UK Campus Safety: Essential Guide

The night I realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore

It was 11pm. I was walking back from the library alone. A guy on a bike came up behind me, grabbed my bag, and kept pedaling.

I was in shock for a second. Then I screamed. Someone came out of a house. The guy dropped my bag and rode off.

I didn't lose anything except my dignity and a sense of security I hadn't even known I had.

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What I should've done differently:

First — I wouldn't walk that route alone at night. Campus security has these little shuttle things for a reason. Use them.

Second — I should've had my phone out but not visible. If something feels off, you're already calling, even if you just have it to your ear.

Third — I was wearing headphones with both ears. I couldn't hear him coming. Bad idea.

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The thing about UK emergency numbers

999 is for actual emergencies. Life-threatening situations, crimes in progress, anything urgent.

101 is for non-emergencies. Suspicious activity, theft that already happened, police presence needed but not urgent.

Save both in your phone. You'll probably use 101 more than you think.

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TheNHS thing

Everyone talks about registering with a GP. Do it in your first week. Don't wait until you're sick.

Also: if you're genuinely sick and it's not life-threatening but you can't get a GP appointment, there's 111. They can advise you and even book urgent appointments.

For actual emergencies — A&E. But A&E is for emergencies. Chest pains, serious bleeding, things that can't wait.

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Mental health support exists — please use it

I waited too long to go to my university's counseling center. I thought "real problems" needed "real solutions," not just talking to someone.

Wrong. That's exactly what it's for.

University counseling is free. Usually limited sessions per year, but enough to get you through a rough patch. The first step is just making an appointment — it takes like 10 minutes online.

If you're not okay, please talk to someone. You're not weak. You're human.