Teaser text: Stockholm and Copenhagen are often ranked as some of the safest cities in the world, but as you would in any other major cities, you must still take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
We’ve compiled a list of our top safety tips for everyday living in Scandinavia, keeping your home secure, and staying safe while on independent travels.
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+ Safety tips for everyday living
+ Keeping your home safe
+ Guidance for independent travel
Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
All DIS students are encouraged to register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the duration of their time with DIS, as well as all travel (DIS-sponsored and independent) before, during, and after their program.
This allows the U.S. Department of State to send updates relevant to their travel and allows the Embassy to contact them directly in case of an emergency.
Safety tips for everyday living
- Learn about the culture and political environment in your city and any country you will visit. Explore the perceptions of Americans and people of diverse backgrounds
- Make copies of your credit cards, passport, and other important documents. Keep these in a safe place to expedite cancellation and replacement in the event they are lost or stolen
Going out, alcohol, and consent
These tips are provided to empower students, but please know that if you ever experience sexual harassment or violence during your time abroad, it was not your fault. It is DIS policy that victims or survivors will never be blamed for their choices or actions. No matter the circumstance, perpetrators are to blame for sexual violence–not the victim or survivor.
- Try to avoid going out alone. Pairs or small groups can watch out for one another
- Before you go out, make a plan for how you will get home. Travel home with your friends when possible, and don’t leave a friend behind
- If you see a friend in a compromising situation, help them if you can do so safely, or ask for assistance from a bartender or the police
- Watch your drink and don’t accept a drink from a stranger. If someone wants to buy you a drink, take it directly from the bartender
- If you do go home with someone, have an open and direct discussion about your intentions and limits. If you are not sure what they want, you must ask. Don’t guess and risk harming them or committing a crime
- Be careful about divulging information about yourself and your classmates to strangers. This includes information about where you live
- Do not leave your bags or valuables unattended and do not transport/assist with a package or suitcase for anyone
- If you experience any type of sexual violence, including relationship violence, while on the DIS program, please know that you have options and support available to you. Learn more about our resources
- Follow the advice of local authorities, DIS, and the U.S. Department of State
- Monitor your consumption of alcohol and don’t drink so much that your judgment is compromised
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, speak up or remove yourself. Your safety is more important than hurting someone’s feelings
Tips to avoid pick-pocketing
- Stay alert in crowded places, like public transit and tourist attractions
- Choose a bag that can close with a zipper. Backpacks can be risky since you can’t always know what’s happening behind you
- React if someone bumps into you. Check your belongings and write down a description of the person if something is missing
- Carry only what you really need. Ask yourself if all the valuables you are carrying are necessary. If not, leave your things in a safe location
Keeping your home safe
- Remember to secure your residence! It does not happen often, but occasionally DIS students experience a break-in.
- Always lock your door. If you leave your door unlocked and experience theft, DIS insurance cannot cover the loss
- Do not leave valuables sitting out in the open, including your computer. Hide valuables in a closet or somewhere that is not easily accessible
- Close & lock your windows
- Never leave a spare key outside your room or apartment
Guidance for independent travel
Many DIS students choose to travel outside of DIS-sponsored trips while studying abroad. If you plan to do so during your time in Scandinavia, consult the following guide.
Register your travel plans via Student Registration
If you choose to travel outside of DIS-sponsored Study Tours and Field Studies for a night or longer, you are required to provide your itinerary and contact details to DIS. We will keep this information on file in case of emergency.
If you choose to travel independently, you are responsible for your travel arrangements, preparations, and risks, including personal and financial. According to the DIS Academic Regulations, your independent travel can’t interfere with DIS academic course requirements including Field Study and Study Tours. You must also adhere to your home institution requirements regarding any and all travel policies, including those that might limit travel to specific locations.
Consult U.S. Department of State resources
Before booking travel and prior to beginning your journey, review the important travel information provided by the U.S. State Department. Non-U.S. citizens may find similar resources from their own government as well.
Review information about your destination from the U.S. State Department.
Review the U.S Department of State’s Traveler’s checklist.
Know your embassy
Before traveling, find out where the nearest embassy will be located. Save the embassy’s contact information in your phone in case of an emergency. Non-U.S. citizens will find similar information from their government online or by calling your government’s representative in the U.S.
Find the U.S. embassy directory here.
Care for yourself and your valuables
When traveling, make it look like someone is home. Leave your lights, curtains, and room as they are when you are not traveling. If traveling outside of the EU (within the EU, the emergency number is always 112), save the emergency phone number for that location in your phone.
Planning on using a rideshare service like taxis, Uber, or Lyft?
- Make sure the driver’s information on the app matches the person who has arrived, including the car’s make, model, and license plate
- Ask the driver to confirm your name
- If you are alone, sit in the back seat
- Share your travel plans with a friend or family member