AS STUDENTS start campus life, parents may take solace from recent police data published in the Complete University Guide that names the Royal Agricultural University as one of the safest places to study.

The university was named as the safest college in the South-West for student-relevant crime according to official police data.

The RAU also scored well against the rest of the country, ranking as the fifth safest university in England and Wales outside of London.

The figures relate to all victims in the local area, as well as to the areas surrounding universities, not solely to university premises.

The RAU has a dedicated website, Urban Fox, which aims to keep students safe in the community by providing information and guidance.

The website is collaboration with Gloucestershire Police and Cotswold District Council aimed at maintaining a good relationship with the university community and local area.