Staying Safe and Student Support Services in the UK

Know the emergency number

In the UK, the number to call in an emergency is 999, which connects you to the police, ambulance, fire and rescue services. There is also a non-emergency police number, 101, for situations that are not urgent, and a non-emergency NHS health line, 111, for urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns.

Knowing these numbers before you need them is a simple, practical step. Save them in your phone when you arrive.

• 999 — emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)
• 101 — non-emergency police
• 111 — NHS non-emergency health advice

Campus safety and security

UK universities typically have campus security teams and safety arrangements to support students, and many provide information for students on staying safe on and around campus. Familiarising yourself with your university's security contacts and any campus safety services is a sensible early step.

Simple everyday habits — keeping your belongings secure, being aware of your surroundings, and knowing how to contact campus security — help you settle in confidently.

Academic and study support

Beyond safety, universities provide a wide range of academic support to help you succeed. This often includes study-skills services, academic writing and referencing help, library support, and a personal tutor or academic adviser linked to your course.

If you are adjusting to a new style of study, these services are there to be used — reaching out early is normal and encouraged rather than a sign of struggling.

Welfare and wellbeing services

UK universities also provide welfare and wellbeing support for students. This commonly includes student wellbeing teams, counselling or mental-health support services, and advisers who can help with practical and personal difficulties.

Using these services is confidential and routine. If you are finding things hard — academically, practically, or personally — contacting your university's wellbeing or student support team is the right first step.

• Student wellbeing and counselling services
• International student advice for practical issues
• Students' union welfare and advice services

Where to turn first

For a genuine emergency, call 999. For everything else, your university is set up to help: the international student support office handles practical and immigration-document questions, student services and wellbeing teams handle personal and welfare matters, and your academic department handles study questions.

For the most current safety guidance and service details, check your own university's official student support pages, as the specific services and contacts differ between universities.