Top 9 Areas To Avoid In London As A Student

You might have always heard that London is one of the safest places there is but think again before believing what you have been told. Like major cities like Paris and Brussels, London has a slightly higher crime rate than other smaller towns. But, understandably, the crime rate index is 53, given the city's population of nearly 9 million and the volume of tourists that come through. You do not need to worry about these rough areas of London as you can research and choose the good ones.

Small-time crimes like pickpocketing, burglaries, and petty theft may occur in most London neighbourhoods. However, certain areas to avoid in London may also have gang activity or violent incidents reported. You can take advantage of all that London has to offer if you remain sharp!

London Crime Rate: How Safe is London?

London stands as the vibrant heart of the UK, blending modern flair with rich history and attracting people from all backgrounds. From peaceful parks to bustling markets, London caters to diverse tastes, welcoming 30 million visitors annually, you can also check out the blog 20 things ot do in London. However, fame comes with challenges, including crime in some of the rough parts of London. According to The Office For National Statistics there were 114 crimes per 1000 residents last year, safety is paramount . Violent crime (249,306 cases) and theft (274,715 incidents) are top concerns, alongside according to Metropolitan Police Service car crime (106,419 instances) and arson (56,586 cases) have increased in these areas to avoid in London.

9 Neighbourhoods To Avoid In London

Crime varies across London, highlighting its complexity. Despite this, student life in London is very happening. Let's explore the 9 areas to avoid in London with the lowest to highest reported incidents, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable experience.

9. Tower Hamlets 

Overall Crime Rate: 113 crimes per 1,000 people

Tower Hamlets is one of the most rough areas of London. There's indeed more of it here than in other parts of London, it is because of poverty and being crammed with people. But if you're street smart, you'll be fine. 

The thing is, Tower Hamlets has a ton to offer! Brick Lane's like a living, breathing mural with amazing food from all over. There's peaceful Victoria Park to chill in, and the Museum of London Docklands if you're a history buff. And that's not all - there's cool art at Trinity Buoy Wharf, the Columbia Road Flower Market is a riot of colour, and Wilton's Music Hall is steeped in history. This borough is anything but boring but one must be cautious as this is one of the top areas to avoid in London. 

8. Hounslow

Overall Crime Rate: 110.4 Crimes Per 1000 People

Hounslow gets a bit of a dodgy vibe sometimes, especially at night. There's more crime here than in some areas, like petty theft and some rough patches. Drugs are an issue too. But listen, plenty of folks live here just fine, and it's all about where you are in the borough, just like any big city. Hence, it is one of the areas to avoid in London.

Hounslow might not be all it seems at first glance, but dig a little deeper and you'll find some hidden gems. History lovers can explore the grandeur of Osterley Park, an 18th-century estate, foodies will devour the delicious South Asian cuisine, and travellers will appreciate the unbeatable convenience of being right next to Heathrow Airport. 

7. Lewisham

Overall Crime Rate: 110.9 Crimes Per 1000 People

Lewisham is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered, even though it might not be every tourist's first destination. It is far safer than other places like Newham. Still, this is one of the rough places in London and is a great place for a laid-back stay.

Take in the beautiful vistas of the river and the verdant meadows of Greenwich Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore history at the Prime Meridian of the World, located at the Royal Observatory. With its quaint cafes, unique stores, and lively markets, Lewisham radiates a close-knit sense of community and gives tourists a genuine flavour of local life. 

6. Hackney

Overall Crime Rate: 126.3 crimes Per 1,000 People

Formerly a centre of industry, this area to avoid in London has developed into a thriving neighbourhood. Hackney stands out due to its edgy appeal. Now, the ancient charm and modern sensations coexist on its historic streets, which are buzzing with new life.

While independent stores feature regional artwork and crafts, trendy cafes attract both coffee lovers and creatives. Brick walls become urban galleries when they are covered in street art. Hackney is a creative hotspot that draws both established and up-and-coming artists. Even though Hackney is an area to avoid in London, it's a haven for tourists on a tight budget, art lovers, foodies looking for something new, and anybody else yearning for a real sense of London's creative scene.

5. Elephant and Castle

Overall Crime Rate: 152.7 Crimes Per 1000 People

Elephant and Castle are located beside the beautiful Thames River in the centre of Southwark. This neighbourhood blends traditional customs with contemporary styles, creating a lively fusion of cultures.

Things are starting to improve in Elephant and Castle, even if there were previously some problems with thievery and drug-related problems. As a result of continuous attempts to restore this area, safety has significantly increased. The neighbourhood is becoming a better location to visit and live as crime rates are starting to decline significantly. It is slowly getting out of the list of areas to avoid in London.

4. The Area from Bethnal Green to Cambridge Heath Metro Stations

Overall Crime Rate: 153.6 Crimes Per 1000 People

This lively East London district is part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. People call this place home because of its parks, shops, and diversified community. Although there have been issues in these areas to avoid in London compared to other parts of London, such as higher rates of poverty and crime, there is a lot of optimism developing. Vehicle crimes and theft have long been problems, but initiatives to revive the area are having a significant impact.

The walk between the two metro stations has grown safer over time due to revitalisation work, which has helped lower the crime rate. Nevertheless, this neighbourhood to avoid in London has a strong sense of community and is resilient and promising because of its continuous development. 

3. Tottenham

Overall Crime Rate: 216 Crimes Per 1000 People

Spurging with diversity and history, Tottenham is a suburb located in the thriving London Borough of Haringey. Every town has difficulties, but areas of London to avoid have advanced remarkably in recent years, particularly in terms of lowering crime. Tottenham has experienced some crime, like many other cities, but the good news is that the crime rate has been gradually dropping. There are safer streets for all as a result of local authorities concentrating on problems like car crimes and robberies. 

Tottenham's infrastructure has greatly improved due to ongoing renovation initiatives. Residents will benefit from improved living conditions and more reasonably priced housing options as a result, which will improve the community. It is one of the bad parts of London.  

2. Peckham

Overall Crime Rate: 230.8 Crimes Per 1000 People

People often think 'is Peckham safe?'. As is a bustling neighbourhood with a population of over 700,000. Known for its vibrant and trendy vibe, Peckham has also had its share of challenges in the past, gaining a tough reputation due to incidents of both serious and minor crimes. Resulting in getting a reputation of areas to avoid in London.

However, positive changes have been happening. Efforts to enhance the neighbourhood have led to a decrease in crime rates, making Peckham a safe area in London to live and visit. It's worth noting that Peckham boasts a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs. While things can get a bit rowdy at night, it's all part of the energetic atmosphere that draws people to the area.

1. Brixton

Overall Crime Rate: 274.0 Crimes Per 1000 People

In the vibrant London Borough of Lambeth, Brixton is famous for its unique local currency and rich cultural tapestry. This area has deep roots in the music world, nurturing talents like the Clash and David Bowie. However, it's also gotten a reputation as one of the areas of London to avoid.

In the past, Brixton faced challenges with crime and drug-related issues, which led to some negative perceptions. However, recent years have seen positive changes. Through revitalisation efforts, public spaces have been improved, and there's now a stronger police presence. Despite its past reputation, Brixton is now a thriving and trendy destination, especially among young students. With its affordable Brixton accommodation options and the tempting delights of the Brixton Street Food Market, it's a place where community spirit and creativity flourish.

Most Common Crimes in London

Here are some noteworthy data on specific crimes in the roughest area in London that show a rise from the same period last year:

What are the Safe Neighbourhoods in London?

Even though London can be a bit harsh to many with all the petty theft and other crimes, you have to make sure you're researching the best neighbourhoods in London for a better living experience. Here are a few of the safe places to stay in London that you can check out with the standard cost of living for students: 

1. Harrow

2. Bexley

3. Ealing

4. Sutton

5. Hampstead

6. Kensington and Chelsea

7. Notting Hill

8 Croydon

9. Richmond upon Thames

10. Kingston upon Thames

Tips for being extra cautious in London

London is a busy city, so it's important to remain alert and mindful of your surroundings, especially in these rough parts of London. Here are a few tips on how you can stay safe in London

• Stay vigilant in crowded areas of London, where it's easy to get distracted.
• Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in touristy spots like Central London.
• Research neighbourhoods before picking accommodations to ensure safety and suitability.
• Opt for licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services for transportation.
• Avoid walking alone late at night and stick to well-lit areas.
• Familiarise yourself with your neighbours and the surroundings of your living area.
• Consider investing in a reliable lock for added security.
  

So, that's your rundown of places to steer clear of when living in London. After doing your homework, you're ready to pick the right neighbourhood for your perfect student housing in London for you to call home. You'll find some of the roughest areas of London with higher crime rates, lots of people, or fewer amenities. These areas might have more poverty or a reputation for being less safe. But remember, everyone's idea of safety is different. It's smart to do some research about the unsafe areas in London, so you feel safe and comfortable.

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