Studying in the UK is an exciting and enriching experience for international students. You get to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and pursue your academic goals. In this blog, we will provide international students with valuable tips on staying safe online, especially when it comes to gaming, social media, and general internet activities. 

1. Secure Your Accounts

Whether it is for email, social media, or gaming platforms, use strong and unique passwords for each account. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. 

2.Be Cautious with Personal Information 

When using social media or online gaming platforms, be mindful of the personal information you share. Avoid sharing your exact address, school name, phone number, or other sensitive data publicly. Check your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to control who can see your posts and personal information. 

3. Use Secure Wi-Fi

Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or personal emails, when connected to public Wi-Fi. 

4. Think Before you Click

Be cautious when clicking on links or accepting friend requests from strangers. Cybercriminals often use fake profiles to lure unsuspecting individuals. Verify the authenticity of the profiles and messages you receive. 

5. Trust Your Instincts

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable while interacting with someone online, it is imperative not to respond further. Instead, you should promptly communicate your concerns to your host family or the Study Links team. Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you in such situations. It is crucial to remember that the people you encounter on the internet may not be who they claim to be. Therefore, students should never agree to meet anyone they have met online in person. 

6.It’s Okay to Unfollow and Unplug 

If certain accounts or content make you feel inadequate, anxious, or unhappy, it’s perfectly okay to unfollow or mute them. Your mental health should always come first. 

7.Understand Online Gaming Risks 

Online gaming is immensely popular, but it can expose you to certain risks. Never share your gaming account credentials and be cautious when communicating with strangers. Some players may not have your best interests in mind. 

It is important to note when staying in our Homestays: 

• You may use your laptop to study or play computer games, however if you are doing this excessively and during the night, the homestay may ask you to stop and may switch the Wi-Fi off. 

• You may use the Wi-Fi in the home for normal usage, however it is advisable not to  

download too much material from the internet as this may affect the Wi-Fi availability for 

family members. Ask them if you wish to download material and show them what you are downloading. 

Other tips, reminders, and guidance: 

• You may hear the term ‘trolling’ used in the UK which means to ‘make a deliberately offensive or provocative online post with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them.’  
• You should take an active role in promoting positive online behaviour. Encourage respect and kindness among your peers, both offline and online.  
• The photos and stories we see on social media are often a highlight reel, highlighting the best moments in someone’s life. Understand that everyone faces challenges and setbacks, even if they do not share them online. 
• Your primary focus should be on your studies. Spending excessive hours on online games can lead to procrastination, missed assignments, and poor grades. Remember why you are in school – to learn, grow, and prepare for your future. By managing your gaming time, you can ensure you are giving your studies the attention they deserve. 

• If you are looking for an easy to access online application that can be used from your web browser safely and securely covering all CEFR levels, from A1 – C1 English Language we have this available to students please get in touch for more information. 

 Stay safe, stay connected, and make the most of your time in the UK!