Whether you are in London or elsewhere in the UK, here are some tips on how to keep yourself as safe as possible.
ÌýOn this page:
- Safety and security on campus
- Emergency contacts
- Support for those affected by harassment, sexual misconduct and violence, or hate crime
- Staying safe off campus
- Reporting a crime
- Criminal offences
Safety and security on campus
If you have any questions or concerns on campus,Ìýcontact 911±¬ÁÏÍø Security. The team is locatedÌýon the ground floorÌýof ¹ó´Ç²õ³Ù±ð°ùÌý°ä´Ç³Ü°ù³ÙÌýon Malet Place,Ìýopposite the Petrie Museum.
You can also reach the Security team byÌýcalling +44 (​​​​​​0)20 7679 2108 (extension 32108Ìýfrom a UCL landline) for a non-emergencyÌýor +44 (0)20 7679 2222 (extension 222) for an emergency. For more information on staying safe at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, visit theÌýUCL Security website.
There are a few security issues to stay aware of while you are on campus or in the area nearÌýUCL.
- Tailgating
Remember to always carry your ID with you at all times and do not give it to anyone else.
Be aware of tailgating.ÌýIf you feel that a person is following you in order to access an area where you believe they should not be, challenge them - as long as you feel comfortable and safe to do so.ÌýAlternatively, you canÌýcontactÌýUCL Security.
- Phone snatchers
AÌýcrime which has recentlyÌýseen an increase in the Bloomsbury area and in London in general isÌýphone snatchingÌýby individualsÌýon mopeds and bikes.
The police have doneÌýa lot of work to tackle offenders on mopeds and as a result reported incidents have dropped. However,Ìýthis does still occur and there have also been a few incidents of offenders on bikes.
To avoid being a victim ofÌýphone theft, always be aware of your surroundings when using your phone. Be vigilant, and look out for bikes and mopeds, especially if they are on the pavement.Ìý
Avoid taking your phone out when you leave big transport hubs, and make sure it is on lock so that no one can access it straight away. Read more aboutÌýon the Metropolitan Police website.
- Laptop and valuables
Never leave your personal items unattended in public places,Ìýincluding in UCL campus buildings such as libraries and refectories.Ìý
For example, if you are studying in the library, and you need to leave your study space, take your laptop with you. If you are with a trusted friend, ask them to keep an eye on your things.ÌýLaptops, mobile phones, wallets, bags or any other valuable itemsÌýmay attract an opportunistic thief.
- Bike security
When parking your bicycle on the street, it is generally best to use cycle parking stands. Avoid using street furniture, as your bikeÌýmay then be removed by local authorities.Ìý
When parking your bike on UCL property, please ensure that you do not attach your bike toÌýrailings, pathways or stairways. Please also ensure that you do not park your bike next to or blocking a fire exit. If you do so, this may result in your bicycle being removed by UCL Security.
If youÌýhave any issues with bicycle thefts on campus, please contact the UCL Security team byÌýcalling +44 (​​​​​​0)20 7679 2108 (extension 32108Ìýfrom a UCL landline) for a non-emergency. Read more about bike security on theÌýUCL Security website.
Support for those affected by harassment, sexual misconduct and violence, or hate crime
UCL has a zero tolerance approach to all bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and hate crime. All members of the UCL community and wider society have a right to feel safe.
If you think you’re being bullied, harassed or the target of sexual misconduct or hate crime, remember that it’s never your fault. UCL provides a wide range of support services and information about how you can protect yourself and support others.
UCL Security
ShouldÌýyou feel unsafe and are on campus, please call Security onÌý020 7679 2108 or extensionÌý32108, or dial 222 in an emergency. The team will liaise with emergency services if you are on campus.
Report + Support
Request to speak with an adviser on UCL Report and Support.ÌýAn adviser can:
- Talk through the University's procedures
- Inform you on how to make a complaint
- Let you know what support is available, in confidence
Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you have a disability and are the victim of a crime, speak to one of our Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers during a same-day appointment, which can be booked through the askUCL student enquiries system.ÌýOur Advisers will have a supportive conversation with you, listen to any issues you may be experiencing or have experienced in the past, and help you access support if needed.Ìý
I Heart Consent
Learn more about what is meant by sexual consent and ending sexual violence at 911±¬ÁÏÍø. Complete the Report + SupportÌý.
Student's Union
You can report a hate crime confidentially through theÌý.
Staying safe off campus
To protect yourself when you are not on the UCL campus, always consider your belongings, your surroundings and your wellbeing. Stay aware of the following issues to keep yourself safe in London and the UK.
- Keep your valuables safe
In London and the UK, thieves frequently operate at tube and train stations, at cash machines, in car parks, around bus stations and in crowded areas, especially during rush hour. To protect your valuables:Ìý
- Do not keep all your valuables in one place
- Do not leaveÌýyour bags unattended anywhere.ÌýAs well as attracting pickpockets, you could also create a security alert
- Keep your bags where you can see them in restaurants, bars or theatres. Do not put your bagÌýon the floor or over the back of your chair
- Wear your bag in front of you, not over your shoulder, in crowded areasÌýsuch as a bus or Underground train
- Do not be distracted by your surroundings. Be aware thatÌýcriminals may try to divert your attention
- Withdrawing cash
It is important toÌýtake extra care when withdrawing cash in London. To protect your cash:
- Do not carry large amounts of cash around with you
- When withdrawing cash from an ATM, cover the keyboard to make sure that others do notÌýsee your PIN. If possible, try to use cash machines during the daytime. Metropolitan Police give further advice onÌý
- Look into obtaining a pre-paid cash card, particularly if you are an international student and need funds for your arrival.ÌýThe card allows you to load money on to it, and you use it similarly to a debit card. For more information, visit the
- Register your pocket electronics (phone,ÌýiPad etc.) for free on the . When police officers stop and search suspected thieves, they can check the serial number on the Immobilise database and track you as the owner. Then, they can reunite youÌýwith your property
- Concerns about terrorism
While the threat of terrorism in the UK is real, terror incidents are few and far between. With a little knowledge, you can increase your safety and help protect yourself against a terrorist attack.
The police haveÌýcreated a video on what to do in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack. The video belowÌýexplains the 'Run, Hide, Tell'Ìýstrategy.
YouTube Widget Placeholder Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Should youÌýsee something out of place, for example an item you feel looks suspicious, please do not be afraid to report it to the police.ÌýIf you do feel anxious about recent events, remember to keep talking to friends and family. If you need further help managing your anxiety,Ìýseek help from your GP, a mental health professional or contact 911±¬ÁÏÍø'sÌýmental health and wellbeing supportÌýservice.
Criminal offences
To ensure that you are obeying the laws ofÌýthe United Kingdom, here are a few key points to remember:
- It is a criminal offence to carry weapons in the UK, even if carried for personal protection (this includes knives)Ìý
- It is a criminal offence to be in possession of any illegal substance. Please refer to the list of Class A, B and C drugs on the
- Unlike in some other European countries, it is illegal to carry CS or pepper spray (Mace) in the UK