Whether you’re off on your travels, moving away for uni, or starting a new chapter in your life, it is vital that you stay safe. Here are our best tips for staying safe in a new city.
Research the City
Before you arrive, familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
Where is the nearest police station, or hospital?
Which bars and clubs have the best security?
Which roads are known to be difficult to drive?
How are the transport links?
How’s the phone signal?
While exploring the area for yourself may be an exciting part of your new journey, don’t let yourself be caught out.
Knowing where you are and what to do could potentially save you from some sticky situations in the early days.
Don’t Walk With Your Head Down
Google Maps can be great for navigating, but if you’re walking with your head in your phone and stopping every few metres to get your bearings, you run the risk of immediately outing yourself as someone who is unfamiliar with the area.
Living in a tourist hotspot in the Lakes, I see this all too often.
If you have to use internet navigation apps, try pairing them with your headphones and having the directions spoken to you.
Look straight ahead, and ask for directions in shops if you need them.
Avoid Posting About Your Move Online
Moving is an exciting thing! It can be tempting to post a snap of your new front door online, or a quick pic of you holding your keys, but be careful.
Online software can pinpoint your location just from a vague picture - just like @georainbolt, who you may have seen on TikTok.
Pictures of keys allow tech-savvy stalkers to 3D-print replicas of keys, which could be used to break in.
TikToker @cathypedrayes shares invaluable safety tips online that can help with living alone, to walking alone at night.
Research the Transport Links
If you can’t drive, or your car breaks down, you’re gonna need to know how to get around.
What bus company does your new area use? It might not be stagecoach.
Where is the nearest train station? How do you get to the main station?
Which taxi companies are most reputable and well-known?
Avoid telling Uber drivers or taxi drivers that you’re new to the area, and have them drop you off near, but not at, your home if possible. Not only are you staying safe, you’ll probably save a pound or two in mileage.
Listen to your gut
If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Simple as that.
Stay Connected
If you’re moving alone, ask a trusted friend or family member to join a family link app with you.
Apps like Life360 or Find My Friends can help a friend keep tabs on you and your safety, especially if you’re going out alone at night, or in the dark.
Create a safeword with a friend, so if you’re talking on the phone and you feel unsafe, they know to send help.
So…
We’re not here to scare you. Moving away from your hometown may be the best thing some of us ever do for ourselves, but can also be the scariest.
We hope that by sharing our tips with you, you can feel a bit more confident about moving.
Stay in contact with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
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