before you pay the driver. Someeducational institutions have linkedup with a taxi firm so, even if youdon’t have cash, you can pay thedriver later if you give your studentcard details to the driver. Ask yourstudents’ union for details.

� If you want, you can ask your taxidriver to wait until you have enteredyour house safely before he or shedrives away.

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Driving in the UK

As an international student you must make sure you fulfil the legalrequirements and be aware of the correct procedures before you drive inEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You must have a licence that allowsyou to drive in Great Britain (England,Scotland and Wales). There aredifferent arrangements in NorthernIreland. GB licences are issued by theDriver and Vehicle Licensing Agency(DVLA). If you have a driving licencethat was issued in your home country,you must find out if you can use it todrive in Great Britain and how long it isvalid for.

A guidance note (Driving in England,Scotland and Wales: a guide forinternational students), can be found atwww.ukcosa.org.uk/images/driving.pdf.

To drive a car or ride a motorcycle in the UK you must be 17 years old. The Highway Code is a governmentpublication that provides a summary of UK traffic law and has pictures of allthe road signs in use in the UK (manyof which are also used throughout the

European Union). You can buy thisbook at most good bookshops or readit online at www.highwaycode.gov.uk.

There are several ways that driving inthe UK differs from driving in othercountries. The British drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake onthe right. Seat belts must be worn atall times. It is illegal to use a hand-heldmobile phone or send or read textmessages while driving. You must notdrive while under the influence ofalcohol or drugs and you mustobserve all speed limits. Remember,pedestrians have the right of waywhen on pedestrian crossings.

Here are a few more tips to help youdrive safely in the UK.

� If you are going on a long journey,plan your route using main roads, andtelephone ahead to let someoneknow roughly when to expect you.

� Before you set off, check your tyresand fuel, and oil levels. Tyre weld isuseful in case of a flat tyre in aremote area as it will mend apunctured tyre for long enough foryou to reach a garage.

� Always carry a good torch andcheck the batteries regularly.

� Handbags or briefcases are safer ifplaced on the floor or behind seatsrather than on the passenger seat.Don’t leave valuables in the car; ifyou have to, lock them in the boot/trunk so they are out of sight.

� If you’re travelling in a car alonelock all the doors and keep thewindows closed while you aredriving.

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Laws in the UK

The laws in the UK may be different from those in your homecountry. This especially applies to the use of tobacco, alcoholand 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 weaponincluding knives, self-defence CS gassprays, guns or stun guns.

� You must be 16 and over to buy tobacco.

� You must be 18 and over to buy alcohol.

� Never buy property that you thinkmight be stolen, no matter howtempting the bargain.

� It is an offence to falsely report thetheft of property.

You can find an essential guide to thelaw in the UK atwww.bbc.co.uk/crime/law.

If you need legal assistance, there are a number of organisations that can help you:

� Community Legal Service Directoffers access to free legalinformation and advice. Find outmore at www.clsdirect.org.uk ortelephone 0845 345 4345.

� You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureaux atwww.citizensadvice.org.uk. They provide free, confidential andindependent advice in bureaux,colleges, and other institutionsacross the UK. Advice is availableface-to-face and by telephone onissues such as housing, legaldifficulties and discrimination.

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Racial discrimination and harassment

The population of the UK is increasingly diverse and a great manyreligions and ethnic groups are represented. Britain is a tolerantsociety that believes in respecting the rights of minority groups.

This belief is supported by law: theRace Relations Act is one of the mostcomprehensive laws against racialdiscrimination in the world and workstowards the elimination of racialdiscrimination and the promotion ofequal opportunity between people ofdifferent racial groups.

If you are subjected to any form ofracial discrimination or harassment,report it to your institution. They willhave a formal procedure to assist

individuals who feel they have beendiscriminated against. You can alsoreport it to the local branch of theCommission for Racial Equality (CRE).The CRE will provide information andadvice to anyone who thinks they havesuffered racial discrimination orharassment.

You can contact the Commission forRacial Equality on 020 7939 0000 orfind out more from their website atwww.cre.gov.uk.

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Useful helplines and websites

The following helplines and websites offer sensitive and impartial information and support by telephone and onthe internet. Information and advice in most cases is free and confidential. Remember, these organisations arethere to help you, so do not hesitate to contact them if you need assistance.

BBCLots of useful safety advice and tips regardingcrime prevention and self-defence. www.bbc.co.uk/crime/prevention

British Insurance Brokers AssociationInformation about insurance and insuranceproviders in the UK.www.biba.org.uk

British Transport PoliceProvides a policing service on the railways,London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway,the Midland Metro tram system and the Croydon Tramlink.www.btp.police.uk

Childalert.co.uk Comprehensive advice and personal safetyguidance for children.www.childalert.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)The CAB service helps people resolve their money,legal and other problems by providing informationand advice.www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Advice guide (CAB)www.adviceguide.org.uk

Commission for Racial Equality Offers support and advice in cases of racial discrimination or harassment.www.cre.gov.ukTelephone 020 7939 0000

Community Legal Service Direct Access to free legal information and advice.www.clsdirect.org.ukTelephone 0845 345 4345

Crimereduction.gov.ukUseful information and resources about crime prevention.www.crimereduction.gov.uk

CrimestoppersThe charity Crimestoppers runs the 0800 555 111 number, which allows people to telephoneanonymously with information about criminals or crimes. The information is then passed on to the police. Just tell them what you know, notwho you are.www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Department for TransportAdvice on traffic law in the UK.www.highwaycode.gov.uk

DrinklineAdvice on sensible drinking and alcohol misuse.Telephone 0800 917 8282

Home OfficePractical advice on protecting yourself againststudent crime.www.good2bsecure.gov.uk

Immobilise Phone CrimeTo register your mobile phone and for advice on what to do if it is stolen. www.immobilise.comTelephone 08701 123 123

Information about crime statistics in differentregions of the UKwww.crimestatistics.org.uk

National Domestic Violence HelplineFree telephone support for women experiencing domestic violence.Telephone 0908 2000 247

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National Drugs HelplineA 24-hour, seven days a week free confidentialservice offering advice and information toindividuals concerned about drugs.www.ndh.org.ukTelephone 0800 77 66 00

National Lesbian and Gay SwitchboardInformation, support and referral service for lesbians and gay men. Telephone 020 7837 7324

National Union of Students The website for the National Union of Students (NUS).www.nusonline.co.uk

NHS DirectNHS Direct offers confidential health advice andinformation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukTelephone 0845 4647

Rape Crisis Federation for Wales and EnglandHelp for women who have suffered rape, sexualabuse, attack or harassment.www.rapecrisis.co.uk

Samaritans (24 hours)The Samaritans provide confidential support toindividuals in emotional distress.www.samaritans.org.ukTelephone 0845 790 9090

StonewallA political lobbying group working towards thecivil, political, economic social and cultural rightsof lesbian, gay and bisexual people.www.stonewall.org.ukTelephone 020 7881 9440

Student AccommodationA directory of student accommodation andassociated links.www.studentaccommodation.org

Suzy Lamplugh TrustA national charity offering advice on how to be safe.www.suzylamplugh.orgTelephone 020 8876 0305

Terrence Higgins TrustThe Terrence Higgins Trust delivers healthpromotion campaigns, national and local services to people with or affected by AIDS.www.tht.org.ukTelephone 0845 1221 200

UKCOSA – The Council for International EducationOffers advice and comprehensive guidance notes on aspects of studying in the UK forinternational students.www.ukcosa.org.uk

ukstudentlife.comInformation about keeping yourself and yourbelongings safe.www.ukstudentlife.com/Personal/Safety.htm

Victim SupportAn independent charity that helps people copewith the effects of crime. They provide free andconfidential support and information to helpindividuals deal with their experiences.www.victimsupport.org.ukSupportline: 0845 30 30 900

Women’s AidOffers support and a place of safety to abused women and children. www.womensaid.org.ukTelephone 0808 2000 247

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NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTSINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ CAMPAIGN

© British Council 2006 Design Department/U096The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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