5 ways to be a savvy streetwise student

Moving overseas is a fun and exciting adventure, but finding your feet can take a while.

When exploring your new home, make sure you are safe and aware of your surroundings.

The team at INTO City, University London share their top tips to be a savvy streetwise student. 

Travelling on public transport

Travelling on public transport is a cheap way to get around.

In most cities, students get a discount too. For example in London students get an extra 30% off travel.

When travelling during rush hour, public transport can become especially busy so stay vigilant. Rush hours are normally between 7:30-9:30am and 5-7pm, when people are travelling to and from work.

Always make sure your bags are zipped up and not left open, you never know if there are pickpockets around.

Always keep your tickets/ travel cards in a safe place.

We all love listening to music, but if you have headphones in, still stay aware of your surroundings.

Streetwise student: out and about

Always have your bag zipped up.

If you are travelling with just a wallet or purse, don’t leave it on the side if you stop for lunch or to pay for something. Make sure you keep it with you at all times.

Staying safe in bars and restaurants

Bars and restaurants can get very busy with a lot of different people eating or drinking. Make sure you don’t accept drinks from any strangers.

Always keep your belongings on you.

If you are popping to the bathroom, don’t leave your bag at the bar – take it with you just to make sure your safe at all times.

Using a cashpoint/ ATM

When using a cashpoint/ATM, make sure you are using a secure cashpoint attached to a shop or well-known bank.

When you are entering your pin, make sure that you cover the pin pad with one hand so that anyone passing by won’t be able to notice your pin code.

If you are taking out cash make sure you put it straight into your wallet before leaving the ATM and walking along the road.

Emergency Services

In the UK there are two emergency numbers, 999 and 101. In the US the equivalents are 911 and 311.

You should call 999 / 911 when:

• it’s an emergency.
• a crime is in progress.
• someone suspected of a crime is nearby.
• when there is danger to life.
• when violence is being used or threatened.

You should call 101 / 311 when:

• something has been stolen.
• your property has been damaged.
• you suspect drug use or dealing.
• reporting a minor traffic collision.
• you want to give the police information about crime in your area.

If you suspect something has been stolen or if you have lost something, call 101 from the UK and 311 from the US.

If you have insurance, registering an item as being stolen with the police will help you claim back through your insurance. Calling 101 / 311 creates a crime reference number which you will be able to share with your insurance company.

If bank cards go missing, be sure to call your bank and report the card as lost or stolen immediately. They will deactivate the card so it can no longer be used.

Be adventurous, explore and soak up the atmosphere of your new home but always remember these top tips to keep you safe. 

Do you have any tips on how to be a streetwise student? Share them in the comments section below. 

You may also like: Survival guide to your first week at university or the 11 most beautiful places in the world to study. 

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