New to London

hi, im moving to london in september 08 cos im going to study at Central Saint Martins. Ive applied for Manna Ash House, in Pocock Street, but being from Portugal, from what i've been reading around here, i'm getting concerned about safety in the streets there, since here i can stay out all night alone if i want to and not run into significant danger. Of course.. london is london, but is there any reason to PANIC! and carry a knife in my bag or something? And about Mana Ash House, apparently you guys hate it because of management? =/ in the brochure it looked so nice :P i mean, u can see London Eye from the kitchen and its walking distance to the Tate Modern!
please comment :)
thanks
sarah

Please don't carry a knife. That won't help you. I don't think you should worry too much. Nowehere in London is completely safe, but the area you are talking about isn't exactly the Wild West. You will be part of a community of students, and you have no reason to feel unsafe. I lived in Lisbon a few years ago, and found Bairro Alto more intimidating than anywhere I had lived in London. I still loved it, and never had any worse experience than being offered drugs. You certainly don't need to panic.

hehe, yeah, lisbon is a bit different. i live in the cascais line, so its a bit more chilled. thanks for the reply :) im not too worried, ive been to london about 5 times, and never felt unsafe, just wondering cos ive read some posts talking about it
thanks

Carry a knife? Are you mad?

Unless you're skilled at armed combat you're much more likely to be killed by carrying a knife than if you're not.

Otherwise it'll just get you a 5 year sentence.

again, i was kidding about the knife lol anyone going live an manna ash house?

kidding about the knife?? thats not funny, its sick

I wouldn't worry - people here like their drama and its easy to get a little carried away on hyperbole. I live not that far from where you're moving to looking a little more conspicuous than I'd prefer taking photographs in and around the rubbish piles/skips and, in general, those shady areas people prefer to avoid with an expensive camera and I've never felt threatened. As always, a good 'street' attitude is everything; being aware of your surroundings, not faffing about with an unwieldly street map (get yourself a pocket A-Z), or wandering around with equipment bags that say things like Sony, Panasonic, etc. I'd also add not looking too much like a flash harry but that might just get you enrolled in your local crew! Basic common sense essentially, wherever in the world you happen to be.

Do avoid Bermondsey St however - dubious lot in that area, estate agents on every street corner.

And I would advise you not to try to be funny on this site again - such foolhardy behaviour.

Yes - uncontrolled wit is frowned upon.

Don't panic, and do look forward to your time here.