Safety in London

Whether you are in London or elsewhere in the UK, here are some tips on how to keep yourself as safe as possible.

 On this page:

• Staying safe on our campuses
• Staying safe at UCL East
• Staying safe off campus
• Support for those affected by harassment, sexual misconduct and violence, or hate crime
• Criminal offences

Staying safe on our campuses 

For information on staying safe at UCL, visit the UCL Security website and read the Crime Prevention and Personal Safety booklet.

There are a few security issues to stay aware of while you are on campus or in the area near UCL.

Tailgating

Remember to always carry your ID with you at all times and do not give it to anyone else.

Be aware of tailgating. If 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. Alternatively, you can contact UCL Security via the SafeZone app.

Phone snatchers

Phone snatching is often done by individuals on mopeds and bikes.

To avoid being a victim of phone theft, adhere to the “Look up Look out” police advice.  Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using your mobile phone wherever possible on the street.  Be vigilant, and look out for bikes and mopeds, especially if they are on the pavement. 

Read more about protecting your phone against theft on the Metropolitan Police website. 

Laptop and valuables

Never leave your personal items unattended in public places, including in UCL campus buildings such as libraries and refectories. 

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. Laptops, mobile phones, wallets, bags or any other valuable items may 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 such as lamposts, as local authorities may remove your bike. 

When parking your bike on UCL property, please ensure that you do not attach your bike to railings, pathways or stairways. Please also ensure that you do not park your bike next to or block a fire exit. If you do so, this may result in your bicycle being removed by UCL Security.

If you have any issues with bicycle thefts on campus, please contact the UCL Security team or report the theft via Report + Support. Read more about bike security on the UCL Security website.

Staying safe after dark

Stick to well-lit paths and walkways and consider walking with friends after dark where possible.

Staying safe on UCL East Campus

There have been reports of phone snatch thefts and antisocial behaviour near One Pool Street and Marshgate buildings. 

• Take the local buses (339 or 108) from the Pool Street bus stop to Stratford Bus Station and Westfield.
• When ordering food deliveries, make sure you use the correct postcode address (One Pool Street - E20 2AF; Marshgate - E20 2AE), and ensure the delivery driver comes to the Main Entrance.  Avoid having to go find the delivery person on your own.
• If you are being harassed, please use he SafeZone app to contact UCL Security so they can assist you. If you cannot do this, please get to a safe place (a shop, restaurant or UCL building) and ask for help as soon as you can.

Camden Safety Hub and Bus

The Camden Safety Hub and Bus is an inclusive safe space, managed by a trained team who are on hand to provide support for people who have found themselves in a vulnerable state, uncomfortable situation or need some extra support when out on a Friday or Saturday night. This includes women and girls who often don’t feel safe or have experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour when out and about on our streets and in our public spaces. 

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: 

• Do not keep all your valuables in one place
• Do not leave your bags unattended anywhere. As 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 bag on the floor or over the back of your chair
• Wear your bag in front of you, not over your shoulder, in crowded areas such as a bus or Underground train
• Do not be distracted by your surroundings. Be aware that criminals may try to divert your attention

Withdrawing cash

It is important to take 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 not see your PIN. If possible, try to use cash machines during the daytime. Metropolitan Police give further advice on ATM security
• Look into obtaining a pre-paid cash card, particularly if you are an international student and need funds for your arrival. The card allows you to load money onto it, and you use it similarly to a debit card. For more information, visit the Money Advice Service
• Register your pocket electronics (phone, iPad etc.) for free on the Immobilise website. 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 you with 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 have created a video on what to do in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack. The video below explains the 'Run, Hide, Tell' strategy.

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Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you see something out of place, for example, an item you feel looks suspicious, please do not be afraid to report it to the police.

 

If you do feel anxious about past events, remember to keep talking to friends and family. If you need further help managing your anxiety, seek help from your GP, a mental health professional or contact UCL's mental health and wellbeing support service.

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.

Report + Support

Request to speak with an adviser on UCL Report + Support. An 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, Neurodiversity, and Wellbeing

If you have a disability and are the victim of a crime, speak to one of our Disability and Neurodiversity advisers during a same-day appointment, which can be booked through askUCL. Our 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. 

Wellbeing Support

Student Support and Wellbeing Services offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space. All support services are free of charge and open to all UCL students of all levels. Support is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, on the phone through +44 (0) 808 238 0077. 

I Heart Consent

Learn more about what is meant by sexual consent and ending sexual violence at UCL. Complete the Report + Support I Heart Consent interactive online training.

Students Union Support and Training

You can report a hate crime confidentially through the Students’ Union UCL.

Complete the Active Bystander training programme to help you recognise and challenge problematic behaviours both on and off campus.

Victim Support

The charity 'Victim Support' offers free and confidential advice to people affected by crime. Speak to a specialist by calling the helpline on 08 08 16 89 111. 

Criminal offences

To ensure that you are obeying the laws of the 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) 
• 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 GOV.UK website
• Unlike in some other European countries, it is illegal to carry CS or pepper spray (Mace) in the UK