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International student safety in big cities: our top tips

Studying in a new country is an exciting adventure. You’ll experience a different culture, meet new friends, and grow in many ways. For many international students this might also be the first time living in a big city far from home.

Larger, densely populated cities like New York, London, Toronto and Sydney are full of opportunities – but can also have some challenges.

This guide will help you stay safe, feel confident, and enjoy your time abroad. It offers simple and practical tips for staying safe in busy urban areas.

Don’t worry – most students have a great time and don’t experience any safety issues, but you can help yourself to stay safe by taking a few smart steps.

1. Learn about your new city

Before you even arrive, take some time to learn about your city:

  • Check maps to understand the layout of neighborhoods. If you know where all of your amenities are, such as the local shop, you bus stop, etc. you can walk with confidence and feel more settled in your neighbourhood.
  • Search online for which areas are considered safe or not. Many university cities will have areas that are highly populated with students. This tends to be a good sign that the area is safer (and also cheaper for rent).
  • Watch videos or read blogs from other international students. Getting an insight from someone who already lives there can be very helpful.
  • Understand local laws and customs. For example, jaywalking (crossing the street without a crosswalk) is illegal in some countries. You might also study in a country where cars drive on the other side of the road. Making sure you know where cars will come from is a good way to avoid any accidents!
  • Chat to your neighbours and local people. Having a friendly relationship with the people who live and work around you can make you feel like you have a community, and that will help most people feel safer. As well as this, it’s just nice to have people to chat to!

Knowing what to expect will make you feel more comfortable and help you avoid surprises.

2. Stay aware of your surroundings

One of the best ways to stay safe is to pay attention:

  • Don’t wear headphones at full volume when walking. As fun as it is to enjoy your music, it’s important to hear what’s happening around you. Most modern headphones have settings that allow you to hear the things that are going on as well as your music.
  • Avoid using your phone too much in public, especially at night or in quiet areas. It’s safer to wait until you’re indoors. As well as being safer, it also means you get to take in your surroundings more, soak in your new life and enjoy the sights!
  • Trust your instincts. If a place or situation feels wrong, leave and go somewhere you feel safe. If you aren’t near home or with any friends, you could always step into a cafe or a shop, then you can at least be around other people who can help you if needed.

Being aware doesn’t mean being afraid – it just means you’re paying attention and making smart choices.

3. Know emergency contacts

Always keep a list of emergency contacts:

  • Local emergency number. (For example: 911 in the U.S., 999 in the UK, 110 in Germany, 119 in Japan.). If you are studying in any EU country you can dial 112 and you will be connected to the emergency services free of charge.
  • Your university’s international student office or student support service. Most universities have a team of people dedicated to helping international students. Depending on where you are, they might also have team members that speak your first language (if it is not English), which can be useful at times.
  • Friends or host family numbers. Not only is this good for safety, it can also just be a good way to keep in touch and chat with your new community.
  • The address of your local embassy or consulate. This is good if there is any kind of emergency that isn’t life threatening, such as you lose your passport, need help with any kind of serious illness you might experience, or require legal advice.

Save these in your phone and also write them down in case your phone battery dies. It is highly unlikely that you will ever need to use any of these phone numbers in an emergency, but knowing that you have them can give you peace of mind.

4. Take public transport safely

Big cities usually have excellent public transport. But here’s how to use it wisely:

  • Plan your route ahead of time. Apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or local transport apps can help. Understanding the transport system can give you a head start, and you will be travelling like a local in no time! Most systems will have people that are able to help you, such as ticket checkers, drivers, and security. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions.
  • Avoid empty subway cars or buses late at night. Staying near the driver or other people means you have safety in numbers, and can leave you feeling less vulnerable.
  • Consider the transport you are taking. Some cities, like London, have licensed taxi cabs. It is recommended that you only use those, or you use pre-booked taxis from reputable companies. Always make sure that you are getting into the correct car, and don’t be afraid to ask the driver questions to verify their identity as a taxi driver.
  • Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowded places to avoid pickpockets. Keeping all of your belongings close to you is recommended wherever you are, if only to stop you from forgetting it!
  • Don’t fall asleep on buses or trains if you’re alone. This can be more difficult after a long day of studying or working hard, but it is best if you can stay awake. However, if you’re there with a friend, feel free to nap on their shoulder. What are friends for after all?

You’ll probably use public transport every day, so learning how to use it safely is key to you feel confident in exploring your new city.

5. Protect your belongings

Many cities have low rates of violent crime but might have issues with opportunist theft:

  • Use a bag with zippers or locks. Keeping your things harder to access for others is always wise, especially if you are going to be using public transport when it is busy and you are distracted.
  • Don’t leave your phone or laptop unattended, even in cafes or libraries. Most people won’t be interested in your things, but you can’t rely on this. Ask a friend to keep an eye on your things if you are there with someone. If not, you’ll just have to pack your things up and take them with you.
  • Keep valuables at home unless you need them. This is just a good general rule. If you don’t need it, don’t waste your bag or pocket space on it. This not only reduces the risk of it being stolen, it also reduces the risk of you losing it or leaving it somewhere.
  • Back up important files in case your devices are lost or stolen. You could also consider getting insurance for your more expensive electronics if that is an option. This will help if anything is stolen, but can also help if your laptop simply breaks as well.

A simple rule: carry only what you need and keep it close. If you follow this rule, you will most likely have no issues.

6. Be smart with money and cards

Managing money is part of living independently:

  • Use a bank card or mobile payment instead of carrying a lot of cash. Many places in big cities are starting to only accept card payments anyway, so it’s a good habit to be in. Cash is not as needed as it used to be. However, it can be a good idea to keep some coins on you, as you still have to pay a small amount to use a public toilet in some cities, and not all of these will accept card payments.
  • Use ATMs in safe places, such as inside banks or malls, not on quiet streets. It’s also worth checking if there are any free to use ATMs, as some can charge you to withdraw money.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This is something you should be doing anyway, as your PIN should only be known by you. Never share your PIN number with anyone. Even your bank will not ask for your PIN number.

Some students also set up alerts with their bank so they get a message when money is spent, which can help you notice anything unusual quickly.

7. Make friends and stay connected

Having friends makes everything better – and safer:

  • Let someone know where you’re going, especially if it’s late or new. If you are going to be out late, you could always ask a friend or group of friends to meet you somewhere, like at your bus stop.
  • Share your live location with close friends or family using apps like WhatsApp or Find My iPhone. Sharing your location is a really good way to feel like you can be found wherever you are. It can also be useful if you are meeting a friend somewhere new and you have no idea where that place is!
  • Avoid going out alone at night. Go in groups if possible. If you have to go alone, the tips above can give you and your friends peace of mind.

Making friends from your country and from the local area gives you a support network and people to call if you need help.

8. Use technology to stay safe

Your phone is a great tool for safety:

  • Download safety or map apps. In this day and age there are apps that can help you feel safe. Search what apps are relevant to your new local area and speak to your friends about what apps they have.
  • Install your school’s official app if it has safety features or alerts. This can be really useful to get information about campus closures, university transport updates, and any emergency alerts.
  • Some cities have special safety apps that connect you with local help quickly. Have a look to see if your new city has one, and consider downloading it. Even if you never need to use it, it can make you feel more comfortable knowing it is there.

Don’t forget to charge your phone before leaving your home or dorm! You might also want to consider having a portable charger in your bag, as this can be useful if your phone does run low on battery for whatever reason.

9. Stay healthy and look after yourself

Feeling well is just as important when it comes to your personal safety:

  • Eat well and get enough sleep. It can be hard adjusting to a new environment, particularly if you are studying in a country in a different time zone. Try to create a routine for yourself that helps with this.
  • Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. This is especially important if you have come from a country that doesn’t experience very hot temperatures. The same applies to those from hot countries, make sure you wrap up warm if you are studying somewhere that get cold.
  • Take care of your mental health – it’s okay to feel homesick or overwhelmed. Talk to someone at your school or college if you need help. Creating a community of friends in your new city can help you to feel at home, and gives you people to chat to about your highs and lows.

When you feel strong and rested, it’s easier to make smart decisions.

10. Know your rights and ask for help

As an international student, you have rights and access to help:

  • Universities want you to feel safe and offer support. Using the international office, student unions, or counselors gives you access to experts in their field, and they will be able to provide you with advice and resources.
  • Police in many countries are friendly and willing to help students. Don’t be afraid to approach them if you’re in trouble. It is the job of the emergency services to help you, and the police are often present on the streets of big cities. If you have concerns or see something that looks suspicious, speak to a police officer.

Never feel ashamed to ask questions or speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Final thoughts

Studying in a big city is an amazing opportunity. It helps you grow, explore new ideas, and become more independent. While every city has some risks, most international students stay safe by being aware, prepared, and connected with others.

Remember: you’re not alone. Your school, teachers, fellow students, and even people you meet in your city all want you to enjoy your experience and stay safe.

So be smart, stay alert, and make the most of your adventure. The world is waiting for you.