It is a dream for many to earn a university degree abroad. The research for a specific dream-country, admission to a renowned higher-education degree, maybe also getting a good scholarship are all part of the excitement of starting a degree course abroad.
However, moving for a few years to a different country also involves plenty of other aspects, including a very important one: personal safety. Whether you are on or off-campus, safety is an important aspect of your stay time abroad. It doesn’t matter how good a degree programme is as long as you don’t feel safe while attending classes. That’s why it’s very important to make sure you find a place where you won’t have to worry about trouble in the city or on campus.
Each country has its own particularities, when it comes to risks for foreigners or students. In order to avoid any situation that may raise difficulties, check out below seven tips that will help you stay safe and enjoy your time abroad! At the end, you can also find more safety information about top study destinations worldwide.
1. Do your research before applying!
This is a part of your safety that you can take care of while you’re still at home, before your Bachelor, Master or PhD degree programme begins. While you’re still preparing for the admission or you are waiting for the results/student visa, you can begin the documentation about your study destination. Whether it is a small student town or a large touristic city, it is definitely a place with a local culture that you should be aware of, in order to stay safe or avoid awkward situations.
You should check the touristic websites or student forums for tips and risks and the general rankings of your study destination. This way you will also find out if there are neighbourhoods with a bad reputation, such as “el barrios” from Caracas, Indonesia or cities with specific risks, as the scam artists from Barcelona, Spain.
2. Zoom in on the specific information!
After you’ve learned about the city you will study in, it’s time to concentrate your research on the university and campus that you will be a part of. Campuses usually have security and emergency services and a specific schedule for some of them. For example, some universities use buses on campus during night time or there are areas where you will find guards. This is information that you should know, especially as a student living in university halls.
Also, you can check out the university statistics on safety and the history that the campus has on the matter. Besides info about the university grounds, it is good to know where the closest police station is located.
3. Plan your accommodation in advance!
The main aspect you can take care of from home, if you didn’t catch a place in student residences, is the accommodation. Regardless of your choice – homestay, private rental or shared apartments -, you can solve your housing before your arrival. You can also talk to the university advisor on this matter and learn of the best options you have.
When choosing you accommodation, also pay attention to its location. The distance from the city centre is important, as well as the surroundings and the transportation you need to the university.
4. Pay attention to the general risks!
There is a general pattern of risks that any foreigner exposes himself/herself at, when arriving in a large touristic city. Some of the most common are pickpocketing and misleading. There are some aspects you should focus on, regardless of your destination: crowds at events or concerts, too crowded or empty buses, metro stations, small and dark streets.
Be attentive when you go to markets or areas that are far from the city centre or your accommodation/university campuses.
5. Learn some basic words in the local language!
If the city you are in is not English-speaking or locals do not talk your language, then you should learn as much as you can of the local one. If you manage to know at least the salutes and how to ask for directions, you will feel less of a foreigner when you leave the campus and safer. Also, locals will appreciate your efforts and give warm responses.
Knowing the local language will also offer you more opportunities to meet new people, learn of the local culture and to learn more tips about the city and its citizens.
6. Keep your documents close!
There are cities, such as Moscow, where policemen have the right to ask anyone on the street for identification documents. Even if not all countries or cities have laws as the one above, you are advised to keep a photocopy of your passport, along with your country embassy number in your phone contacts list.
Your valuables should stay in the house. However, you can keep the belongings you need in zipped pockets that are more accessible to you than to those that surround you.
7. Plan your fun in advance!
As a student, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your stay with parties and time spent in nightclubs, bars or cafes. In order to stay safe, you should begin your evening by planning ahead and pre-booking your taxi. Try focusing on the areas you know, in order not to get lost.
When you leave the nightclub or pub, you should walk on the main lighted streets and to avoid areas with large groups of people. On your way home, you should avoid wearing earphones/headphones or, at least, to keep the volume low enough so that you can hear the surrounding noises.
Staying in a city abroad also involves knowing the local emergency number. And, last but not least, use it in case you see something suspicious. After you get informed about the city you will study in and all of its particularities, you can enjoy your stay while feeling safe. Get the best out of the university degree programme and the most relaxing out of your leisure time!
