As a global city, London welcomes students from around the world. Being aware of common urban crimes, including pickpocketing and phone theft, and taking simple safety precautions can help you enjoy your time in the city safely and confidently.
In this article:
- Tips for staying safe in London
- Protecting your property
- Keeping your instrument safe and make sure it is insured
- Travelling on London's roads
- Cycling safety
- E-bike and E-scooter safety including Battery and Fire Safety
- Planning your journey
- Safer Travel by taxi or minicab
- Safety on public transport
Tips for staying safe in London
Staying safe in London | Metropolitan Police
Staying safe in London | CampusLife :: University of London
Protecting your property
Remember that some areas of the Academy are accessible to the public. To help keep your belongings safe, do not leave valuables unattended, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, musical instruments or other personal items.
Mobile phone theft is common in busy urban areas. When travelling around London, keep your phone secure and out of sight when not in use, and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded locations and when using your device near roads or public transport.
Protect your phone | Metropolitan Police
Keeping your instrument safe and make sure it's insured
Musical instruments can be valuable and are often difficult or impossible to replace. Keep your instrument with you whenever possible and avoid leaving it unattended in Academy buildings, practice rooms, performance venues or public spaces. Make sure your instrument is adequately insured against loss, theft and accidental damage.
Instrument Insurance | Independent Society of Musicians
Musical Instrument Insurance | Instrument Insurance for Musicians | MU | The MU
Travelling on London's Roads
When travelling in London, remember that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. If you are from a country where traffic drives on the right, it may take some time to adjust.
Before crossing the road, take a moment to check carefully in both directions and use designated pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Be particularly aware of cyclists, e-scooters and other road users, who may approach from directions you might not expect, especially near junctions and cycle lanes.
Cycling Safety
Cycling is a healthy, affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel around London. If you plan to cycle regularly, take time to familiarise yourself with local road rules and cycle-safe routes.
To help keep yourself and others safe:
- Wear appropriate safety equipment, including a helmet where possible.
- Make yourself visible to other road users, particularly at night.
- Follow the Highway Code and local cycling regulations.
- Stay alert to pedestrians, vehicles and changing road conditions.
- Plan your route in advance using cycle-friendly maps and guidance.
If you own a bicycle, make sure it is secured with a good-quality lock whenever it is unattended. For further advice on preventing theft, see Staying Safe Where You Live.
Useful resources:
Top tip: Take extra care when using headphones while walking or cycling. Being able to hear traffic, cyclists, emergency vehicles and other hazards can help you stay aware of your surroundings and travel more safely.
E-bike and E-scooter safety
E-bikes and e-scooters are an increasingly popular way to travel around London. However, it is important to understand the legal and safety requirements before using them.
Under current UK law, privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements. In London, the only legal way to ride an e-scooter in a public place is through the TfL e-scooter rental trial.
Using a privately owned e-scooter in public may put you and others at risk and could result in enforcement action. For more information, see the Metropolitan Police guidance on e-scooter safety and the law.
Battery and Fire Safety
E-bikes and e-scooters contain lithium-ion batteries, which can present a fire risk if they are damaged, modified, charged incorrectly or used with incompatible chargers.
To reduce the risk of fire:
- Use manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries.
- Avoid charging batteries overnight or when unattended.
- Stop using a battery if it becomes damaged, overheats or shows signs of swelling.
- Follow the manufacturer's safety guidance for charging, storage and maintenance.
Due to fire safety concerns, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on parts of the transport network and the London Fire Brigade has information about charging safely: E-bikes and e-scooters: Fire safety advice | London Fire Brigade
Top tip: If you use an e-bike or bicycle, always secure it with a good-quality lock when unattended and consider registering and insuring it to protect against theft.
Planning your journey
London has an extensive public transport network, and planning ahead can help make your journey smoother and safer.
The TfL Go app can help you plan journeys across London using the Tube, buses, walking and cycling routes. The app also shows walking and cycling times, which can be useful as some stations are closer together than they appear on the map.
You can also access a range of transport maps and guides, including Tube, bus, cycle, river and accessible maps, through TfL Maps.
If you enjoy walking and would like to explore London's landmarks, parks and open spaces, visit Walk London for suggested walking routes.
Travelling at Night
Whether you are returning from a rehearsal, performance, social event or studying late, planning your journey home is important.
To help you stay safe:
- Plan your route before you travel.
- If your plans change, update your journey and check the latest travel information.
- Ensure your phone has sufficient battery charge in case you need to contact someone or access travel information.
- Carry a payment card, as most public transport services accept contactless payment.
- Know how you are going to complete your entire journey before setting off.
- If using a taxi or minicab, only use a licensed black cab or a pre-booked minicab.
- Travel with friends where possible.
- Avoid travelling with people you do not know, even if they appear friendly or helpful.
- If walking alone, stay on well-lit and well-populated routes where possible.
- Avoid distractions such as wearing headphones at high volume so that you remain aware of your surroundings.
- If travelling alone, let someone know where you are going and how you plan to get there. You may wish to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation does not feel right, move to a safe place and seek assistance.
- If you need emergency help and cannot speak safely, you can make a silent 999 call.
The Night Tube operates only on selected lines and services, primarily on Friday and Saturday nights. Before travelling, check that your planned route is running and make sure you know how you will get home if services are disrupted.
Night Buses
London's bus network operates throughout the day and night, with many routes running 24 hours.
You can check live bus arrival times using TfL's Live Arrivals tool. Alternatively, text the bus stop code (displayed on the bus stop) to 87287 to receive real-time arrival information.
Top tip: Before heading out in the evening, check your return journey as carefully as your outward journey. Knowing how you are getting home can help reduce stress and make travelling at night safer and more straightforward.
Safer Travel by Taxi or Minicab
London's iconic black taxis are the only vehicles that can legally be hailed on the street. When available for hire, they display an illuminated orange "taxi" sign.
Black taxis can also be booked in advance. All licensed black taxis accept card payments and must display a valid taxi licence showing the driver's details, vehicle registration and licence expiry date.
Minicabs (private hire vehicles) cannot be hailed on the street. They must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. Once a booking has been made, you should receive confirmation of the driver's details, vehicle registration and pick-up arrangements.
Licensed minicabs will display a licence, usually on the rear window of the vehicle.
You can find licensed taxi and minicab services through TfL's taxi and minicab booking information.
Do not get into a vehicle if:
- Someone offers you a minicab on the street, even if they display a licence. Unbooked minicab journeys are illegal and may be uninsured.
- You are offered a lift in a vehicle that you have not booked or requested.
- The driver, vehicle registration or other details do not match your booking confirmation.
- You feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason.
During your journey
You should feel able to end your journey at any time if something does not feel right.
For example, you may wish to leave the vehicle if:
- The driver takes an unexpected route without explanation.
- The journey significantly differs from the route shown on your navigation app.
- The driver behaves in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- The driver stops unnecessarily during the journey.
- The driver changes seats or asks you to move within the vehicle.
- You are offered food, drink or anything else that you did not request.
If you need to leave the vehicle, ask to be dropped off in a busy, well-lit public place, such as a transport hub, hospital, police station, fire station or other location where help is available.
When using a minicab, TfL advises you should expect:
- A booking confirmation containing the driver's name, licence number, vehicle registration and, where possible, a photograph of the driver.
- Collection by the driver and vehicle specified in your booking.
- A record of the booking and journey being kept by the operator.
- The driver to have undergone licensing and background checks.
Always check that the driver and vehicle match your booking confirmation before getting in.
Reporting concerns
Most taxi and minicab journeys take place without incident. However, inappropriate or unsafe behaviour can be reported to both the police and TfL.
- TfL Taxi and Private Hire: 0343 222 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm)
- Report online through the TfL website
If you feel unsafe or threatened
- In an emergency, call 999.
- For non-emergency police assistance, call 101.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment:
- Use the text relay service by dialing 18000 followed by 999 or 101.
- If registered with the Emergency SMS service, you can text 999 in an emergency.
If you cannot speak safely, you can make a silent 999 call. Call 999 and, when prompted, press 55. Your call will be transferred to the police. If possible, provide information about your location and situation.
Safety on Public Transport
If you are travelling on the Tube, rail network or other TfL services and need to report a concern discreetly, you can contact the British Transport Police:
- Text 61016
- Call 0800 40 50 40
You can also download the Railway Guardian app for travel safety advice and easy access to reporting tools.
Top tip: Before getting into any taxi or minicab, take a moment to check the vehicle registration, driver details and booking information. A few seconds spent checking can help ensure you travel safely.