Cardiff has been identified as the most dangerous university city in the UK, with a new study revealing that its student area of Cathays experiences a staggering 32.5 crimes per 100 residents. The findings, based on a detailed analysis of police crime data by the online education platform Internet of Learning, highlight the stark differences in safety across student neighbourhoods in England and Wales.
Cathays in Cardiff has emerged as the riskiest area for students, with 6,495 crimes recorded over the past 12 months. Alarmingly, 31% of these offences were classified as violent or sexual assaults, making it a significant concern for those living in the area. The neighbourhood also recorded the second-highest rate of shoplifting in the study, with 1,562 incidents reported, and bicycle thefts were also prevalent, with 416 cases.
The study ranked Sunderland’s central area as the second most dangerous, with 24.9 crimes per 100 people. Students in Sunderland, particularly those living in the Millfield Ward, are confronted with a range of issues, including violent and sexual assaults, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting, making it one of the least safe university towns in the UK.
In Wolverhampton, the town centre area, which includes the St. Peters boundary, ranks third, with 23.3 crimes per 100 residents. The data revealed a significant issue with drug-related offences in this area, with one in five residents facing prosecution for such crimes.
Other areas in the top ten include North Middlesbrough, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stoke on Trent, York, Ipswich, and Bangor, all with crime rates ranging from 17 to 23.1 per 100 people. North Middlesbrough, in particular, stood out for its high rates of robbery and weapon possession, with 225 and 130 offences, respectively, recorded in the last year.
The Most Dangerous Student Neighbourhoods
| Rank | University City / Town | Area Boundary | Total Crimes per 100 People |
| 1 | Cardiff | Cathays | 32.5 |
| 2 | Sunderland | Sunderland Central | 24.9 |
| 3 | Wolverhampton | Town Centre | 23.3 |
| 4 | Middlesbrough | North Middlesbrough | 23.1 |
| 5 | Durham | Durham (Durham City) | 20.9 |
| 6 | Newcastle upon Tyne | Byker and Walker | 19.2 |
| 7 | Stoke on Trent | Hanley Park & Shelton | 19.0 |
| 8 | York | Outer York | 18.8 |
| 9 | Ipswich | Alexandra | 18.2 |
| 10 | Bangor | Garth & Glyder |
Safest Student Areas
On the other end of the spectrum, Lincoln’s Gainsborough Rural South has been identified as the safest student area, with only four reported crimes per 100 residents. This area saw just 491 crimes over the past year, a stark contrast to the figures from Cathays in Cardiff. Crimes such as robbery and bicycle theft were almost non-existent, with just two and one incidents, respectively, recorded in the past year.
Exeter’s Heavitree and Polsloe area came in as the second safest, with a crime rate of 4.1 per 100 residents. With only 528 crimes reported over the past year, Exeter has managed an 85% reduction in violent and sexual assaults compared to the national average, making it one of the safer places for students.
Lancaster, with its West Scotforth area, ranks third among the safest, recording just 4.8 crimes per 100 residents. This area, with a population of 7,019, saw minimal incidents of shoplifting, with only three offences reported.
Rounding out the list of the safest student areas are Falmouth, Chester, Bristol, Guildford, Winchester, Swansea, and Sheffield, all of which reported crime rates between 4.9 and 6.8 per 100 residents. Falmouth, in particular, stands out for its low crime rate despite being a popular student destination, with 90% fewer crimes than Cathays.
Expert Commentary
Manno Notermans, founder of Internet of Learning, emphasised the importance of student safety, especially as the new academic year approaches. “The countdown to September may have begun, but student safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. These findings provide crucial insights into safety variations across the UK and serve as a valuable starting point for students researching potential neighbourhoods.”
Notermans urged students to look beyond proximity to campus when choosing where to live and to understand local crime trends and safety measures. “By familiarising themselves with university security resources and local police programs, students can prioritise their well-being and make informed decisions that ensure a safe and enriching university journey,” he added.
As students prepare for the upcoming academic year, these findings serve as a reminder of the importance of considering safety when choosing a place to live.
For more information visit, https://internetoflearning.org/.