The Student Guide to Living Safely in A New City
Living in a bustling city like London or Manchester offers countless opportunities for personal growth, academic pursuits, and exciting adventures. However, it's essential to prioritise your safety and security, especially when you’re moving to an unknown city.
Student Luxe’s comprehensive guide aims to equip you with practical tips and valuable insights to ensure your well-being whilst you navigate your new urban landscape.
Pay Attention!
One of the fundamental pillars of living safely in a big main city is paying attention to your surroundings, both during the day and at night. Not to fearmonger, but it’s easy to forget that sometimes new cities aren’t the same as the ones you’re previously used to, and it’s essential to have a little awareness of what’s happening around you. Main cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham to name but a few are busy with commuters, students and tourists on a daily basis, and sometimes it’s during these times, when you’re carried away by the vibrant atmosphere, that unexpected situations can occur. So what can you do?
Be wary when you have your phone out.
Watch your bag and personal possessions in crowded areas.
Avoid distractions from smartphones or other electronic devices when walking alone - it may compromise your ability to perceive potential dangers.
Know Your Neighbourhood
We always recommend when moving to a new city to ask someone who knows the local area well for the best areas to live, or indeed the neighbourhoods to avoid. It’s really handy to receive advice from those who have personal knowledge of the city. Here are our top tips:
Whether that’s a friend, your professor or your booking agent at Student Luxe, find out more about the local area before you familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood in which you live, work, or study.
Take time to visit its streets, parks, and public spaces during daylight hours, and make a mental note of nearby police stations, hospitals and other essential facilities.
Understand the layout of your neighbourhood and identifying which areas stand out as potentially unsafe will help you navigate confidently and keep to the safer areas of the city, avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
Fun fact: Many of us at Student Luxe have moved cities - and even countries - for our university course and have experience living in various cities across the UK, Europe and beyond. Feel free to get in touch if you’re looking for additional information about your new city.
Utilise Transportation Safely
Students often rely on public transportation to travel to university, local attractions and back to their new home. Ensure your safety whilst using buses, trains or subways by following these guidelines:
Wait for public transport in well-lit areas and populated spaces.
Avoid travelling alone late at night, if possible.
Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.
Familiarise yourself with emergency exits and procedures on public transportation.
Notify the driver, conductor or a member of staff in case of any suspicious activities.
Practise Responsible Socialising
City life is synonymous with vibrant nightlife and social events. Whilst you enjoy the urban social scene, it's also crucial to prioritise personal safety. Here are some suggestions:
Go out with trusted friends or in groups.
Inform someone you trust about your plans and expected return time.
Watch your alcohol consumption, keep your finger over your bottle (or hand over your glass) in crowded areas and never leave your drink unattended.
Be cautious of accepting drinks, invitations or lifts from strangers.
Plan your route home in advance and use reputable transportation services.
Secure Your Apartment
Your home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe and secure so don’t take chances to jeopardise that. Follow these steps to keep your home safe:
Make sure you lock your door and close windows before you leave, especially if you live alone.
Don't share your keys or access codes with strangers.
Familiarise yourself with your apartment’s emergency exits and the building's security protocols.
Report any suspicious activity to the maintenance team.
Stay Cyber Safe
In today's digital age, online safety is paramount. Protect your personal information (like the address of your new apartment or your email address) with these tips:
Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
Be cautious when sharing personal information on social media platforms.
Regularly update your devices' software and enable automatic security patches.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources.
Use secure Wi-Fi networks and be mindful of the information you transmit.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Whilst we hope never to encounter emergencies, being prepared is essential. Take the following steps to ensure you can handle unexpected situations:
Save emergency contact numbers on your phone and keep a printed copy in your apartment.
Learn basic first aid techniques and CPR.
Familiarise yourself with evacuation routes in your neighbourhood, apartment and campus.
Stay informed about local emergency alerts and weather updates.
To conclude, living safely in a city requires a proactive approach and a commitment to personal security. By cultivating awareness, knowing your neighbourhood, utilising transportation safely, practising responsible socialising, securing your residence, staying cyber safe, and being prepared for emergencies, you can confidently navigate urban life whilst minimising risks.
Remember, your safety should always be a top priority. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be better equipped to enjoy all that city life has to offer while ensuring your well-being and peace of mind. Stay vigilant, be proactive and prioritise your security whilst embracing the excitement of your new city!
