This decision is huge as many things come into account such as academic programs offered, expertise of faculty and resources in the campus; but there is something which is just as crucial in making the decision of which college or university to go to-the place of the university. In selecting where to attend a college or university, one’s safety and security often depend on other factors besides wanting to attend school in another city to get away and start over, or so that the student may attend a local college.
We strive to be the safest place, and at ZAM FM Ltd, we shine in staying informed and making the community aware of the local security concerns. This is done by regularly updating individuals on the safest and most precarious regions. Our latest analysis is focused on the purpose of pointing out areas that pose severe risks to students’ safety, discussing specific issues which make such locations undesirable, and noting areas best avoided by those concerned with personal safety.
How We Source & Display Our Data
In order to ensure that the report is accurate and transparent, we use the latest data available from government sources supplemented with figures from independent aggregators. This method gives a comprehensive view of the regions with the highest crime rates affecting students in the UK.
We report these statistics as a ratio—crimes per 1,000 residents—that includes students living in university housing or in local rental properties. This makes the data easier to place in context, factoring in population size and density of area.
The data is further arranged such that it segregates from city to city or from town to town, if necessary, in order not to confuse one another when making comparisons, especially given the relevance of cities or their towns. Therefore, although the University of Leicester is a different school from the De Montfort University, both are actually under one city, therefore crime stats for both have been classified under Leicester. Such is the format through which light will be given to both the students interested in student life and possibly decision.
While we include detailed crime rates for most of London’s boroughs, institutions as large as King’s College London or the University of London fall under the single entry of “London.” This is because their campuses sprawl over several boroughs including Camden and Westminster.
London’s overall crime rate currently stands at 115.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, therefore ranking it at 26th of the UK’s most dangerous cities for students. Since London doesn’t appear on our top 25 dangerous places, let’s include it here in an added information to even better frame the wider picture of safety.
Key Crimes Affecting Students Throughout the UK
Students tend to be most susceptible to a large scale of crimes. In hall and students’ neighborhood congested populations, one crime tends to lead to multiple others due to its effect in these close areas.
Crime data coming from student cities and communities is alarming. Current statistics show that violent crime and theft in regions of students’ population nearly is doubled that of other non-student residential regions.
Student areas have seen the burglary and theft rates rise mainly targeting cafes, bars, and student homes. Statistics with Manchester City Council indicate a rise in burglary of student homes to more than 1,000 every academic year. The figures can only increase with each start of an academic term.
This same data also reveals that one in ten students will, in fact, experience a crime during their time in the city. This falls in line with a larger trend within the city, in that the overall crime rate has been increasing and, naturally, the compactness of student housing only increases those rates.
Our results also suggest that this rate-almost one in ten students a victim of crime-applies nationally, an average university city crime rate of 101.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, or roughly one crime per ten people.
Although crime varies from one student city to another, some cities have been far worse than others. Now we look closer at what cities are most dangerous to students and why.
The Top 25 Most Dangerous Areas For Students
We are set to detail the 25 most precarious areas for students across the UK, pinpointing what specifically contributes to making these cities and towns less attractive to students, businesses, and residents who settle for longer periods.
#25 – University Of Salford (Salford)
Overall Crime Rate: 116.7 Per 1000 People – New Entry
Despite its vibrant student life and proximity to the notable Media City, Salford is becoming increasingly recognized for its high crime rates. With an overall crime rate of 116.7 per 1,000 people, the area presents significant concerns. Statistics reveal high incidents of violent crime, theft, and criminal damage, positioning Salford prominently on our list of risky locales for students.
#24 – Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent)
Overall Crime Rate: 117.7 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Situated on the banks of the River Trent, Stoke-on-Trent combines scenic views with rich historical ties to the pottery industry. This city attracts 18,500 students with its wide course selection. However, a high crime rate of 117.7 per 1,000 people raises concerns, with theft, criminal damage, and public order offences being particularly high, overshadowing its educational appeal.
#23 – University of South Wales (Newport)
Overall Crime Rate: 117.9 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Newport, known for its recent redevelopment and proximity to Cardiff, is home to over 30,000 students annually at the University of South Wales. Nonetheless, the city’s crime rate stands at 117.9 per 1,000 residents. Detailed figures point to elevated rates of violent crime, criminal damage, and shoplifting, making Newport a less desirable location for student safety.
#22 – University Of Huddersfield (Huddersfield)
Overall Crime Rate: 118.4 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Known for its sporting culture and heritage, Huddersfield is home to nearly 20,000 students across over 200 academic programs. Yet, it is marked by a crime rate of 118.4 per 1,000 residents. This includes high numbers in public order offences, antisocial behaviour, and shoplifting, highlighting significant safety concerns for students.
#21 – University Of East London (Newham)
Overall Crime Rate: 120.3 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
In the bustling Borough of Newham, the University of East London serves approximately 25,000 students. Concerns are growing with a crime rate of 120.3 per 1,000 people. Theft dominates the crime statistics, followed by significant rates of vehicle crime, criminal damage, and drug-related offences, challenging the safety perceptions in the area.
#20 – University of Bristol, University of the West of England (Bristol)
Overall Crime Rate: 120.7 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Bristol, a vibrant hub in the South West, is home to over 65,000 students across its two main universities. Despite its appeal, the city experiences a high crime rate of 120.7 per 1,000 residents. The leading concerns include theft, violent crime, and public order offences, which affect both students and the general populace, making Bristol a notable mention in our analysis.
#19 – University of Portsmouth (Portsmouth)
Overall Crime Rate of 120.7 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Portsmouth, a city known for its seaside charm and rich maritime history, also boasts a vibrant nightlife that attracts many students. However, the city is also noted for its high crime rates, which can overshadow its more attractive features. With a significant student population of approximately 31,000, Portsmouth’s crime rate of 120.7 crimes per 1000 people highlights the pressing concerns in areas such as violent crime, theft, and criminal damage, making it a challenging environment for students.
#18 – Hartpury University (Gloucester)
Overall Crime Rate of 121 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Gloucester may appear quaint and serene, but its inclusion on this list as a risky area for students may come as a surprise to many. Home to Hartpury University, which hosts over 4,000 students annually, the city records a crime rate of 121 incidents per 1000 people. Key issues include public order offences, shoplifting, and criminal damage, contributing to its ranking as one of the more hazardous locations for students.
#17 – University of Birmingham, Birmingham City, Birmingham Newman (Birmingham)
Overall Crime Rate of 121.2 Crimes Per 1000 People – Fell by 9 Places
Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, is a bustling hub that offers a lot to students across several universities, totaling over 72,000 students. Despite its appeal, Birmingham struggles with a high crime rate of 121.2 per 1000 residents. The city’s crime statistics are concerning, especially in the areas of violent crime and vehicle-related offences, significantly impacting student life and safety.
#16 – University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University (Nottingham)
Overall Crime Rate of 121.5 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Nottingham, a city steeped in legend and rich sporting heritage, draws approximately 70,000 students to its universities. Despite its popularity, Nottingham faces significant challenges with crime, recording an overall rate of 121.5 crimes per 1000 residents. Issues such as theft, violent crime, and criminal damage are particularly prevalent, painting a complex picture of student safety in the city.
#15 – Northumbria University, Newcastle University (Newcastle)
Overall Crime Rate of 122.1 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Known for its vibrant nightlife, Newcastle attracts not just party-goers but also a large student population, with around 65,000 students enrolled at its universities. Despite its attractions, Newcastle is confronted with substantial crime issues, including high rates of violent crime, shoplifting, and criminal damage, which affect both students and the general populace.
#14 – University of Leicester & De Montfort University (Leicester)
Overall Crime Rate of 122.5 Crimes Per 1000 People – No Change
Leicester combines ancient charm with modern vibrancy, hosting over 50,000 students at its two major universities. Despite its appeal, the city’s crime rate of 122.5 per 1000 residents presents significant safety challenges, particularly with violent crime, drug offences, and robbery, all of which have seen substantial increases in recent years.
#13 – Queen Mary University of London (Tower Hamlets)
Overall Crime Rate: 123.9 Crimes per 1,000 People – New Entry
Queen Mary University of London, located in the historically rich borough of Tower Hamlets, draws thousands of students each year with its blend of historic appeal and vibrant student life. Despite the area’s allure, it faces significant safety challenges with a crime rate of 123.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most common crime in Tower Hamlets is theft, which constitutes over 30% of all reported incidents. Other prevalent issues include public order offenses, burglary, and drug-related crimes, underscoring the complex safety landscape that students must navigate.
#12 – London South Bank University (Southwark)
Overall Crime Rate: 126.2 Crimes per 1,000 People – New Entry
Nestled in the bustling tourist area of Elephant and Castle, London South Bank University is considered a hidden gem. Despite its charm and academic reputation, Southwark, where it’s located, has a troubling crime rate of 126.2 crimes per 1,000 people. Theft, making up almost 40% of all criminal activity in the area, is particularly rampant. The challenges do not stop there; the area also struggles with high rates of vehicle crimes, criminal damage, and drug offenses, presenting a mixed safety record for the local student population.
#11 – University of Bradford (Bradford)
Overall Crime Rate: 127.8 Crimes per 1,000 People – Down by 6 Places
Bradford, a city known for its multicultural vibrancy and large student population, is home to the University of Bradford. Despite its cultural richness and appeal, Bradford has a crime rate of 127.8 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it among the more challenging university locations in terms of safety. Key concerns include high rates of violent crime, public order offenses, and criminal damage, which together paint a picture of the significant safety considerations students must contend with.
#10 – University Of Southampton & Solent University (Southampton)
Overall Crime Rate: 128.8 Crimes per 1,000 People – Up 2 Places
Southampton, a scenic coastal city, is not just a popular tourist destination but also a hub for higher education, hosting over 31,000 students across its universities. Despite its many attractions and high ranking in the UK university league tables, Southampton reports a crime rate of 134.1 crimes per 1,000 people. The city sees a high number of violent offenses, which account for about 40% of all crimes. Additionally, theft and weapon possession rates are significantly higher than the regional average, highlighting critical areas of concern for student safety.
#9 – University Of Leeds, Leeds Beckett, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Arts University (Leeds)
Overall Crime Rate: 129 Crimes per 1,000 People – Down by 6 Places
Leeds, a major educational and cultural center in the North of England, is favored by a large number of students thanks to its vibrant nightlife and economic opportunities. However, the city’s crime rate of 129 crimes per 1,000 people places it high on the list of challenging environments for student safety. Violent crime is the most significant issue, but high rates of theft and burglary also contribute to the city’s placement on this list. Students considering Leeds must weigh these factors carefully when deciding on their educational future.
#8 – London Metropolitan University (Islington)
Overall Crime Rate of 131.5 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
London Metropolitan University, located in the bustling borough of Islington, is a cornerstone of higher education in London. Despite its esteemed reputation and vibrant surroundings, Islington’s high crime rate of 131.5 crimes per 1,000 people poses significant safety challenges for its 13,500 students. The borough’s crime statistics are particularly troubling with high incidents of violent crime, shoplifting, and burglary, suggesting an upward trend in criminal activity.
#7 – University of Lincoln & Bishop Grosseteste (Lincoln)
Overall Crime Rate of 131.9 Crimes Per 1000 People – Up by 3 Places
The historic city of Lincoln, home to the University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste, offers a rich blend of history and modernity, attracting over 18,000 students. Despite its appeal, Lincoln’s crime rate of 131.9 crimes per 1,000 people raises serious safety concerns. High incidences of violent crime, shoplifting, and criminal damage, especially around student housing areas, underscore the city’s security challenges.
#6 – University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope, Liverpool John Moore’s (Liverpool)
Overall Crime Rate of 132 Crimes Per 1000 People – Up by 3 Places
Liverpool, a vibrant center for nightlife, arts, and culture, hosts a large student population across its major universities, including Liverpool Hope and John Moore’s, totaling 60,000 students. The city’s crime rate has reached a peak of 132 crimes per 1,000 people. Significant issues include a high rate of violent and sexual crimes, with notable increases in public order offenses, drug-related incidents, and criminal damage.
#5 – University of Hull (Hull)
Overall Crime Rate of 132.2 Crimes Per 1000 People – New Entry
Kingston-Upon-Hull, or Hull, integrates its Yorkshire heritage with modern amenities, making it an attractive place for about 16,000 students at the University of Hull. Despite this, Hull’s crime rate of 132.2 crimes per 1,000 residents is alarming. The city shows high numbers of violent crime, theft, as well as significant rates of stalking, harassment, public order offenses, and shoplifting.
#4 – Imperial College London (Kensington & Chelsea)
Overall Crime Rate of 164.5 Crimes Per 1000 People – No Change
Imperial College London, located in the affluent borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is one of the UK’s top universities. Surprisingly, the borough records a high crime rate of 164.5 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it among the riskier areas for students. Theft is particularly prevalent, including high rates of personal theft, burglary, and robbery.
#3 – University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan, RNC of Music (Manchester)
Overall Crime Rate of 165.9 Crimes Per 1000 People – Down 1 Place
Manchester, known as a major UK city, houses three significant educational institutions which collectively cater to over 80,000 students. The city’s crime rate is at an all-time high of 165.9 crimes per 1,000 people. Predominant issues include violent crime and theft, with a very high incidence of residential burglary, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures.
#2 – Teesside University (Middlesbrough)
Middlesbrough, the location of Teesside University and its 22,697 students, is renowned for its rich contributions to art, culture, and sports. However, it also faces significant challenges with crime, recording an overall rate of 167.6 crimes per 1000 residents. The city has experienced consistent increases in crime year after year. The most pressing issue remains violent crime, with 9,394 reported incidents, nearly twice the regional average. Other notable crime statistics in the area include criminal damage with 3,187 offences, shoplifting with 2,203 offences, and drug-related crimes, which have reached 1,069 offences.
#1 – Birkbeck, University College London, Royal Veterinary College (Camden)
Camden, home to six of London’s top academic institutions including University College London, is an area rich with cultural landmarks like its famous market. Yet, it holds the dubious distinction of having the highest crime rate among areas with significant student populations, with an overwhelming 180.3 crimes per 1000 people. Theft is the most prevalent crime here, with a staggering 21,988 offences, almost half of all crimes in the area. Camden also records high numbers in burglary (2,496 offences), criminal damage (1,997 offences), and robbery (1,868 offences), marking it as a particularly challenging environment for student safety.
