Choosing your university or further education destination is a tough decision. It’s one that many of us spend significant time pondering over, especially with regards to our courses, our lecturers and the facilities on hand to aid in our studies.
Outside of all that, though, location is a huge determiner in the university we choose and why. Some may choose a fresh start in a new city or town, while others will pick based on its close proximity to homes and families. However, crime rates and criminal activity cast the choices we make into doubt.
At Churchill Support Services, we’ve long been committed to transparent reporting and objective reporting, especially when it comes to ensuring the continued safety of communities across the UK. You’ll see this in our regularly updated countdowns of London’s most dangerous areas, as well as our look at the safest areas in the North West.
With our latest piece, we’ll explore the most dangerous areas for students, why the risks and issues are so serious, and the places to avoid if you’re concerned about your security.
In the interests of clarity and open reporting, we’ll be using the latest information from official governmental sources, alongside cross-referencing these numbers with independent aggregators and sources, to give a clear overview of the most dangerous student cities and towns across the UK.
We’ll then display this as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1,000 people living in the area, including those who are in student accommodation or rented homes and apartments. This not only allows us to make the information we’ve sourced more digestible, but it means we can take into account key variables, like population and area density.
We’ve opted to break this down by city or town, in the interests of keeping our article as focused as possible. For instance, you’ll only see one statistic for the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, as both of these fall under the Leicester area, but both universities will be listed to help you make an informed decision.
Similarly, while we’ve given the crime rates for many of London’s boroughs below, we’ve opted to classify certain universities (such as King’s College London, or University of London) as simply London. This is because they’re either located across multiple boroughs – such as Camden and Westminster – or have multiple campuses across the city/
These do not feature in the rankings as London’s overall crime rate of 115.1 crimes per 1,000 residents means it sits at 26th in the UK’s most dangerous cities for students, but we thought it prudent to make you aware.
It may come as no surprise that students are among the most susceptible and vulnerable to a huge range of crimes and criminal behaviour. Indeed, with many students living in close proximity to each other in halls, student residences and neighbourhoods, there’s often a “knock-on” effect in that, when one crime occurs, a spate can trigger.
The data on crime in student communities and cities makes for grim reading, to say the least. The latest figures show that, in student communities, the rates of violent crime and theft are almost twice as high as domestic or non-student properties.
Perhaps more worryingly, theft and burglary have seen spikes across student areas, especially as small shops, bars and student properties are targeted by opportunistic thieves. Data from Manchester City Council (MCC) estimates that over 1000 student properties are burgled each year, with that only set to rise as we approach each new academic year.
In fact, the same dataset from MCC suggests that more than 1 in 10 students in the city will, over the course of their residency, be a victim of crime. That’s compounded by the city’s overall soaring rate of crime, and the closely-compacted nature of student areas.
Our data shows that MCC’s approximation (1 in 10 students will be a victim of crime) is consistent across the country, with the average crime rate for university cities sitting at 101.3 crimes per 1000 residents, or a shade above 1 crime per 10 people.
Of course, not all student cities are the same, and there are undoubtedly places that are much worse than others when it comes to instances of crime and criminal behaviour. Let’s break that down in more detail, and look at what stacks up to be the most dangerous area for students.
We’ll examine the 25 most dangerous areas for students across the UK, and look at exactly what makes those cities and towns such an unappealing prospect for both students, businesses and more permanent residents.
Synonymous with the glittering lights and metropolitan lifestyle afforded by its close proximity to the infamous Media City, Salford’s attractiveness is compounded by its exceptional student life, with more than 450 courses hosting over 23,000 students. There’s mounting concern in the region’s crime rate, however, which sits at a concerning 116.7 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Worrying statistics across violent crime (12,973 offences), theft (8,436 offences), and criminal damage (3,140 offences) all cement Salford’s position among the most dangerous areas for student life.
One of England’s most historic cities, and closely tied with its history in pottery, Stoke is nestled upon the banks of the leafy River Trent, and offers sweeping vistas across the Staffordshire countryside. That’s no doubt a draw for the 18,500 students, alongside the university’s extensive range of courses.
Undercutting that undoubted appeal, however, is the city’s overarching crime rate of 117.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. A deeper dive uncovers much more areas for concern, including soaring figures across many of the major causes for concern – theft (8,384 incidents), criminal damage (3,254 incidents), and public order offences (2,773 incidents).
With Newport’s substantial redevelopment and growth over the last year, and its close proximity to the Welsh capital, it’s easy to see why the University of South Wales attracts more than 30,000 attendees each academic year. There’s a sour note for students in the city’s crime rate, however, which hovers at a disconcerting 117.9 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Look more closely, and we uncover what exactly makes Newport one of the more dangerous areas for students across the UK. Soaring figures across violent crime (6,999 offences), criminal damage (2,216 offences) and shoplifting (2,098 offences) are just the tip of the iceberg.
Predominantly known for its sporting endeavours across both football and rugby, the town of Huddersfield harbours a keen sense of heritage, as well as the northern spirit that its home county of Yorkshire is well-known for. That’s particularly apparent in its proud component of almost 20,000 students, split across the university’s 200+ courses.
However, Huddersfield earns a spot on our list largely thanks to its concerning overall crime rate of 118.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. That’s compounded by worrying statistics across many of the major areas for student concern – public order offences (1,875 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1,391 incidents) and shoplifting (1,214 incidents).
The first of London’s myriad universities to make the rankings of the most dangerous student areas, the University of East London is nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of the Borough of Newham. Hosting an estimated 25,000 students, there’s creeping concerns around the region’s crime rate of 120.3 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Theft (14,145 offences) is the most prevalent issue for the borough, accounting for just shy of 1 in every 3 crimes across Newham. That comes in addition to equally worrying figures in vehicle crime (5,128 offences), criminal damage (2,298 offences), and drug crime (1,858 offences).
A jewel in the South West, the industrious city of Bristol has seen significant makeovers in recent years, emerging as a chic, modern option for the discerning visitor. That’s resulted in a burgeoning student population that regularly exceeds 65,000, split across two separate campuses. Both of these are subject to the same issues with crime, however, with Bristol seeing 120.7 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Across the Bristol area, there’s particularly prevalent problems with theft (20,147 incidents), violent crime (19,284 incidents), and public order offences (6,612 incidents), all of which are major concerns for both the student and civilian populations.
Our full report on the most dangerous areas of Bristol breaks it all down if you’re looking to move to the city.
On the banks of the Solent, the seaside city of Portsmouth offers coastal vistas, strong maritime history and a glittering nightlife. It’s a potent mix, and one that’s proven to attract students to the area, with an estimated 31,000 calling the city their term-time home. Those impressive features are overshadowed by the city’s issues with crime, though.
The headline statistic – and the one that prompts Portsmouth’s inclusion among the most dangerous student cities – is its overall crime rate, which sits at a dizzying 120.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Behind that overarching figure are equally concerning numbers in violent crime (10,411 offences), theft (7,135 offences) and criminal damage (2,125 offences).
One of the more quaint cities across the UK, it’ll no doubt be a surprise to see Gloucester make the rankings of the most dangerous areas for students across the UK. However, the home of Hartpury University (and more than 4,000 students during the academic year) ranks at eighteenth, with an overall crime rate of 121 crimes per 1,000 residents.
That encompasses high figures across many of the major concerns for students and residents alike, including public order offences (1,811 incidents), shoplifting (1,743 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (1,112 incidents).
The UK’s second-largest city, and a major contributor to the local and national economy, Birmingham offers plenty to draw in the student crowds. Across the city’s major universities, as well as Aston University and University College Birmingham, there’s more than 72,000 students contending with the city’s shocking crime rate of 121.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
With student accommodation and amenities often being closely compacted, the city’s figures in both violent crime (57,677 offences) and vehicle crimes (13,714 offences) are naturally hugely concerning. That comes in addition to a rate of robbery (4,477 offences) that’s more than 40% higher than the West Midlands average.
You can read a comprehensive breakdown of all Birmingham’s residential areas in our full report.
Well and truly cemented among myth and legend with its close connection to Robin Hood, as well as its more tangible iconic status in its sporting heritage, there’s much to draw in the student crowds in Nottingham. In fact, the city’s twin universities attract an estimated 70,000 students, which the ONS estimate accounts for around 13% of the city’s total population.
However, in spite of its indisputable popularity, the city faces equally undeniable issues with criminality. An overall crime rate of 121.5 crimes per 1,000 residents only gives a partial overview, with high rates of theft (13,754 offences), violent crime (13,076 offences), and criminal damage (3,772 offences) completing an unsavoury picture.
Ranked among the UK’s best cities for its nightlife, Newcastle doesn’t just draw in the party crowds. With a student population of around 65,000 during the academic year, split across the twin campuses of both Northumbria and Newcastle University, there’s much to draw in the more studious crowd too.
Undercutting that, though, is the city’s ongoing issues with crime. Violent crime (13,109 incidents) is the most prominent issue, but there’s also mounting concerns around the rates of shoplifting (3,829 incidents), criminal damage (3,783 incidents) and public order offences (3,527 incidents).
An ancient city that’s been thoroughly catapulted into the 21st Century, it’s easy to see Leicester’s appeal. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the city’s two thriving universities, which together host more than 50,000 students, alongside making major contributions to the economy. However, that reputation is tainted by the city’s soaring rate of crime – 122.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (17,616 incidents) is the most pressing issue for the city and its residents, having seen a rise of more than 40% over previous years. There’s equally worrying numbers across drug offences (2,059 incidents) and robbery (590 incidents), both of which are almost double the figures for any of the city’s surrounding areas.
Discover our complete report on Leicester’s most dangerous living areas here.
So named for the infamous monarch of the early 16th century, the historic nature of the university is matched by its surrounding borough of Tower Hamlets. Indeed, that’s proved a draw for quite a few students, with the uni seeing an estimated attendance of 33,000 students each academic year. That’s largely overshadowed by the region’s crime rate of 123.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, though.
Theft (12,036 offences) is the most prominent issue for those living in the borough, accounting for just over 30% of all criminal activity in Tower Hamlets. That’s in addition to equally concerning figures across public order offences (2,846 incidents), burglary (2,530 incidents) and drug offences (1,972 incidents).
In one of the more tourist-friendly areas of the capital, the iconic South Bank University in the Elephant and Castle area is perhaps a hidden gem of London. Its size belies that anonymity, though, with around 15,000 students enjoying the academic surroundings it affords. Southwark’s crime rate casts a looming shadow over the area, though, with 126.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
As with much of London, theft (16,188 offences) is the most prevalent issue, but the scale of the problem is magnified in Southwark, where theft offences count for almost 40% of all criminal activity in the area. That’s in addition to equally worrying figures across vehicle crimes (3,053 offences), criminal damage (2,203 offences) and drug crime (1,343 incidents).
Arguably one of Yorkshire’s biggest hotspots, and a melting pot of multiculturalism and diversity, the city of Bradford unsurprisingly presents an attractive option for its huge cohort of 12,000 students from across the globe. Less attractive is the city’s crime rate, which perches at 127.8 crimes per 1,000 residents.
That alone is enough to see Bradford enter the rankings for the most dangerous areas for students in the UK, but a deeper dive uncovers more causes for concern. Those include soaring rates of violent crime (31,355 incidents), public order offences (7,746 incidents) and criminal damage (6,477 incidents).
A gem on the southern coast of England, Southampton offers far more beyond its coastal vistas and a thriving city centre. With an estimated student population of over 31,000 across both the city’s universities, alongside the University Of Southampton reaching 17th place on the UK’s official university rankings, you might be surprised to hear the city has a soaring crime rate of 134.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
With such a worrying figure, we naturally find more than one area of concern. Chief among these is a soaring number of violent offences (12,772 incidents), which makes up around 40% of all crime across the Southampton area. Perhaps equally concerning for students in the city is that the rates of both theft from the person (307 incidents) and weapon possession (517 incidents) are almost double the Hampshire average.
A true educational powerhouse for the North, the metropolitan area of Leeds is one of the UK’s most popular for university students and bright young minds. Understandably so, with a thriving nightlife and substantial investment into the city’s economy. However, with that influx of popularity comes an equally increasing crime rate – 129 crimes per 1000 residents – placing Leeds at number 3 on our list of the most dangerous areas for students.
Looking deeper at those statistics, we find numerous causes for concern for the city’s estimated 77,000 students. Violent crime (36,393 offences) is the most prevalent issue for Leeds and its student contingent, but it’s figures across both theft (14,579 offences) and burglary (4528 offences) that could act as a catalyst in your choice of university and area.
You can check out a full breakdown of Leeds’ residential areas in our complete guide.
One of London’s most iconic and well-renowned universities, the London Met finds itself nestled at the heart of Islington – an equally well-known borough of the Big Smoke. That popularity doesn’t translate to a safe environment for the university’s 13,500-strong student cohort, with Islington seeing 131.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Diving deeper into those stats uncovers more causes for concern for both residents and students alike. The borough has substantial issues with violent crime (7,472 incidents), shoplifting (2,366 incidents) and burglary (1,977 incidents) – all of which have become more prevalent in recent years.
One of England’s quintessential university cities, Lincoln is grounded both in its history, and in its modern amenities. That blend has proved popular with its student cohort, attracting more than 18,000 studious minds across both the University of Lincoln, and Bishop Grosseteste. However, while it’s got its undoubted attractions, the city’s worrying crime rate of 131.9 crimes per 1000 residents is a cause for consternation.
Violent crime (5,034 incidents) is the major issue facing the student population, especially with many of the accommodation options located in and around the city centre. There’s also equally warranted concerns for the rates of both shoplifting (2,203 incidents) and criminal damage (1,343 incidents), both of which are significantly higher than the countywide average.
A bustling hub for nightlife, arts and culture, it’s easy to see why Liverpool draws in the student crowds. Indeed, across Liverpool’s three main universities, as well as the LIPA and School of Tropical Medicine, there’s a staggering 60,000 students – one of the UK’s largest student populations outside of London. That popularity, however, has led to a soaring crime rate that sits at a decade-long high of 132 crimes per 1000 residents.
The main concern for Liverpool and its sizeable student proportion is a rising rate of violent and sexual crimes (26,457 incidents), especially across popular areas like Bold Street, L1 and Concert Square. That’s further compounded by equally climbing numbers across public order offences (8,239 incidents), drug offences (6,093 incidents) and criminal damage (5,618 incidents).
A Northern powerhouse, the city of Kingston-Upon-Hull couples its Yorkshire heritage seamlessly with the levels of modernity and convenience that see the eponymous university see around 16,000 students each academic year. With closely clustered student accommodation, and an already chequered past with criminality, there’s mounting concerns around the city’s crime rate of 132.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
While the rates of violent crime (14,403 incidents) and theft (10,104 incidents) are no doubt concerning, there’s equally worrying statistics lurking below that surface. High rates of stalking and harassment (5,759 incidents), public order offences (4,102 incidents) and shoplifting (3,427 incidents) are quickly becoming a problem for Hull’s student and residential populations.
One of the UK’s most prestigious educational establishments, and comfortably sitting in the Top 10 universities across the country, it might come as a surprise to see Imperial College London on our countdown of the most dangerous student areas. However, with Kensington and Chelsea seeing London’s third-highest rate of crime outside of Westminster (164.5 crimes per 1000 residents), it fully warrants its inclusion here.
Much of the concern for the borough comes from the startling numbers we see around theft (10,377 incidents). We’ve already highlighted just how much of a pressing concern this is for students in particular, but with such high numbers across theft from the person (2,910 incidents), burglary (1,578 incidents) and robbery (752 incidents), that’s underscored even further.
Often designated as the UK’s “second city” after the capital, it may be a shock to see Manchester and its complement of 3 highly respected further educational facilities at number 3 on our rankings of the UK’s most dangerous areas for students. However, with Manchester’s crime hitting a record high of 165.9 crimes per 1000 residents, there’s cause for concern for the city’s complement of more than 80,000 students.
The main concern for Mancunians and students alike is the steadily climbing numbers we see across both violent crime (32,192 incidents) and theft (31,025 incidents), both of which we’ve highlighted as concerns for the city’s complement of students. Plus with one of the highest rates of residential burglary (3,049 incidents) we’ve seen so far, there’s a clear and present need to act.
While best known for its contributions to the worlds of art, culture and sports, Middlesbrough (home to Teesside University and a sizeable 22,697 students) has continually seen year-on-year increases across all types of criminal behaviours. Currently sitting at a dizzying 167.6 crimes per 1000 residents, there’s a lot to consider if you’re looking to study there.
As we’ve seen with many of the locations on our countdown, violent crime (9,394 offences) is the city’s main concern, and one that’s almost double the regional average. That trend continues across many of the other worrying issues with crime, including criminal damage (3,187 offences), shoplifting (2203 offences) and drug crime (1,069 offences).
Officially the most dangerous area for students and residents alike, Camden is perhaps more associated with its infamous market than its educational scene. However, with 6 of London’s prestigious academic institutions in the borough’s borders (including the highly rated UCL), it’s far from a one trick pony.
However, where Camden is let down is in its rate of crime, which sits at a staggering 180.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. A closer look at the contributors to that rate reveals astronomical figures in theft (21,988 offences) – which accounts for almost half of all crime in Camden – as well as equally alarming statistics in burglary (2,496 offences), criminal damage (1,997 offences) and robbery (1,868 offences).
