[littleone271]

I'm hopefully going to be studying at UoB from September and I'll be living in Luton. On the open day it seemed like a nice place but I've heard quite a lot of bad things about it.. I've watched a few youtube videos and apparently the locals are very hostile towards the students and muggings are very common.

Unfortunately the crime stats seem to back this up:

http://www.theslp.co.uk/downloads/Su...7s%20Crime.pdf

Do any of you live in Luton? If so, what is it like? Have you ever been the victim of a violent crime there? Does it help to try and blend in?

I'm a small 19 yr old female from quite a nice area and I'm slightly worried about living in Luton now so I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to go to some self defence classes.. Understandably it's illegal to carry pepper spray or a stun gun so it looks like I might have to learn some moves!

[watami]

Take some sprinting classes. Even if you do ring sports such as boxing, kickboxing or muay thai a man will overpower you, more so if you're small, and you'll end up mugged and beaten to pulp instead of just mugged.

[littleone271]

(Original post by watami)
Take some sprinting classes. Even if you do ring sports such as boxing, kickboxing or muay thai a man will overpower you, more so if you're small, and you'll end up mugged and beaten to pulp instead of just mugged.

Yeah well in the accommodation I'll be staying in there's a private gym for the residents included in the rent so I guess I could get super fit on the treadmills in there and then be able to run away really fast if and when I need to lol

[confused98]

Hi, im currently here now, while i'm not gonna say its the best place on earth, i find some of these are horror stories. Im in my second year and i havent known anyone to have been mugged or hurt. But i have heard the crime rate is high.

I dont think taking self defence classes would be necessary, but just take precaution as you normally would, ie dont walk around alone at 2am in the morning (even though i have done this and ive been ok, but thats just me). Also you say you'll be staying in Fitzroy Court? Its literally 20 paces away as you probably know so i honestly think theres nothing to worry about.

[Georgiana1605]

I've lived in Bedfordshire all my life - just between Bedford and Luton and so visit both regularly. I'm gunna be honest - Luton is considered the ****hole of the county it's known for crime and violence but I think you need to realise that you get these problems everywhere; in every city or town. Be sensible, behave like you would anywhere else and you'll be fine.

[ALHammond]

I've lived in Luton my whole life and have never had a problem.

If you look for trouble you'll find it easily but you should be fine otherwise.

[plusone]

Don't draw attention to yourself and you'll be fine anywhere, as long as you're not going round causing/looking for trouble chances are you won't find it. Been to Luton once though, it is ermm..interesting.

[makeupqueen]

ive just finished my first year studying in luton and to be honest i dont think its that bad, i have walked home after a night out and been fine and i know alot of people do, i wouldnt say its any worse than any other town. enjoy your first year

[Formerly Helpful_C]

(Original post by makeupqueen)
ive just finished my first year studying in luton and to be honest i dont think its that bad, i have walked home after a night out and been fine and i know alot of people do, i wouldnt say its any worse than any other town. enjoy your first year

It is, though. The difference between Kew and Luton is one that shouldn't exist in the same country.

[littleone271]

(Original post by Formerly Helpful_C)
It is, though. The difference between Kew and Luton is one that shouldn't exist in the same country.

Kew is a village. I think Luton looks more fun anyway

[StartSomething]

I used to live in Luton and many times have wandered around the streets of Luton at silly times in the morning very drunk, I've always been ok. Except getting hit in the face outside a club once - but the guy wasn't aiming at me, he was aiming at someone else and my face got in the way. Don't let that put you off though

I have heard of things happening to friends but like anywhere, as long as you stick together in a group you'll be fine

Out of interest, why did you chose Uni of Beds? That's the last place I'd want to go to uni if I didn't live in the area haha.

[littleone271]

(Original post by StartSomething)
I used to live in Luton and many times have wandered around the streets of Luton at silly times in the morning very drunk, I've always been ok. Except getting hit in the face outside a club once - but the guy wasn't aiming at me, he was aiming at someone else and my face got in the way. Don't let that put you off though

I have heard of things happening to friends but like anywhere, as long as you stick together in a group you'll be fine

Out of interest, why did you chose Uni of Beds? That's the last place I'd want to go to uni if I didn't live in the area haha.

It's one of only 2 universities in the South East that offer the course I want to do (psychology with criminal behaviour) and it's the better university out of the 2. The other university is Southampton Solent and the psychology facilities are horrendous.

[StartSomething]

(Original post by littleone271)
It's one of only 2 universities in the South East that offer the course I want to do (psychology with criminal behaviour) and it's the better university out of the 2. The other university is Southampton Solent and the psychology facilities are horrendous.

Ahhh I seee. Fair enough!