Every year, we receive panicked emails and telephone calls during and after Easter break from many students who have lost their passport, or BRP, or both! Although we all losethings from time to time - and it is possible to lose things in the UK too - the vast majority of these students are abroad on a holiday when they find thattheir BRP or passport is missing!
Please don’t carry your passport and BRP around unnecessarily!
Common beliefs:
I need to carry my passport and BRP around with me at all times, as I could show my ID at any moment.
My BRP and passport are the best forms of ID for me to show proof of my age when I’m going out at night.
Those are not necessarily true. The reality is in most situaions, you do not need to bring your passport and BRP card with you. We would recommend storing your passport + othertravel documents (as well as other valuables) in a hotel safe or locked box,for security when travelling. If you need ID for making purchases or going into clubs, rather than using your passport or BRP, we would instead recommend acquiring an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). As well as entitlingyou to various discounts, it is an internationally accepted photo ID that showsyour name, date of birth and study location. Find out more here:https://www.myisic.com/isic-card/
Be aware,be confident!
Sadly, international students are seen by pickpockets and thieves as an easy and wealthy target. It’s important to be aware of what’s going on around you - especially at cafes, bars and public transport stations. Frequently, it’safter being in these locations that students find that their wallet, passport or BRP has vanished.
Pickpockets and thieves thrive in busy, crowded locations where you might not think about someone bumping into you, or walking closely behind you. It’s therefore vital that you keep your eyes open and your ears alert to peoplewho are moving closely towards you. Also, keep your hands on your belongings,and all bags and pockets zipped. Don’t carry your phone, wallet, passport or BRP in the back pocket of your jeans or shorts - these are super-easy placesfor thieves to grab your things. It only takes a second.
As well as being aware of what’s going on around you, and making sure that none of your belongings are easily accessible, it’s also a good idea to look as confident as you can!
Sometimes,bad things just happen
We understand there is no complete guarantee that you’ll becompletely safe. We all lose things! As well as doing the above things, it’stherefore best to be prepared for worst-case scenarios and know what to do inan emergency.
Finally, wish all of you a brilliant Easter holiday!
Some tips we would like to share with you:
Don’t carry all of your money in your wallet. Leave some in hotels and only take the amount you think you’ll need. You can always carry money and documents in a zipped money belt.
Make sure that you’re covered by travel insurance - being insured is an excellent idea to guardagainst theft, unexpected extensions to your stay, medical treatment and other emergencies.
Keep in your phone - and in your hotel safe - our contact [email protected], the contact details and address of the nearest UK embassy and nearest embassy for your home country. That way, you’ll always be able toget help.
Keep in touch with your family and friends, and let them know where you are and that you’re safe!
