Staying safe as a student

A group of UCL students walking togetherA group of UCL students walking together
Find information and quick contacts below for how to get help in an emergency situation, how to report crimes, what support you can access and some general guidance on staying safe during your time as a student.

What do I do in an emergency? 

If you witness or experience a serious emergency, such as a crime, a fire, a serious accident or a medical emergency, you should call 999. You can also access support using the details below.  

  • UCL has security cover 24/7. Call  +44 (0)20 7679 2222  or extension   222   from a UCL landline. UCL Security will contact the emergency services on your behalf. 


    • SafeZone is an app available to all UCL students and staff to make it easier for you to contact UCL Security directly from your mobile device. Find out more information about SafeZone and how to download it here. 

  • In an emergency, call  999 and ask for the appropriate service (police, ambulance, fire brigade). 
  • Police non-emergency number -  call  101. This number can be used to report crimes that do not need an emergency response, such as a bike theft. 


    • NHS non-emergency number - call  111 or use the  111 Online   service. This number can be used if you experience a medical problem that you do not feel is an emergency, or if you are unsure where to access the correct health care support.  

    Raising security and safety concerns through a conversation  

  • If you are not in need of urgent help, but you’d like to raise any concerns about safety or security, and would like to talk through any issue in a confidential and supportive conversation then Sophie, your Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advisor is always here to talk to you.  

    • How do I report a crime? 

  • If you want to report anything to the police when it is no longer an emergency, call   101 , report a crime online on the    or visit a police station. In an emergency, remember to always dial  999  straight away. 
  • If you’re in London, find your nearest police station on the. 
  • If you are based elsewhere in the UK, use the ’Find a force by area’ search on the. 

    • How do I access support following an emergency or a crime?  

    Wellbeing support 

    Student Support and Wellbeing services offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space. All support services are free of charge and open to all UCL students of all levels. Support is offered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on the phone through +44 (0) 808 238 0077. 

  • The charity ’Victim Support’ offers free and confidential advice to people affected by crime. Speak to a specialist by calling  the helpline on 08 08 16 89 111. 

    • Crisis support  

    Student Support and Wellbeing does not offer emergency support. If you’re in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others: 

    Go directly to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital to get help. 

  • Call 999 to request an ambulance if you are unable to reach the hospital yourself 


    • If you’re feeling distressed and need urgent support: 
  • Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment 
  • If your GP surgery isn’t open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services 


    • You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night 

    Nightline are a listening service for students, by students - they’re available overnight via live web chat 6pm - 2am. 

    If you feel unsafe and are on campus, please call Security, who will liaise with emergency services if you are on campus, on 020 7679 2108 or extension 32108, or dial 222 in an emergency. UCL Security can also be reached directly by SafeZone app.  

    Speak to one of our Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers in a same-day appointment, which can be booked through the askUCL student enquiries system. Our Advisers will have a supportive conversation with you, will listen to any issues you may be experiencing or have experienced in the past, and will help you access support if needed for any wellbeing matters affecting your ability to study.  Find out more about seeing an adviser.  

    Request to speak with an advisor on Report + Support. An advisor can: talk through the University’s procedures, inform you on how to make a complaint and let you know what support is available, in confidence.

    Learn more about what’s meant by sexual consent and ending sexual violence at UCL. Complete I Heart Consent interactive online training. 

    Advice on staying safe  

    London is a very safe city, but there are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure that you stay safe. There is a range of information and guidance on our Staying Safe at UCL webpages including information on tailgating, bike security, laptops and valuables, cash machine security, mobile phone snatching and terrorism.  

    The articles below also provide some essential advice on: 

    The British Council has created a very useful guide on how students can stay safe in London and the UK. Please visit their website to read their online guide.   

  • University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000