Student Safety, Security and Health

Safety and Security

Check before you leave:

Embassies and Consulates are an excellent source of country-specific information including safety, security, crime, medical facilities and traffic safety.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office - LOCATE

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers a service called LOCATE.  If you are a British national and travelling or living abroad you can register with the LOCATE service.

Why?

In the event  of an emergency, such as a natural disaster (earthquake, tsunami), civil disturbance, terrorist attack etc. the FCO or local British Embassy will contact you.

What are the benefits of registering with LOCATE?

  • If a major catastrophe occurs the FCO/British Embassy will have an instant record of your details so they can contact you to make sure you are okay and provide advice;
  • If family and friends need to get in touch with you the FCO can help them to find you;
  • LOCATE provides help in an emergency and aims to reduce delay and worry in times of stress for family and friends at home.

Details can be found at the FCO website

General safety:

It seems obvious, but please remember that not all things are the same as at home. Before you leave you should attend any briefing sessions organised by your College and/or the International Office.

You can overcome most problems with flexibility and common sense. Making yourself aware of your immediate area when you arrive will help you. You should attend orientation sessions at your host institution, which, as well as providing you with important information, are also an excellent way to meet other new students.

Key hazards (something with the power to do harm) are:

  • transport
  • accidental injury (eg from handling heavy items, sharp objects, falls)
  • fire
  • lone-working

Risks (the likelihood of harm occurring) can be reduced by:

  • road and vehicle safety awareness, forward journey planning
  • wearing protective clothing/equipment (eg hand or eye protection)/good quality footwear
  • awareness of procedures for obtaining first aid and calling the emergency services
  • regular communication with your Exeter co-ordinator, colleagues and family (mobile phone calls and texts, email)

Culture shock:

Living in an environment which is culturally different from what you are used to at home is exciting, but it can also be disorientating and may make you feel emotionally and even physically unwell at times. This experience is called "culture shock". Feelings of culture shock are experienced by many people as they get used to living in a new cultural environment. Some typical causes of culture shock are differences in: personal freedom, privacy, accommodation, relationships between people, the way people dress and act in public, and learning and teaching styles.

Being able to share experiences with friends can help you cope with culture shock so for health reasons make sure you spend at least some time socialising, even if you are very busy with your studies. Your host university can help you find out about social activities during your time abroad where you can have fun and meet like-minded people.  If you think you are experiencing culture shock ask for help.  Your hosts, your Exeter co-ordinator, and the International Office will be able to help you.

Culture shock and homesickness factsheet

Culture shock pre-departure video

Theft:

Be responsible for yourself. Only take essential items with you. Do not keep your valuables on windowsills.  Be careful when considering inviting new acquaintances home. Don't forget your insurance documents.

Alcohol:

You should never feel pressured into drinking. Check the legal drinking age in your host country. Again, be aware of your surroundings and the people you are with and how you are going to get home safely.

Gender issues:

Women travelling alone should always be aware and observant and the following tips may help when faced with an uncomfortable situation:

  • Do not be alone with a stranger. This includes anyone in your residence - ask for their identification if you are unsure.
  • If you find yourself in a difficult situation remove yourself as quickly as possible.
  • Turn the conversation around by asking some questions. Be in control by initiating rather than reacting to events.
  • If this fails, tell the other person very directly to stop whatever is bothering you. Be specific, be calm and be serious.
  • Firmly say "no" to any unwanted invitation and give address information only to people who can be trusted. Be cautious until you can be confident.
  • Stay in public areas.

Sexual Harassment is unacceptable wherever you are. If you find yourself in such a situation please seek help from your host university to determine a course of action.

Health

Insurance:

You must arrange comprehensive health and travel insurance before you depart.

Inoculations and vaccinations:

You should ensure that your inoculations and vaccinations are up-to-date and we recommend that you are vaccinated against Meningitis C and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).

Prescriptions and other medicines:

If you are prescribed or take any regular medication for an ongoing health condition please ensure you have access to a regular supply for the entire period of study abroad as medications, trade names and dosage levels may vary. Make sure that you label medication and keep it in containers that clearly show the prescription. If you need to take a large amount of medication it is advisable to ask your doctor to provide you with a diagnosis/prescription describing the medicine. It sounds obvious, but students who wear glasses or contact lenses should take a spare pair and plenty of contact solution if needed.

Contraceptives:

Funny names, funny packaging, funny product. Be safe.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):

Lack of adequate precaution means you could be at risk. If you suspect you have contracted an STD see a doctor immediately.

AIDS:

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seems to have dropped out of the news but it has been reported in over 125 countries.  It is thought to be more widespread and there is still no vaccine. As with most situations, use your common sense and follow these simple guidelines:

  • Avoid unprotected sex
  • Don't use illicit injectable drugs
  • Don't share hypodermic needles
  • Don't use or touch contaminated, unsterilised syringes or needles
  • Don't get a tattoo

It is your responsibility to stay safe.

Emotional health:

This really should not come at the end of the list because it is just as important as the previous health issues. New surroundings, new language and new people all affect our means of communicating. Homesickness is another common emotional reaction and should not be dismissed as insignificant - many students feel like a fish out of water at first. Being aware of what is happening to you is the first step towards coping. Talking things through also helps, so keep in contact with friends and family and work hard to create a new support network.