International Student Safety Guide: Housing, Jobs & Daily-Life Tips

Unsurprisingly, safety abroad is a primary concern for many International students and their families. It is, in fact, the pillar of the international student experience, with a direct, lasting impact on their academic success, future career prospects, and even their mental and emotional well-being.

Here are some more reasons why international student safety abroad matters both to students and to countries/study institutions:

Why it Matters to Students

Impact on learning: If international students feel unsafe in a new country, it is highly likely to affect their overall academic performance. They may find it challenging to focus on the study program - the prime reason for their presence abroad in the first place!

Affects mental health: The feeling of being unsafe abroad can trigger many similar emotions in the students’ minds - isolation, fear, or severe anxiety. All of these can adversely affect their overall mental and emotional well-being.

Lowers self-confidence: Students can feel confident in their performance or personality only when they feel at home in the new country. A secure environment can boost confidence, enabling students to embrace new experiences and opportunities fully.

Why it Matters to Countries/Study Institutions

Can damage reputation: The popularity of a study-abroad destination is often determined by how safe the country is perceived to be by international students. A poor safety record for international students abroad can discourage them from choosing a specific country for higher education.

Affects the competitiveness of universities: In the current global competitive landscape, where educational institutions are vying for high student numbers every year, international student safety concerns can significantly affect international student admissions. This, in turn, can lower the university's overall ranking on global platforms.

Living abroad for a long time (a year or more) can seem overwhelming—a new country, new people, and tons of challenges to overcome. Safety tops the list of concerns for international students, as the sense of being “alone” in a foreign land is common. Listed below are some of the common international student safety challenges:

On-campus: While a campus is supposed to be one of the safest spaces in your study abroad destination, it’s a good idea to be wary of some potential threats that they may pose. Theft, bullying, and unguarded buildings are just a few common examples to note in this regard.

Off-campus: Finding safe housing options outside of the university campus is yet another major challenge for international students. This is particularly true for accommodation in neighbourhoods that may be relatively cheap but also highly unsafe.

Threats within the city: Besides accommodation, there are some other things to keep in mind as well when you’re in a new city. For instance, travelling after dark should be avoided unless necessary; if you must, ensure you have company. Additionally, scams are among the common international student safety concerns, including street scams and employment fraud.

We discussed common security concerns that can make it challenging to stay abroad comfortably in the section above. However overwhelming they may seem, don’t let them hinder you from pursuing your dream of studying abroad.

Understanding basic everyday safety and remembering the following study abroad safety tips can help you stay confident and alert, and make the most of every moment of your study abroad journey.

Housing Safety Tips for International Students

Access on-campus security services: When choosing to live on campus, consider using university security services, such as escort services, 24-hour helplines, or apps that track you to your room at night. These services are offered by many leading international universities for your security, so don’t hesitate to avail yourself of them.

Create a network of friends: This is useful both when living on- and off-campus. It is one of the best tips to ensure personal safety when studying abroad. Join cultural societies and in-person and online friend groups, and find a buddy for late-night study sessions or outdoor trips. It will help you when you feel unsafe or alone.

Research thoroughly: When looking for suitable accommodation, always conduct thorough research. Only trust official university portals or reputed real estate agencies. Look for a neighborhood near the campus and public transportation.

Job Safety Tips for International Students

Know your visa rights: Working part-time while studying abroad is one of the best ways to manage your living expenses. However, ensure you are aware of your employment rights under your country of study's student visa to avoid exploitation. Check carefully the number of hours that you are legally permitted to work during the study term and holiday breaks.

Maintain documented records: Keep both physical and digital copies of all employment contracts (including part-time), job offers, and salary slips. They come in handy if you ever need to submit proof of adherence to visa guidelines and avoid potential problems.

Avoid taking up cash-in-hand jobs: As tempting as they may sound to help you manage your expenses in a jiffy, small jobs taken up without any formal contracts (such as those offering cash in hand upon job completion) may do more harm than good. They go against your visa rules and may land you in trouble, so steer clear of them, as far as possible.

Daily-Life Safety Tips for International Students

Use safe transport: The public transportation network, which includes official university shuttles, public buses, and licensed taxis, is far better for getting around the city at night than travelling in your own car. Additionally, rely on verified apps such as Bolt or Uber.

Be aware of your surroundings: Every neighbourhood is not safe, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the area that you reside in. Avoid being alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Always stay alert in public spaces and avoid using headphones to maintain situational awareness.

Make note of emergency numbers: They come in real handy at times of distress. Keep in mind the location of the nearest consulate or embassy of your country. Also, be sure to store the emergency contact numbers for essential services, such as the police, fire department, or hospital, in case of an emergency.

Studying abroad can be as concerning as exciting. However, as we discussed in this guide, being aware of a few things can help you maximise your study abroad experience without worry. What’s more? Expert study abroad consultants like IDP Education are also happy to offer complete guidance and support in ensuring that you have a safe study abroad experience in a foreign country. Here’s how we help international students like you take the first step overseas worry-free:

Pre-departure assistance: Before you leave for your favourite study abroad destination, IDP Education consultants conduct a pre-departure guidance session to help acquaint you with what to expect in the new land. We offer a comprehensive set of practical resources to help you transition smoothly.

Post-arrival support: Once you reach the country that you intend to study in, our experts provide a complete range of Student Essential Services (SES) to help you settle in comfortably in the first few weeks. From accommodation and SIM card issuance to banking and money transfer services, IDP Education takes care of it all.

Continual counsellor guidance: IDP Education experts are always happy to guide you through any queries, issues, or challenges that you may have during your study-abroad experience. Feel free to contact our consultants for a counselling session during our business hours.

The decision to study abroad is a lifetime opportunity to realise your dream. Avoid making it stressful by following the simple tips in this comprehensive guide. Remember, staying on your guard can help avert many untoward situations, and networking with like-minded students helps you feel supported on this new and adventurous journey. With the proper preparation and awareness, it is possible to focus less on the risks involved and more on learning and growth - the prime reason for you to study abroad.

1. What can I do to be safe in a foreign city as an international student?

Avoid being alone in unfamiliar areas; befriend other students to keep you company whenever you step out; and always thoroughly research the accommodation you choose in a foreign country. Additionally, keep all emergency contacts handy at all times.

2. What should Indian students know about housing overseas?

When choosing accommodation abroad, look for options that are relatively close to your university and within easy access to the public transport network. Shared rentals and on-campus accommodation are considered safer than private apartments.

3. How can I protect my personal information when living off-campus abroad?

Avoid sharing your daily routines or location on social media. Create strong passwords for your digital accounts and don’t share your personal details with strangers.

Study in Australia | Study in USA | Study in UK | Study in Canada | Study in Ireland | Study in New Zealand