Your safety at Regent's is hugely important to us, both on and off campus. We want to ensure that you have all the necessary safety information and tips to make the most of your student experience in London.
London is generally considered as safe as any large city around the world. However, it makes sense to be aware of the potential threats you may face and to know how to be safe. It is important to be mindful of your safety and personal security at all times, particularly at night.
The capital is an exciting place and we want you to enjoy good experiences while living here. Use your judgement carefully when you go out at night as to what you wear. Wearing designer labels and an expensive watch could put you at risk of being targeted by thieves. If you choose to do so, make sure you stay with friends and follow our top safety tips below.
Staying safe on and off campus
Campus security
It is our utmost priority to provide students with a safe and secure environment to study and live in, both on and off campus. Our University’s campus security team operates around the clock to ensure the wellbeing of students using various means, including a security office, CCTV, ID cards and regular safety patrols.
Security office
The University's security office is manned 24/7 and is located by the main entrance of the University, in the Herringham building.
The office can be contacted at any time on 0208 486 7495, but in the case of an emergency, you are advised to contact 2222 from an internal phone or 0203 075 6222 externally.
Safety patrols
The University conducts several safety patrols throughout the day and night, to identify potential hazards (e.g. obstructions to fire escape routes) and ensure that any suspicious activity is immediately identified and deal with appropriately.
Fire safety
We provide a range fire safety and fire prevention measures to ensure the safety of staff and students, including regular risk assessments, on-site fire wardens and emergency evacuation procedures. The University also its fire alarms on a regular basis. Further details can be found here.
Staying safe in London
Top Tips for living in London…
- Travel home with friends after a night out – don’t walk home alone!
- Don’t leave your valuables on display
- Don’t ever take an unlicensed taxi
- Lock your door – every time!
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a safe place
- Always keep an eye on your drink
- Avoid travelling on public transport too late
- Be aware of who is around you at cash points, cover your pin number and put your money away quickly
- Don’t let people around you in clubs and bars see you enter your pin number
- Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket
- Stay in safe areas
- If using Uber, share your journey with friends
- Wear a helmet and colourful clothing when riding a bike
At all times:
- Avoid obvious use of your mobile phone on the street – especially if it is an expensive one
- Always keep your bag where you can see or feel it – even on University premises and especially on public transport, in restaurants, cafes, cinemas, clubs etc.
- Never carry large amounts of cash on you
- Keep a secure record of any credit/debit card numbers so you can cancel them immediately, should they get lost/stolen
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Try to look like you know where you are going – walk at a steady pace, try not to keep looking at a map or your phone.
- Never accept a lift from a stranger, including unsolicited mini cabs. If hailing a taxi, only use a black taxi. Any minicab journey that isn’t booked by phone or in a minicab office is illegal and potentially unsafe
- Always lock your doors and windows when you leave your accommodation
- Keep your laptop out of sight
- Insure your belongings
After dark:
- Stick to main roads and avoid unlit or poorly lit areas, including parks, alleyways and housing estates. In an emergency, always call 999.
- If you see a person or situation that makes you uncomfortable on the street, cross the road or go into a late-night shop, garage, café etc
- You will always be more at risk when you have been drinking alcohol
- If travelling home late at night, travel with someone else or take a taxi; a black cab or a pre-booked mini cab from a recommended firm
For further information on staying safe in London, please see the following:
Transport for London (TfL)
TfL’s text service, Cabwise, also helps you get a cab to take you home safely. Simply text CAB to 60835 and GPS will be used to text you your two nearest minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) number. For more information, visit TfL Cabwise. You can also search for licensed minicab operators by using TfL’s online service.
Most last Tubes leave central London around 00.30 Monday to Saturday nights, while the night tube runs throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays on the Victoria, Jubilee, and most of the Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines.
Night buses run all night, and there are now more night buses than ever, with 117 routes all CCTV-monitored.
Late-night Underground trains and night buses are generally busy, but if buses are not, sit near the driver or downstairs on a double-decker.
You can plan your night out and get the latest information on late night travel by visiting Plan a Journey before you go out.
Hollie Guard
Hollie Guard is a smartphone app that provides enhanced levels of protection.
Your personal safety
Safe sex
It's important to stay safe while having fun at university.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies are particularly common among young people, so it's worth taking precautions.
If you would like more information and advice regarding safer sex then visit NHS choices for advice on sexual health.
Drinking & drugs
Alcohol and other drugs are powerful substances with a potential to harm users or to tempt them into over-indulgence, so it is important to take care of yourself when considering using them and to avoid taking any risks which you might regret later.
Psychological consequences
- Are you using drink or drugs to escape from a problem which you might be able to solve if you faced it? If so this may prolong your shyness, anxiety, depression, unhappiness etc. rather than dealing with it for once and all.
- Drink and drugs don't permanently change our world. They allow us to feel a temporary confidence or happiness, but the effect is usually one of borrowed time. Often the unhappiness or anxiety returns even more strongly once the effects wear off.
- Drink and drugs can cause psychological problems by themselves. Alcohol can commonly cause depression; drugs can also cause depression, or can trigger anxiety or even psychosis (loss of reality).
Social consequences
- You can quite easily end up in trouble with the law. Although drinking alcohol is legal, it can lead to other activities which may not be. Any conviction for drink or drugs offences may severely limit the opportunities open to you in the future.
- Pronounced use of drink or drugs tends to rigidly define social groups, so it may limit your circle of friends.
Physical Consequences
- While the specific physical effects of drug abuse and addiction tend to vary based on the particular substance involved, the general effects of abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating.
- Drink can lower people's inhibitions against hurting others.
- Drink greatly lessens people's ability to say no to unwanted sexual encounters which they would have definitely avoided had they been sober.
- There are long-term health risks.
Taking Control
- Talk to someone whom you trust about your use. See if they feel you have cause for concern.
- Consider what you are using. In particular note when you use concentrated or particularly dangerous forms of drink and drugs. Can you substitute a less potent alternative?
- Consider the social pressures to consume. Can you limit your exposure to these - e.g. stop buying in rounds, meeting in pubs, partying late etc.?
- Consider what emotions trigger consumption. Are you using drink and drugs to help deal with certain feelings - frustration, anxiety, shyness, boredom etc. Can you find alternative means of dealing with these feelings?
- Try a month of abstinence. See whether you can do it, and if you can find different ways of dealing with problems.
Useful Contacts for Alcohol Related Problems:
- Drinkline Tel: 0800 917 8282
- Alcohol Concern Tel: 020 7928 7377
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tel: 020 7833 0022
Useful Contacts for Drug Related Problems:
- FRANK, Tel: 0300 123 6600, www.talktofrank.com
- ADFAM National, Tel: 020 7928 8900
- Drug Scope, Tel: 020 7928 1211
Domestic abuse
This section contains valuable information for all students and staff who may be experiencing or affected by abuse within a relationship.
Domestic abuse takes place within relationships or families where one person bullies or controls another. Abuse can affect people across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
Abuse may take many forms: stalking, sexual assault, rape, harassment, physical assault, emotional abuse such as being prevented from seeing your friends and financial factors such as not having sufficient control over your money.
- Read an article about students in abusive relationships.
- Read an article about myths that new students hold about sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you are a victim of domestic abuse. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.
Support at the University
Student Support
The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team can refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.
Counselling
The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team will refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.
Metropolitan Police
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Specialist Services
If you or anyone you know is affected by signs of domestic abuse, you can call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence free phone helpline for support on 0808 2000 247.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid are provide support for female victims of domestic violence.
Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line provide support for male victims of domestic violence.
Galop
Galop provide support for LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse.
Violence and assault
This section contains valuable information for all students who may be have been affected by a violent crime or assault. This could be in many forms: Alcohol and Drug Related Violence, Arson, Assault, Bullying, Burglary, Gang Violence, Harassment, Hate Crime, Homicide of a loved one, Kidnapping and/or Missing Persons, Mass Violence, Property Crimes, Robbery, Theft, Vehicular Assault.
Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you are a victim of domestic abuse. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.
Support at the University
Student Support
The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team can refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.
Counselling
The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Come to the Student Hub in the Acland building where a member of the team will refer you to Student Support, or alternatively email [email protected] for an appointment.
Metropolitan Police
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Find out more about reporting an incidence of domestic violence.
Victim Support
Victim Support help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime.
Victim Information Service
Through the UK Government, the Victim Information Service get free help and advice if you’ve been a victim of crime.
Sexual consent
Regent's University London is working with the Student Union to raise awareness about sexual consent amongst our students. We aim to provide students with information about sexual consent as well as tackle the myths and misunderstandings about sexual consent, rape and sexual abuse.
- Download the ‘Pause Play Stop’ Sexual Consent leaflet.
- Watch the video explaining sexual consent using the ‘cup of tea’ analogy.
- Read an article about myths that new students hold about sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Below, you can find help and support, including where to go if you have experienced sexual assault or rape. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to be connected to the police.
Support at the University
The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Visit the Student Hub on the ground floor of the Acland Building where a member of the team will arrange an appointment for you with Student Support. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with the Student Support team via the online Hub.
Student Support
The Student Support team are here to provide you with help and advice. Visit the Student Hub on the ground floor of the Acland Building, where a member of the team will book an appointment for you with Student Support, or alternatively, book an appointment online, call 0207 487 7667 or email [email protected].
Counselling
The University offers a free and confidential counselling service for students. Referrals are arranged through the Disability and Mental Health Co-ordinator or the Student Support team. Visit the Student Hub on the ground floor of the Acland Building where a member of the team will arrange an appointment for you with Student Support. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with the Student Support team via the online Hub.
Campus Security
Campus Security aim to ensure Regent's University London is a safe and secure place for students, staff and visitors. They can assist with crime prevention and reporting. The main security office is located in the Botany Building.
Useful contacts:
Security control room: 0207 487 7495
Emergencies: 0203 075 6222
Head of Security: 020 7487 7515 / 07540 914 762
Metropolitan Police
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately to be connected to the police. In any other situation, call the non-emergency number 101.
Find out more about reporting an incident of rape or sexual assault, and of further support available in London.
Specialist Services
The Havens
Havens are specialist centres across London where victims of rape and serious sexual assault can get support and advice. Even if you’re not ready to talk to the police, The Havens can provide you with medical help and advice about your options in confidence.
The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust is a UK-wide national agency for 130 specialist organisations for support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse.
SurvivorsUK
SurvivorsUK is a service for male survivors of rape and sexual violence, to cater for people not provided for by other services. They are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them.