Student Safety Abroad
Is accommodation safety really important when choosing a country to study abroad? A few practical issues you need to pay attention to
2025-11-12
When I first started researching study abroad destinations, I'll admit—accommodation safety wasn't exactly at the top of my list. I was more focused on things like tuition costs, program reputation, and how many Instagram-worthy spots I could visit on weekends. It wasn't until I heard a friend's horror story about her first month in a foreign city that I realized just how critical this factor really is.
**Is accommodation safety really important when choosing a country to study abroad?** Let me answer that with a resounding yes. And not just because of the obvious reasons like theft or break-ins. The safety of your living situation affects everything from your ability to focus on studies to your overall mental health and even your long-term success abroad.
Let me start with my friend's story. Sarah decided to study in a major European city because it had a prestigious university and vibrant nightlife. She found a cheap apartment through a local Facebook group without doing much research. Within her first week, she experienced: a break-in while she was asleep (luckily, the intruder only took her laptop), broken locks that the landlord refused to fix for weeks, and constant noise from neighbors that made it impossible to study.
"I didn't even realize how much it was affecting me until I started having panic attacks whenever I walked home alone," she told me later. "I ended up missing classes because I was too anxious to leave my room, and my grades suffered."
That's when I started paying attention. I realized that accommodation safety isn't just about avoiding bad things—it's about creating a foundation for a successful study abroad experience. Here are the practical issues I've learned to pay attention to, based on my own research and talking to dozens of other international students:
Many students look at country-level safety statistics and think that's enough. But the reality is, safety can vary dramatically within the same city. I researched one popular study abroad destination where the university area was consistently ranked as very safe, but just 15 minutes away by public transport was a neighborhood with significantly higher crime rates.
One student I talked to, Javier, chose an apartment in that cheaper, less-safe area to save money. "I thought I could handle it," he said. "But after being harassed twice on my way home from the library late at night, I realized the savings weren't worth it. I moved after two months, but that whole experience left me on edge for the rest of the semester."
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many students overlook basic security features. When I was apartment hunting virtually, I made a checklist of must-haves:
- Working locks on all doors and windows
- Secure entry system (key card or code required)
- Well-lit common areas and stairwells
- Security cameras in public spaces
- Emergency contact information posted clearly
Amy, who studied in Japan, told me that her university-provided dorm had all these features, but also went a step further: "They had a curfew for guests, and the security guard knew all the students by name. I felt so safe there that I never thought twice about walking home alone at night, even in a city I didn't know well."
Do you know what number to call if there's an emergency in your potential study destination? Do you know if they speak English? Are emergency services generally responsive in that area?
These are questions I never would have thought to ask until I met Tom, who studied in a small town in Spain. "I had a medical emergency in the middle of the night," he explained. "I called the emergency number, but the operator didn't speak English very well. It took twice as long to get help as it should have, and that scared me."
Now, I make sure to research not just the emergency numbers, but also: nearest hospitals, 24-hour pharmacies, and whether my health insurance covers emergency services in that country.
When I first started looking at apartments, I found a beautiful place that was about 45 minutes from campus by bus. It was cheaper and had more space, but then I thought about what that would mean in practice:
- Waking up earlier every day
- Spending more money on transportation
- Walking alone to and from bus stops, especially at night
- Having less time for studying, socializing, or exploring
Eventually, I decided that a smaller apartment closer to campus was worth the extra cost. And I'm glad I did—on the days when I had early morning classes or late-night study sessions, I appreciated being able to get home quickly and safely.
One of the best ways to get real information about accommodation safety is to talk to students who have already been there. I spent hours scrolling through university forums, Facebook groups, and even Instagram comments looking for honest reviews.
What I found was eye-opening. Students were happy to share their experiences, both good and bad. One student warned about a popular apartment complex that had frequent power outages and no security guard. Another raved about a dorm where the staff organized monthly safety workshops for international students.
Here's something no guidebook will tell you: sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts. When I was virtually touring apartments, I found one that looked perfect on paper—good location, reasonable price, great amenities. But something about the neighborhood felt off when I looked at street view. The streets were poorly lit, and there were few other students around.
I ended up choosing a different place, and later I found out that the first apartment was in an area that had seen a spike in petty thefts targeting international students.
So, is accommodation safety really important when choosing a country to study abroad? Absolutely. It's not just a box to check on your pre-departure checklist—it's the foundation of a successful study abroad experience.
When I look back at my own study abroad journey, I realize that feeling safe in my apartment gave me the confidence to explore new places, make friends, and focus on my studies. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture without constantly worrying about my safety.
Remember, studying abroad is an investment in your future. Don't let a poor accommodation choice ruin what should be one of the most exciting times of your life. Take the time to research, ask questions, and prioritize your safety—it will be worth it in the end.
**Is accommodation safety really important when choosing a country to study abroad?** Let me answer that with a resounding yes. And not just because of the obvious reasons like theft or break-ins. The safety of your living situation affects everything from your ability to focus on studies to your overall mental health and even your long-term success abroad.
Let me start with my friend's story. Sarah decided to study in a major European city because it had a prestigious university and vibrant nightlife. She found a cheap apartment through a local Facebook group without doing much research. Within her first week, she experienced: a break-in while she was asleep (luckily, the intruder only took her laptop), broken locks that the landlord refused to fix for weeks, and constant noise from neighbors that made it impossible to study.
"I didn't even realize how much it was affecting me until I started having panic attacks whenever I walked home alone," she told me later. "I ended up missing classes because I was too anxious to leave my room, and my grades suffered."
That's when I started paying attention. I realized that accommodation safety isn't just about avoiding bad things—it's about creating a foundation for a successful study abroad experience. Here are the practical issues I've learned to pay attention to, based on my own research and talking to dozens of other international students:
Don't Underestimate Neighborhood-Specific Safety
Many students look at country-level safety statistics and think that's enough. But the reality is, safety can vary dramatically within the same city. I researched one popular study abroad destination where the university area was consistently ranked as very safe, but just 15 minutes away by public transport was a neighborhood with significantly higher crime rates.
One student I talked to, Javier, chose an apartment in that cheaper, less-safe area to save money. "I thought I could handle it," he said. "But after being harassed twice on my way home from the library late at night, I realized the savings weren't worth it. I moved after two months, but that whole experience left me on edge for the rest of the semester."
Check the Building's Security Features
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many students overlook basic security features. When I was apartment hunting virtually, I made a checklist of must-haves:
- Working locks on all doors and windows
- Secure entry system (key card or code required)
- Well-lit common areas and stairwells
- Security cameras in public spaces
- Emergency contact information posted clearly
Amy, who studied in Japan, told me that her university-provided dorm had all these features, but also went a step further: "They had a curfew for guests, and the security guard knew all the students by name. I felt so safe there that I never thought twice about walking home alone at night, even in a city I didn't know well."
Research Local Emergency Services
Do you know what number to call if there's an emergency in your potential study destination? Do you know if they speak English? Are emergency services generally responsive in that area?
These are questions I never would have thought to ask until I met Tom, who studied in a small town in Spain. "I had a medical emergency in the middle of the night," he explained. "I called the emergency number, but the operator didn't speak English very well. It took twice as long to get help as it should have, and that scared me."
Now, I make sure to research not just the emergency numbers, but also: nearest hospitals, 24-hour pharmacies, and whether my health insurance covers emergency services in that country.
Consider Proximity to Campus and Public Transport
When I first started looking at apartments, I found a beautiful place that was about 45 minutes from campus by bus. It was cheaper and had more space, but then I thought about what that would mean in practice:
- Waking up earlier every day
- Spending more money on transportation
- Walking alone to and from bus stops, especially at night
- Having less time for studying, socializing, or exploring
Eventually, I decided that a smaller apartment closer to campus was worth the extra cost. And I'm glad I did—on the days when I had early morning classes or late-night study sessions, I appreciated being able to get home quickly and safely.
Read Reviews from Other International Students
One of the best ways to get real information about accommodation safety is to talk to students who have already been there. I spent hours scrolling through university forums, Facebook groups, and even Instagram comments looking for honest reviews.
What I found was eye-opening. Students were happy to share their experiences, both good and bad. One student warned about a popular apartment complex that had frequent power outages and no security guard. Another raved about a dorm where the staff organized monthly safety workshops for international students.
Trust Your Gut
Here's something no guidebook will tell you: sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts. When I was virtually touring apartments, I found one that looked perfect on paper—good location, reasonable price, great amenities. But something about the neighborhood felt off when I looked at street view. The streets were poorly lit, and there were few other students around.
I ended up choosing a different place, and later I found out that the first apartment was in an area that had seen a spike in petty thefts targeting international students.
Final Thoughts
So, is accommodation safety really important when choosing a country to study abroad? Absolutely. It's not just a box to check on your pre-departure checklist—it's the foundation of a successful study abroad experience.
When I look back at my own study abroad journey, I realize that feeling safe in my apartment gave me the confidence to explore new places, make friends, and focus on my studies. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture without constantly worrying about my safety.
Remember, studying abroad is an investment in your future. Don't let a poor accommodation choice ruin what should be one of the most exciting times of your life. Take the time to research, ask questions, and prioritize your safety—it will be worth it in the end.
Emma Johnson
Emma Johnson is an international education consultant with 5+ years of experience helping students navigate the study abroad process, including accommodation safety and living arrangements.
You Might Also Like
The planet doesn’t need saving. We do.
August 17, 2025
Comments
-
Reply
Michelle Durant
Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am
is guide on choosing study abroad destinations was incredibly detailed! I especially appreciated the breakdown of tuition, living costs, and student support services—it made comparing countries much easier.
-
ReplyRonda Otoole
Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am
As a first-time international student, I often feel overwhelmed by visa procedures. This article clarified the steps and common pitfalls, which really helped me feel more confident about my application.
ReplyJames Whitley
Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am
I love how this post goes beyond just rankings and focuses on real student experiences. Reading about cultural adaptation and campus life gave me a much clearer idea of what to expect.
-
ReplyKimberly Chretien
Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am
The scholarship tips and cost-saving strategies shared here are so practical. I didn’t realize how much difference applying early or researching local funding options could make!
-
ReplyMichelle Durant
Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am
This article helped me understand how to balance academic quality with living costs. I feel more prepared to choose a destination that fits both my educational goals and budget.