New research has shed light on the university zones with the lowest crime rates, pinpointing Winchester South as the seventh-safest in the UK.

The study, by online education platform Internet of Learning, analysed police data to calculate the crime rate for popular student neighbourhoods across leading universities in England and Wales.

By condensing the number of crimes committed per 100 people in the past 12 months, the study could pinpoint the most crime-free areas. 

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Winchester South is named the seventh-safest student area, including the Stanmore. Here, 6.4 crimes were committed per 100 people in the last 12 months. Out of 662 total crimes, there were only three cases of bicycle theft and two robberies.

Exeter, particularly Heavitree and Polsloe, is considered the safest borough, with only 4.1 reported crimes per 100 people. In the last 12 months, only 528 crimes have been documented, almost 6,000 less than Cathays, the area with the highest crime rate despite being 55 per cent smaller in population. 

Hampshire Chronicle: A table showing the top 10 safest student neighbourhoods, with Winchester South ranked seventh on the listA table showing the top 10 safest student neighbourhoods, with Winchester South ranked seventh on the list (Image: Internet of Learning)

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Founder of the Internet of Learning, Manno Notermans,  said: "The countdown to September may have begun, but student safety shouldn't be an afterthought. These findings provide a valuable starting point for student research, providing crucial insights into safety variations across the UK. 

"We encourage students to research potential neighbourhoods beyond just proximity to campus, understand local crime trends, and learn 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."