1. Life in London
Tom Barringer
Representation and Democracy Coordinator

2. Welcome to London!
The first thing you need to remember about life in London is – it’s great!
For two years in a row now, London has been named the world’s best city for students.

3. Meet the Police
The UK police are here to help. Your local police station is 12 Victoria Park Square, Tower Hamlets, E2 9NZ and is open 24 hours a day.

4. What is an emergency? Police emergency Medical emergency
When a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or if someone is injured, being threatened or in danger
Medical emergency
Call an ambulance when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Attend A&E (Accident & Emergency) when you are experiencing life threatening emergencies
loss of consciousness
acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
persistent, severe chest pain
breathing difficulties
severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
severe allergic reactions
severe burns or scalds

5. What to do in an emergency?
The UK emergency number is 999 and you will be asked which service you require:
Police
Ambulance
Fire Brigade
Coast Guard.
If you are living on campus you must also call security if you have called 999 so that they can direct the service to you. You can also call them first if you are unsure of calling 999.
Their number is or (emergency number)
Put this in your phone now for future reference. Security’s number

6. What to do what it’s not an emergency?
Medical Non emergency
You can visit a walk in centre, call 111 or make an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP).
Police non emergency
Call 101
Examples of a non-emergency: stolen item, damaged property

7. Law in the UK Weapons Smoking Hate Incidents/Crime
It is illegal to carry knives, blades or guns, including imitation guns. You will be prosecuted for buying, selling or carrying any weapons.
Smoking
It is illegal to smoke inside places that are open to the public such as pubs, restaurants and anywhere where people work.
Hate Incidents/Crime
in the UK Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person

8. More Law in the UK Driving Littering Sexual harassment/ sexual assault
In the UK you must have a valid license, insurance and obey the UK rules of the road. You must not drink alcohol or take drugs and then drive.
Littering
Throwing rubbish on the floor is littering and you can be given an on the spot £80 fine if you’re seen doing this. This includes cigarette butts.
Sexual harassment/ sexual assault
Unwanted verbal and physical behaviour of a sexual nature is illegal in the UK.

9. Stop and Question In the UK the Police have the right to:
Stop and question you at anytime
Search you (in some situations).
Stop and question: police powers
A police officer has the powers to stop you at any time and ask you:
What you are doing
Why you are in an area and/or where you’re going
You do not have to answer any questions the police officer ask you.

10. Stop and Search Stop and search: police powers
A police officer has powers to stop and search you if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you’re carrying:
Illegal drugs
a weapon
stolen property
Before you’re searched they must tell you:
their name, station and what they expect to find.
the reason they are searching you, why they can and that you can have a record of this.
Being searched doesn’t mean you’re being arrested.

11. Safety on Campus
Security is based in France house, opposite The Village Shop.
Most people are as nice as you – but not everyone is!
Do not leave your valuables unattended on the campus
Lock your room and windows when you are not in your room
Do not leave valuables in sight of your windows
Always lock your bike with a strong bike lock
CCTV covers the whole of the campus and buildings at QMUL. Only security have access.
You can contact security at any time and ask them to walk you across campus at night to your residences.

12. Safety at home Do not smoke indoors or light barbecues
Keep your windows shut if you’re not in your room or communal areas
Lock your doors at night and if you’re not in your room
Do not let people in you don’t know
Do not leave valuables in the communal areas.
Do not leave valuables in view from windows and doors
Insure your belongings
Get smoke alarms

13. Safety while out and about
Avoid isolated areas when you’re on your own and at night (this includes the canal and local parks)
Plan ahead! Try to print off a map before you somewhere you’re unsure of.
Never leave your phone unattended and if you have a smart phone download an immobilizing app
Do not approach people who ask you directions from a car
Do not leave bags unattended in public areas in London.
Citymapper

14. Travelling at night Taxi Public transport Walking
Cabwise You can text CAB to and they will use your GPS and send you the details of local taxi companies or use the Cabwise app.
Uber
Public transport
Night Bus and Night Tube:
Walking
Avoid isolated areas when you’re on your own and at night (this includes the canal and local park)
Plan your route before you leave
Tell housemates/ friends when you leave an event
Always tell a friend where you are going and two routes to get home.

15. Biometric replacement
You can report your Biometric residence permits (BRP) online and you can do this inside or outside of the UK
Lost inside UK
You must apply for replacement within 3 months and will cost you£56 to replace.
Lost outside UK
You will need a ‘replacement BRP visa which lets you enter the UK once and costs £189. You must them apply for a replacement within 1 month.

16. Alcohol
The legal age for buying alcohol is 18 and it is a crime to buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18
Do not feel pressured to drink more than you are comfortable with
Drink spiking:
Do not accept drinks from strangers
Do not leave your drink unattended
Do not drink something you did not see being opened

17. Drugs In the UK is it illegal to buy drugs or sell drugs.
CLASS A: heroin, cocaine, methadone, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD
CLASS B: cannabis, amphetamines, synthetic cannabinoids, Ketamine,
CLASS C: GHB/GBL steroids
For more information:

18. Dating and Relationships
You have access to free sexual health services:
Don’t feel pressurised into anything you are uncomfortable with
If you are going out with someone you don’t know well, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
Meet somewhere public and take your mobile
If you are scared by someone’s behaviour, and they will not leave you alone, contact your local police on 101
LGBT/same sex relationships are legal in the UK and there are areas in London which are safer spaces. The most famous one is Soho.

19. Banking Safety Never share your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
You may be able to sign up for Online banking
Do not carry large amounts of cash about
Do not give out your account number and sort code
If your bank cards are lost or stolen, phone your bank immediately
Check your statements and keep them safe
If you change address, tell your bank immediately

20. Useful Contacts
QMSU- Advice and counselling Nightline UKCISA Housing Security Emergency numbers: 999 (Police, Ambulance & Fire) (QMUL Security) Non emergency numbers: 101 (Police) 111 (NHS) (QMUL Security) QM Personal Safety Guide: