International Student Safety Guide

Moving overseas to get a degree is an exhilarating experience. Despite the abundance of attractive places, the United Kingdom is perhaps the most preferred visit for students. Surrounded with excitement for this wonderful new endeavour, happiness at the independence you’ll have, and even the eagerness to meet new people. It’s understandable that you’re scared and concerned about your safety. Although the chances of encountering violence or antagonism are very minimal, you should exercise caution, particularly when you’re in a new situation with unfamiliar individuals. You may effectively reduce the risks and take command of your safety by following a few basic, required steps. Follow this blog for more details on the international student safety guide.

1. Do a preliminary research 

It is beneficial to do some preliminary research on the country you intend to study in, as well as information on the host town or city. Getting in touch with current students to learn more about the region is a fantastic idea.

2. Keep alert 

Even in congested areas, it is critical to maintaining vigilance. Keep an eye on what’s going on around you, and if something makes you uncomfortable, get out of there. Trust your instincts and stay away from anything that appears to be strange.

3. Take care of your valuables

Don’t flash your money or devices around, regardless of where you are. This will only draw the wrong type of attention from the general public (especially thieves or pickpocketers). Here’s a tip: carry cards to avoid losing cash, and be on the lookout for stalkers if you use an ATM.

4. Choose your company wisely 

While socializing is beneficial, it is critical to select your company carefully (especially if you venture out at night). When you go out with a new group of individuals, it’s a good idea to let your friends or family know where you’re going. If you share an apartment, for example, let your roommates know about your plans so they can contact you if necessary.

5. Keep emergency numbers handy 

This will come in handy in the event of an emergency.

Guidelines for International students in the US

Every university in the United States pays close attention to the safety of its students on campus. As an international student, you’ll have access to a number of resources in the event of an emergency. Don’t worry, most universities have 24-hour security.

Your university security service can help with international student safety guide

Almost every school in the United States has a safety commission that ensures the safety of international students. As a preliminary step, see if your institution provides one and save the security officer’s phone number on your phone. 

Various institutions and colleges also provide after-hours services such as shuttles and security guards to transport you to your lodging or train stations. Some schools go even further, providing their own smartphone apps with a direct channel for pupils to contact security. On the grounds, there is also CCTV surveillance and security that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you ever feel insecure on or around your campus or in your accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact the college authorities.

What to do in an emergency?

Call the toll-free hotline 911 in the event of an emergency. This is a popular emergency number that can be used for fire, police, or ambulance services. Always report a crime, no matter how little it is.

Stay alert when outdoors

• As an international student, you must always be aware of your surroundings and cautious. Trust your instincts and stay away from places that make you feel uneasy or unfamiliar.
• Travelling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. Make a taxi reservation or have a buddy drop you off.
• Preferably in a group, walk on well-lit streets. Carry enough cash in case of an emergency.
• Accepting rides from strangers is not a good idea.

 Navigate safely through the city

• Take some time to thoroughly research the routes in the United States. Get to know the area and look up directions on the most recent maps. Keep to well-lit paths.
• Regional trains, buses, and subways can be used for short distances.
• The laws in the United States differ from those in India. So, memorize them ahead of time to avoid unwittingly breaking them.

Keep your money and documents safe

Always have a copy of your documentation with you. Keep your passport, identity, visa paperwork, and immigration forms in a secure location at all times. If you want to utilize cash, keep it in several locations rather than one. Using a card rather than cash is always the preferable alternative to the international student safety guide. 

When you go exploring, leave your passport at home. If you don’t have a permanent address, contact your university’s foreign support office to arrange for storage on campus.

Have fun, but with care 

Exploring new locations and taking in your new surroundings can be thrilling, but before you go, do some homework and look up any information you can about the area to determine if it is safe for you to go. Make your plans known to your friends and family ahead of time. You can also tell someone you trust about your current location.

Always stay connected

• At all times, keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts. Here’s how to stay connected at all times:
• Get a local phone number and tell your friends, family, the university office, and your roommate about it.
• When you’re not in class, keep your phone charged and set to ring.
• Keep someone informed if you’re travelling to another town or the nearest retail mall.
• If you ever feel unsafe, share your current location with someone you can trust.

Residential Program Safety

If you’re enrolled in a residential programme, double-check that the security measures meet US safety regulations. Bring any inconsistencies to the attention of your college’s administration. 

Guidelines for international students in Australia

Australia attracts many students from all over the world for higher education because of its outstanding quality of life and the fact that five of its major cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide – have been named among the world’s most liveable cities. Its multicultural environment is welcoming and safe for students from other countries. However, to be on the safe side, it is necessary to take some precautions.

Your university security service can help

Almost all Australian campuses have a particular committee in charge of ensuring the safety of overseas students. Check to see if your school has one and save the security officer’s phone number on your phone as a first step.

Various institutions and schools also provide after-hours services such as shuttles and security escorts to transport you to your lodging or train station. Some schools go even further, providing their own smartphone apps with a direct channel for pupils to contact security.

If you ever feel insecure on or around your campus or in your accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact the college authorities.

What to do in case of an emergency?

The international student safety guide suggests that:

• If you have an emergency, dial 000, which is a toll-free number. This is a popular emergency number that can be used for fire, police, or ambulance services.
• You should also save the following numbers in case of an emergency:
• Flood and storm support from the SES: 132 500
• 131 444 is the number of police officers who have been dispatched to the scene (all states except Victoria)
• 1300 555 135 is the international incident hotline (within Australia)
• Outside of Australia, call +61 2 6261 3305

Stay alert when outdoors

• You must always be aware of your surroundings and watchful. Trust your instincts and stay away from places that make you feel uneasy or that you are unfamiliar with.
• Travelling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. Pre-book a taxi or arrange for a friend to drop you off.
• When you go exploring, leave your passport at home. If you do not have a permanent residence, contact your university’s foreign support office to arrange for storage on campus.
• Carry enough cash in case of an emergency. For transactions, you prefer to use cards and internet banking.

Navigate safely through the city

Australia’s public transportation system, particularly in metropolitan and metro areas, is extremely well-developed and comfortable to use. However, it’s always a good idea to be on the lookout:

• Never take a bus, train, or metro that isn’t connected to the rest of the city.
• Get to know the transportation schedules, especially if you’re travelling at night. Keep to well-lit paths.
• To avoid any unpleasant surprises, board a carriage that is nearest to the driver or the guard.
• If being in a carriage with only one other person makes you feel uneasy, move to the next compartment.
• The laws in Australia differ from those in India. So, memorize them ahead of time to avoid unwittingly breaking them.

Keep your money and documents safe

As an international student, you must always maintain all of your documents with you. Keep your passport, identity, visa paperwork, and immigration forms in a secure location at all times. If you want to utilize cash, keep it in several locations rather than just one. Using a card rather than cash is always the preferable alternative.

When you go exploring, leave your passport at home. If you don’t have a permanent address, contact your university’s foreign support office to arrange for storage on campus.

Lastly, have fun, but with care and always keep your family informed on your whereabouts.

Guidelines for international students in the UK

In the United Kingdom, universities and institutions devote close attention to the safety of their students on campus. As an international student, you’ll have access to a number of resources in the event of an emergency. Don’t worry, most schools have security available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Your university security service can help

Almost every campus in the United Kingdom has a dedicated committee in charge of ensuring the safety of overseas students. Check to see if your school has one and save the security officer’s phone number on your phone as a first step.

Various institutions and schools also provide after-hours services such as shuttles and security escorts to transport you to your lodging or train station. Some schools go even further, providing their own smartphone apps with a direct channel for pupils to contact security. On the grounds, there is also CCTV surveillance and security that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you ever feel insecure on or around your campus or in your accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact the college authorities.

What to do in an emergency?

If you have an emergency, dial 999 or 112 from a toll-free line. This is a popular emergency number that can be used for fire, police, or ambulance services.

Always report a crime, no matter how little it is. You should also store the following numbers on your phone:

• Gas leak or odour – Call 0800 111 999 if you suspect a gas leak or smell gas.
• NHS Direct — Call 0845 4647 for a 24-hour health helpline.
• Call 101 in non-emergency situations (such as reporting a crime or getting general information)

Keep your health insurance card in your wallet at all times, as well as the phone number for your health insurance agency. This will be useful in the event of a medical emergency.

Nevertheless, stay alert when outdoors, navigate safely through the city, keep your money and documents safe, have fun, but with care and always keep your family informed on your whereabouts.

Guidelines for international students in Canada

Canada is a well-known study abroad location for Indian students. It is unquestionably one of the safest nations to live and study in, ranking sixth on the Global Peace Index 2018. 

Universities in Canada place a high priority on the safety of their students on campus. As an international student, you’ll have access to a number of resources in the event of an emergency. Don’t worry, most schools have security available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, to be on the safe side, it is necessary to take some precautions.

Your university security service can help

Almost all Canadian campuses have a particular committee in charge of ensuring the safety of overseas students. As a preliminary step, see if your institution provides one and save the security officer’s phone number on your phone.

Various institutions also provide after-hours services such as shuttles and security escorts to transport you to your lodging or station. Some schools go even further, providing their own smartphone apps with a direct channel for pupils to contact security. On the grounds, there is also CCTV surveillance and security that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you ever feel insecure on or around your campus or in your accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact the college authorities.

What to do in an emergency?

If you happen to face any emergency, call the toll-free number 911. This is a common number that can be used for fire, police or ambulance. In Canada, interpreters are available in case you are not able to explain in English.

Stay alert when outdoors

• Keep an eye on what’s going on around you. If you feel uneasy at any point, either leave the area or tell someone you trust.
• Travelling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. Make a taxi reservation or have a buddy drop you off.
• Preferably in a group, walk on well-lit streets. Carry enough cash in case of an emergency.
• Accepting rides from strangers is not a good idea.

 Navigate safely through the city

• Take some time to thoroughly research the routes in Canada. Get to know the area and look up directions on the most recent maps. Keep to well-lit paths.
• Regional trains, buses, and subways can be used for short distances. Buses and subways are available in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
• Smaller cities may or may not have subways, but you may always use buses, commuter trains, or a local cab, the schedules for which can be found on the web or in the yellow or white pages of your phone book with city government listings.
• If you live a long distance from a bus stop, several cities allow you to drive down to a dedicated parking lot, park your car, and then ride the train or bus. Obtaining an international driver’s license will also allow you to rent an automobile.
• The laws in Canada differ from those in India. So, memorize them ahead of time to avoid unwittingly breaking them.

Remember that it is important to stay alert when outdoors, navigate safely through the city, keep your money and documents safe, have fun, but with care and always keep your family informed about your whereabouts.

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