Moving to a new city to study and getting to grips with the dos and don’ts of unfamiliar territory can be a tricky business, so let’s kick off your stay with some good news.

According to official Scottish Government statistics, crime rates in Scotland are the lowest they have been for almost 40 years. Most notably, the handling of offensive weapons is down a whopping 29% and non-sexual violence is down 21%. Considering the tabloid fascination with crime, those living in fear of encountering some knife-wielding nutter can sleep a little easier tonight.

However, it’s always good to keep your wits about you, and never get complacent when it comes to matters of personal safety. So, if you do find yourself with any security concerns then visit the Police Scotland website; it has a whole section dedicated to keeping students safe.

On top of this, most further education establishments come equipped with their very own safety guides often found on their websites.

Finally, we all know freshers’ week without alcohol would be like Ron Burgundy without his beloved Baxter, or Daft without the Punk: it just wouldn’t work. And while we’re sure we don’t need to remind you to drink responsibly, it’s good to know your booze boundaries to avoid getting caught out.

As a legacy of the bid to reduce violent crime back in the mid-90s, Glasgow law still doesn’t permit any outdoor drinking in public places (and ignoring this could result in a nasty fine) but it is allowed in Edinburgh. Party on the Meadows, anyone? More information on the law can be found on the Scottish Government’s website.

So stay safe, people. Maybe tie up your bike a little tighter than usual, and remember what your uncle Jerry (Springer) used to say: ‘Take care of yourselves, and each other’.

See scotland.police.uk for more on how to keep safe and what to do if you’re the victim of a crime