Safety is becoming an increasingly important factor in deciding where to study. It could be especially important when you plan to study abroad, in a different country and culture.

The United Kingdom is seen by many students around the world as a relatively safe country, thanks to its rich cultural diversity, lack of a gun culture, and its accessible, high-quality healthcare system. However, no place in the world is 100 percent safe, and the most important thing is awareness.

So what are the characteristics that make a university safe?

• Location, location, location

The safest universities are likely to be located outside major cities, either in small cities and towns or rural areas.

• Campus

Universities that have self-contained campuses are also more likely to be safer, as the universities are better able to enforce security measures designed to keep students and staff safe.

Here is a list of the top 10 safest universities in the UK:

1. University of Buckingham
2. University of Winchester
3. Harper Adams University
4. Aberystwyth University
5. Durham University
6. Buckinghamshire New University
7. Falmouth University
8. Bath Spa University
9. University of Hertfordshire
10. Edge Hill University

Of course, just because University A is statistically safer than University B, it does not mean that University B is a bad place to study. Some of the globally highest-ranking universities are located in big metropolises. Crime rates should not be the end-all-be-all of your decision-making process of choosing a unoversity to study at, you should still be as informed as possible about the safety issues of your chosen university. For many students, studying in the university will be the first time that they would have to look after themselves. Therefore, it's best to be prepared.

We have put together the following list of top security tips to help to keep you safe at Uni:

• Make sure your doors and windows are locked, and any valuables are hidden out of sight when you leave your room or flat.
• Take expensive items home with you over the holidays. There is nothing like an empty student flat to tempt burglars.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Stay with your friends (preferably in a group), and if you need to get home alone, take a reputable taxi. Reputable taxis can be found at official taxi ranks or by calling a well-known and trustworthy taxi company.
• When you go out, be aware of your alcohol limits and avoid getting drunk. You don’t want to make yourself an easy target for crime. Make sure you never drink on an empty stomach, and it’s a good idea to drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. Never let your drink out of your sight or accept drinks from strangers - drinks are easy to spike with drugs.
• Make sure your mobile phone is always charged and that you have phone credit before you go out. However, don’t let yourself get distracted by your mobile phone when you’re out – mobile phones can be stolen right from your hands, and if you’re paying too much attention to your phone, you might not be paying enough attention to your other belongings.
• It’s a good idea to invest in a good bicycle lock (or two). Spending a few extraInter pounds on a high-quality lock is wise, as determined thieves will be prepared to cut through a cheap lock.
• Keep track of the registration and serial numbers of your possessions, especially electronic goods. A UV pen can be used to mark belongings such as bicycles.