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Newport, a famous student-city in Wales, United Kingdom is one of the leading destinations for international students. Home to the renowned University of South Wales, the city is known for its academic opportunities and excellent student life.

However, being an international student is not easy, especially when you are all that you have in a new country. In this article, some essential security tips are given for international students when they move abroad to Newport for their higher education. 

Security Tips for International Students: 

Before Arrival

There are some things that international students must take care of before they move to Newport for their education. First and the most important one is to research well about your destination, which is Newport, United Kingdom. In this research, make sure you understand their laws, local customs and their safety and security provisions. Are there any special laws for international students? How safe is the city for international students? Research more such questions to get a better understanding of the city you will be moving to.

Personal Safety 

Remember, you are all that you have when you move away to a new country for your education. Therefore, it is important to take care of your personal safety. You can do this by staying aware of what you are surrounded by. This includes the area you are living in, people around you, what belongings you have, and to be on the safer side, avoid walking alone at night. 

One of the most important things to do whenever you go out is keep emergency contact numbers accessible and handy. Just keeping them saved in your phone is not enough, as the battery can die anytime. So, either have it memorized or keep it in your pocket for emergencies. These emergency contacts can include your parents, accommodation host, insurance provider, and more.  

Accommodation

Finding student accommodation is one of the most hectic and crucial parts of your study abroad journey. Since you cannot physically check the accommodation before booking, it is essential to at least have a virtual tour. Moreover, always check the area in which the accommodation is located. It is preferable to live in a common student area and look for the crime rates in the area. If possible, take feedback from alumni or people living there.  

When you reach Newport, make sure you check the accommodation, including the utilities and amenities offered. Once you have checked everything, read the contract thoroughly and then only sign it. In case of any misunderstanding or incorrect statement, talk to your landlord immediately and ask for a revised contract. This way, you can save yourself from any fraud. Along with this, it is also essential to make friends whom you can trust, who can also look after your belongings when you’re away.  

Digital Security 

International students need to be very careful with their data, such as bank account, social media, government accounts, and more. Make sure your devices such as Mobile, Laptop, iPad and more are protected with strong passwords, face-locks and more. Never share your passwords with anyone, no matter how close you are to them. Moreover, avoid connecting to public networks, because you never know what can go wrong. Lastly, check for regular software updates and viruses, to make sure you don’t lose your data. 

Travel

When you go abroad, you need to keep a lot of important documents handy. These include your identity proof, Visa, Passport, Health Insurance, and more. Make sure you carry them in a hard folder which is waterproof as well. You cannot risk these documents! Also, make sure you have copies of them that are with your family or a trusted friend or in a locked drawer in your accommodation.  

When traveling anywhere in the city, respect and obey the laws and customs of the city. Never do something that could get you into any kind of trouble. And if your gut ever tells you that something is wrong, trust it. Like mentioned above, keep emergency numbers on your tip and avoid traveling alone at night to secluded areas. 

Health and Well-being

Before moving to Newport, understand your medical insurance thoroughly. Knowing what your insurance covers will help you in knowing when and where to seek help during medical emergencies. It is crucial for students to stay in touch with their family and loved ones. Whenever you go out for parties or work or anywhere, always have someone informed about your whereabouts. By staying connected to your loved ones, you are not just looking after yourself but them as well. Lastly, keep yourself as a priority. Always look after yourself and your mental health. Moving away can be overwhelming for many students, therefore it is essential that you talk it through with your loved ones and seek help when needed. 

Additional Tips

Every university has local safety resources, so make sure you are aware of them and their use. If your university hosts any campus safety orientation, make sure you attend, understand and raise questions if any. If you plan on traveling to your home or for a vacation, make sure someone has details of your whereabouts or even your location. 

Conclusion

Always remember that your safety is your own responsibility, especially when you are in a new country and city. Therefore, always think before taking any decisions, as the wrong ones can have negative consequences for you. All the best!