London is not a dangerous city, but it is a big and busy one and it makes sense to take simple precautions.

• Do not carry large sums of money with you.  You should open a bank account if at all possible.  If you unavoidably have a lot of cash then please ask us to keep it for you in our safe.
• Do not take all your credit cards out with you at the same time, and don't keep your passport, credit cards, money etc together.
• Use a bag which closes securely. Do not put your wallet where everyone can see it.
• Do not leave valuable things like mobile phones lying around in public places.
• Keep your possessions where you can see them and do not wear very expensive jewellery in an obvious way when you are out.
• Avoid dark places at night that you do not know.
• Tell your host family or a classmate if you are going to be out very late at night.
• If you are travelling alone, particularly at night and if you are a woman, try to avoid empty public transport. If you are concerned about this, arrange for a reliable taxi or minicab to collect you and take you back to your accommodation if you know you are going to be out late.
• Only use licensed taxis.  Either flag down a black cab, telephone a licensed taxi firm or go to a licensed taxi office.  We can provide you with the numbers of taxi companies in reception.  It is usual to find unlicensed taxis waiting outside nightclubs, but we strongly advise you not take to these.  Click here for more information on taxis.
• In the UK we drive on the left hand side of the road, unlike many other parts of the world.  Be careful to check both ways when you cross the road.  On busy roads only cross at a zebra crossing (black and white stripes in the road).  Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings, but still take care when crossing.  You can also cross at pedestrian crossings which have lights (red means stop, green means go).

Click here for more advice on safety in London from the Metropolitan Police.