Be a safe student

Starting at uni or college means a lot more happens online — from managing your courses to sorting out your money and social life. With so much going digital, it’s super important to know how to stay safe and avoid the common online risks.

OK, we get it, your schedule is going to be packed. So our experts have put together some super easy tips to help you stay protected without getting in the way of your busy student life.

Keep your online student life trouble-free

Scams

Texts, emails, DMs, or calls pretending to be from banks, student loans – and even immigration authorities if you’re an international student – are an everyday occurrence. Can you tell them from the real thing, especially in these days of AI? Always pause before clicking links, opening attachments or giving anyone access to your accounts or devices. If you suspect a message or website is a scam, run it past the AI-powered fraud detection tool Ask Silver at www.getsafeonline.org/asksilver

Banking & finance

Keep your financial details private. Use trusted apps or mobile wallets for payments. And if you’re unsure about money matters, your Student Money Adviser is a great go-to.

Shopping

Trying a new website? Check if it’s legit before buying or signing up — the Check a Website tool on Get Safe Online can help with that.

Payments

Avoid bank transfers to pay people or businesses you don’t know, either for things like rent or deposits or buying trainers or tech. Paying by card usually offers better protection.

Accommodation

Always check new student digs in person before paying anything. Make sure the landlord or agent is for real, and use a credit card for deposits where you can – it’s safer that way.

Sharing

Keep passwords, financial info and personal details to yourself. Double-check all location settings to protect your privacy. And be cautious with sharing photos — even innocent ones can be misused.

Respect & responsibility

There’s no place online for bullying, hate speech, other abuse or radicalisation. And remember that unis and future employers usually check social media accounts, so keep it clean, legal and respectful.

Devices & Wi-Fi

Don’t leave your devices lying around: in the bar, on the bus or anywhere. Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots for anything private or financial as they mightn’t be secure. Check your location and privacy settings regularly.

Gambling and gaming

Betting and gaming can both get addictive. If you think you’re overdoing it, think about better ways to spend your time and money.  

Dating

Choose and keep to reputable apps and keep chats inside the platform. Not everyone online is who they say they are, so if something seems off or just plain weird, don’t hesitate to block or say no.

Gut instinct

Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable — whether it’s sharing photos, getting challenged to pranks or engaging in risky online behaviour. Don’t pressure others either.

Too-good-to-be-true jobs

Be wary of work offers promising easy cash or using your bank account for payments. These can get you into serious trouble and even result in a criminal record.

Tech skills and the law

If you’re big into coding or gaming, cybercriminals might try to lure you into illegal activity. Why not consider a career in cybersecurity instead?

#SafeOnlineStudentLife