Essential Safety Tips for Parents of University Students
Heading Off to University: What Parents Need to Know
Heading off to university or college can be overwhelming for both students and their families. Your teen is likely moving to a new city, living alone for the first time, and facing exciting new freedoms and challenges.
As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is probably how to help them stay safe in this new environment. This guide offers practical advice and tips to help you support your teen’s safety and confidence.
To support students and parents further, we offer an online course called ‘Stay Safe at University and College’ with essential self defence and personal safety advice.
Supporting your student’s independence starts with helping them stay safe
Understanding the Risks Your Student Faces
Students often become targets for criminals and predators because they may appear as easy victims who are:
New to the city and unfamiliar with the area
Distracted by studies, social events, and new experiences
Living in rented accommodation that may have poor security
Carrying valuables like laptops, phones, and bikes.
Statistics show:
Men and women aged 16 to 24 are more likely to be victims of sexual assault than older adults (Crime Survey for England and Wales 2020)
Full-time students experience higher rates of sexual assault compared to other occupations
Younger households are more susceptible to burglary than older ones (ONS 2017).
Being aware of these risks allows your family to take steps to prevent them.
Common Crimes Targeting University Students
Burglary: Theft of valuables from unsecured student housing
Phone snatching: Criminals target distracted students using phones or headphones
Bike theft: High bike usage among students leads to many thefts
Assault: May happen during robberies or due to conflicts involving alcohol or drugs
Sexual assault: Sometimes by a stranger but actually most assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
How YOU Can Help YOUR TEEN Stay Safe
Even though your child is growing up, your guidance is still vital.
Here are key ways you can support them:
Visit their new home and city before term starts to explore safe and potentially dodgy areas together
Help them handle issues with landlords, especially regarding accommodation security
Talk openly about personal safety without judgment to encourage honest conversations
Discuss potential “what-if” scenarios to help them prepare mentally
Encourage them to practice safety skills and consider self defence training.
Teaching Your Student to Trust Their Instincts
Trusting gut feelings is one of the most important personal safety skills.
Encourage your teen to pay attention to:
Uneasy stomach sensations or butterflies
Goosebumps
Tightness in the chest
Rapid heartbeat
Feelings of dread or anxiety.
If something feels “off,” it probably is. They are most likely feeling their gut instinct - a vital early warning sign.
Teach them to listen to it and never tell themselves they are overreacting or being silly.
They should act immediately by leaving the situation or seeking help.
Practical Preparation Tips for University Safety
Help your student to:
Research crime hotspots, safe taxi services, and night bus routes in their new area
Keep copies of important documents and emergency contacts safely stored
Plan outings with friends and share travel details with trusted contacts
Carry a fully charged phone and save money separately for taxis
Avoid excessive drinking and be cautious with drinks to prevent spiking
Walk in groups at night, stay in well-lit areas, and avoid shortcuts or parks after dark
Avoid using headphones or phones while walking to remain alert
Always lock bikes, even if unattended for a short time.
Always keep your drink with you and covered up.
Securing Student Accommodation: A Parent’s Guide
Student housing is often a target for burglary. Advise your teen to:
Ensure all windows and doors lock properly and request repairs if not
Add extra locks or bolts if possible on their bedroom for additional security - check out our self defence gadgets blog for an alarmed door wedge and a door lock that doesn’t need to be drilled in
Lock all windows and doors every time they leave, and encourage roommates to do the same
Use padlocks on garden gates or yards if applicable
Hide valuables in creative and secure places
Register belongings on Immobilise, including phone IMEI numbers
Take photographs of valuables and bikes, noting serial numbers
Consider insurance for high-value possessions.
Help your teen face university life confidently
What to Do if They Face Danger
Advise your teen that if threatened with theft, they should give up their belongings rather than fight. Property can be replaced; they can’t be.
Situations involving ‘social violence’, where someone feels disrespected or disempowered, can usually be de-escalated verbally, if they are willing to apologise and drop their ego.
In a situation unrelated to theft or social violence, if threatened with harm or attacked, they should:
Run away if possible
Shout, swear, scream and create distractions to draw attention
Target vulnerable areas (eyes, throat, groin) if forced to defend themselves
Use survival instincts and their whole body (bite, spit, scratch, shred, scream) to escape safely.
In our online course for students, we cover the different types of violence and how to respond, plus the physical moves that could save their life.
Tips for Parents: Staying Connected and Involved
Even as your child gains independence, your role remains important:
Maintain open communication and create a safe space for discussions
Visit their university town and accommodation together to help them feel secure
Support them in handling safety concerns with landlords or local services
Discuss safety regularly and encourage proactive behaviour
Share and practice safety skills together to build confidence.
STUDENT SAFETY - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I help my child stay safe at university?
A: Support them by discussing safety openly, helping plan safe routes, encouraging responsible behaviour, and exploring safety training options together.
Q: What precautions should students take at university?
A: Students should trust their instincts, avoid risky situations, secure their accommodation, keep belongings safe, and stay aware of their surroundings.
Q: Are there courses my teen can take to improve their safety skills?
A: Yes, our practical self defence and personal safety course is designed specifically for university students to build confidence and real-world skills.
Q: How can parents stay involved in their student’s safety?
A: Maintain open communication, visit their new city and accommodation, and encourage them to share their experiences and concerns without judgment.
Supporting Your Student with Self Defence and Safety Training
Your teen’s safety is priceless. Help them prepare with practical, proven self defence and safety skills.
Join thousands of students who’ve gained peace of mind through our training.