Being Secure When You Study in London

If you are researching the concept of studying in London, one of your main priorities will be to acquire information on safety at your chosen location. The following article should reduce any concerns you may have.

Alcohol and Smoking Forbidden on Transport in London

A drinking and smoking ban on the London Underground, Overground and Buses results in fewer incidents of crime, making it one of the safest city travel networks in the world. Most London Underground stations will be staffed from opening time in the early hours of the morning until closing time at midnight. However it is wise to be cautious when travelling late at night to destinations far from the centre of the city as they are likely to be less busy and have fewer staff present.

Be Street Wise on Nights Out

Some of the benefits of studying in London include the abundance of options to meet with friends and go for nights out. It is advisable to be cautious and always keep your personal possessions with you when going to meet other people if you are waiting alone in a pub or bar at night. Women especially are always advised to keep alert if alone at night in clubs or bars as there have been occurrences in the past where women have had their drink spiked and subsequently been assaulted. This also applies to returning home in the dark or early hours of the morning.

As you are studying in London, it is likely that when you have free time you will want to capitalize on having fun when you go out, however it is not a good idea to drink alcohol beyond your limits, especially if you are with strangers as you increase the likelihood of getting yourself in a risky situation.

If you do not manage to catch the last tube home, you can take the night bus which runs until the tubes start again, and is an interesting experience! It is recommended that you sit at the front of the bus nearer to the driver to avoid any confrontations with drunken passengers. In the event that you have to walk back to your house solo in the dark, choose a main route along busier, well-lit streets, stay alert, don't use headphones, and try not to advertise your mobile phone by openly texting as you walk.

Women should Only Use Licensed Taxis

Most young women studying in London who enjoy partying in the city's nightlife, and wish to return home safely alone, will travel by licensed taxi, preferably by black cab. Never use unlicensed taxi firms when returning home who may offer you a fare in the street, and only flag Black Cabs in the street or call a licensed mini cab if black cabs are scarce. Alternatively it is possible to text CAB to 60835 which is a free public service providing two telephone numbers for local licensed minicab companies and a black cab by text to your mobile.

In an Emergency

The emergency services can be contacted on 999 for the police and 112 for an ambulance. On public transport speak to staff, and use the passenger alarm or green emergency button at station Help point. Non-emergency incidents, or anti-social behaviour encountered in London should be reported to the local Neighbourhood Policing team or the Transport Police by calling 0300 121212 or 0800 40 50 40.

Similar to studying in any metropolis, studying in London, despite being one of the safest capital cities in the world,will always carry a certain level of risk with it, however this can be reduced to a minimum by taking note of the points mentioned and always placing your safety first.

If you are wishing to study in London it could be useful to look at our website to help you make your choice. LSBM is located in the mainstream academic centre of London and well situatied if you plan to study in London.