Emergency Contacts and Where to Get Help
Emergency Contacts and Where to Get Help
The essential emergency contacts every international student in the UK should know.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What this is
A reference card of essential emergency contacts for international students in the UK — covering police, health, fraud, housing, and university support.
Why it matters
In an emergency, you do not have time to search for phone numbers. Saving these contacts in your phone before you need them — and knowing which one to call for your specific situation — can make a critical difference.
What to prepare
- •Your phone with these contacts saved
- •Your university's emergency and out-of-hours support numbers
Steps to take
- 1Save the UK Emergency Services number (999) in your phone contacts.
- 2Save the NHS 111 number (non-emergency medical help).
- 3Save the Police non-emergency number (101).
- 4Save Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) for scam reporting.
- 5Save your university's international student support and accommodation emergency numbers.
- 6Save the Citizens Advice number (0800 144 8848 for England, or 0800 022 2034 for Scotland).
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Calling 999 for non-emergencies — this blocks emergency lines for people in genuine danger.
- ✗Not knowing your university's out-of-hours support number — many problems happen outside office hours.
Important safety warning
In any life-threatening emergency — to yourself or others — call 999 immediately. If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, call 111.
Official sources
999 — Emergency (police, ambulance, fire) | 111 — NHS non-emergency | 101 — Police non-emergency | Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 | Samaritans: 116 123 (free) | Mind (mental health): 0300 123 3393
Disclaimer
Beginly provides general emergency contact information. Always use official emergency services for genuine emergencies.