Safety in the city

While London is a great place for students, it’s essential to be mindful of your safety when you’re out and about, just like you would in any other city.

London has a lot to offer, it’s historic landmarks, cultural attractions, diverse food and excellent educational opportunities.

London can seem gigantic when you first arrive; however, you’ll find that the city’s central areas are surprisingly walkable. London also has an excellent public transport system with bus and tube routes available at major stations or on the Transport for London (TFL) website.

Top safety tips on campus or out exploring

  • Always be aware of your surroundings - Avoid wearing headphones that might distract you from what’s going on and be brief when using a mobile phone.
  • Be alert to theft – Never leave your belongings unattended. Keep your valuables including phone, purse, wallet close to you and out of sight when not in use. Never use ATMs alone at night. Look out for criminals on bikes and mopeds that can steal your valuables and walk facing oncoming traffic. Be wary of strangers or 'hugger muggers' who get too close to you or seem overly friendly, particularly in crowded areas.
  • Plan your journey home in advance – whether it’s day or night make sure you know where you’re going and how you’re getting home to avoid getting lost or looking lost.
  • Keep your phone charged and carry an extra power source – your phone is very valuable in safety situations, it's also useful to have emergency contacts saved including City’s Campus security number.
  • Know about taxi safety – only London's famous black cabs can be stopped in the street. Mini cabs are regular cars that charge a fixed price and must be booked in advance. See licensed mini cab firms in your area. Mini cabs that pick people up on the street without being pre-ordered are illegal.
  • Take care when getting around at night - Stick to well-lit roads and avoid short-cuts through dark alleys. Make sure you know your routes and options to get home safely.
  • Stay safe on nights out – Stay with a group of people you trust, know your limits, never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from people you do not know.
  • If you feel threatened – cross the street or go somewhere with lots of people if you can, such as a shop, pub, office. If you need help, you can contact Campus Security. You can also look out for local businesses taking part in Ask for Angela or the Safe Haven Scheme. Any student can ask for help from these if they are feeling threatened.

For more Safety tips in London see the Metropolitan Police’s website.

Support in the local area

If you ever feel threatened or find yourself in any safety situation where you need assistance, there are people in the local area who you can turn to for support.

City's Security Team

City’s dedicated security team is on duty 24/7 to ensure students' safety and protect the university’s premises. They play a key role in continually working towards creating a safe environment where students can make the most of their studies.

You can contact the team during office hours: 020 7040 8047 or call on the 24 hour emergency line: 020 7040 3333

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a safety initiative being rolled out in London bars and clubs. Look for signs and posters in the licensed premises to know they are a part of the scheme.

If you ever feel unsafe or in trouble at these venues, you can ask for ‘Angela’ discreetly. The staff will assist you, whether it’s reuniting you with a friend, getting a taxi, or involving security or police if needed. Staff at these venues are trained to help in such situations.

Safe Haven Scheme

Safe Havens are a way for you to seek help from local businesses when you need it.

Islington Council created the scheme and joined forces with local businesses to help you feel safer in the city.

If you’re ever in a situation where you're feeling threatened, facing harassment, are unwell, or just need some help. Keep an eye out for the Safe Haven sign in shop windows. When you see it, you know you can ask for help.

Safe Havens can provide a friendly face and reassurance. Safe Havens can call for help whether you need to contact the police, your family, or friends and they can also help with directions.

How to find safe havens

The Safe Haven map created by Islington Council, shows Safe Havens in a postcode area and safe routes covered by CCTV.

Please note: You can view Safe Havens near you by selecting the location tag at the top. You can also access the map on your phone, however do keep in mind that the map works best on a computer.

Street Safe

Street Safe is an online tool that lets you report places in the city where you've felt unsafe.

The police use this information to identify areas that need more police presence, ensuring that officers are in the right spots at the right times to take necessary action.

You can report on a range of issues, for example: poorly lit streets, safety hazards or someone following you.

By reporting issues, you can play your part in helping make the community safer.

Access the Street Safe Tool.