As a global capital city, London is generally not a dangerous place to live and study as long as you are streetwise. Safety whilst you study in London is a common topic for inquiry for prospective students and is dealt with in this article.

During the day you are likely to be physically safe in all neighbourhoods of London as long as you do not behave in a foolish manner. It should be mentioned however that there may be a higher likelihood of encountering incidents of crime at night in some districts of London such as Wood Green, Harlesden, and Thamesmead where 'street sense' is more important.

The London Mayor and Greater London Authority (Metropolitan Police, London Development Agency, Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade) consistently place 'Crime and Community Safety' at the top of their agenda, and as a result many local initiatives have been introduced to keep all areas of London safe for everyone. Due to recent developments released by the London Metropolitan Police it is now possible to map any reported crime in any London location using a crime map on the internet (maps.met.police.uk). Before you come to study in London, it may be useful to cross check areas on this map where you are looking for accommodation, to give you a general idea of street safety.

Above all, your safety is most important so it is certainly worth bearing in mind some pre-emptive measures until you become more familiar as a resident studying in London:

Safe Keeping of Personal Possessions

When leaving your house during the day, remember to close and lock all windows and doors and keep important documents or valuables hidden in a safe place.

It is always advisable to keep separate copies of your passport, visa details, entry clearance and immigration stamps.

Don't leave any belongings outside where you live as they are likely to be taken instantly. Some London bike thieves can operate quickly even when a bike is locked to a street railing for a short amount of time, they will find a way to take seats, and wheels.

Plan your Journey

When students first arrive to study in London, the transport system may seem daunting. However there are resources online such as the 'Travel for London' (TFL) website which can greatly help you in getting where you need to go. The TFL journey planner provides information on how to get where you need to go in London using any available transport, and allows you to print-out this route.

Zip Bags Closed

Most reported petty theft or bag snatching incidents in London predominantly occur outside tube stations, close to cash machines and in crowded shopping malls, so be sure to keep bags zipped and a close watch on any personal items you are carrying such as a mobile phone or laptop when using the transport system. When you study in London, use plastic bankcards and try not to travel around the city with any more than £50.00 of cash on you, as there are cash machines located in almost all areas.

As a rule, safety is not a cause for concern when you live and study in London as long as you act with a minimum level of awareness in your environment.

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