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Heading off to university? How to keep your student digs & gear secure

Starting university is an exciting chapter in your life. Amidst the excitement of new classes, new friends, and newfound independence, it's important not to forget about the security of your student home and belongings.

So, we've compiled a guide to help you keep your student accommodation safe and your possessions secure.

1. Choose the Right Accommodation

Before you even move in, consider the security features of your potential student home. Look for:

  • Secured Entry Systems: Buildings with controlled access, such as keycard or code entry, reduce unauthorised access.
  • Good Lighting: Well-lit entrances, pathways, and parking areas deter intruders.
  • Secure Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors have sturdy locks and are in good working condition.

2. Invest in a Good Lock

If permitted, consider upgrading the lock on your room door.

A high-quality deadbolt or a smart lock can provide extra security. Always consult with your landlord or accommodation provider before making any changes.

3. Lock Up

It might sound simple, but always lock your doors and windows, even when you're at home. Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where the thief enters through an unlocked door or window.

Top tip: Households displaying anti-theft warning stickers on doors and windows are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

4. Get Insured

Students are a common target for thieves because they typically own multiple devices and gadgets to aid their studies and social life. Student Contents Insurance - covers things like your phone, laptop, bike, and even your clothes against fire, theft, and accidents giving you financial protection for your belongings whilst you're a student at university.

If you are considering taking out an insurance policy, make sure you have enough coverage to insure all the belongings you care about most or are the most valuable. You don't want to make a claim to find out half of your stuff isn't covered.

5. Mark and Register your belongings

Mark your possessions with a UV pen—the initials of your university and student registration number make a good identifier.

Register phones, laptops, game consoles, tablets, cameras, and jewellery by make, model and serial number but if you don't have an identifier use a UV pen marking, asset label code or engraving - the system accepts them all. For mobile phones, include your IMEI number(s). To find the 15-digit number, dial *#06# on your handset to display it. Remember, there may be more than one, so add them all. These are all important identifiers that help the authorities return items that have been recovered.

If you own a bicycle, invest in a good quality lock and when it's not in use keep it secure and out of sight. Take a few photos of your bike and register the details on Immobilise, making sure you include the frame serial number and other unique markings. You can add as many items of property as you wish to your Immobilise account; it's completely free of charge.

6. Be Cautious with Strangers

Be mindful of who you let into your student home. Don't allow strangers to follow you into the building, and be wary of letting unfamiliar individuals inside, including tradespeople; always ask for a form of identification.

If you are out and about, especially at night, carrying a personal alarm with you is a good idea—most see these as female accessories, but statistics show that male students are at a higher risk of being attacked in the street.

7. Be Smart with Keys

  • Keep Track: Secure your keys in a consistent place, try attaching them to a lanyard or keychain on your belt loop or bag.
  • Limit Sharing: Only give spare keys to trusted individuals.
  • Don't Hide: Avoid hiding keys under doormats or flower pots as these tricks are well known to would-be burgulars.
  • Label Carefully: Don't label keys with your address or identifying information; instead, use a coded key tag and register it on your Immobilise account.

8. Protect Your Digital Life

  • Secure Your Devices: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
  • Back-Up Important Files: Regularly back up your work and important documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
  • Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

9. Get to know your neighbours

Building a sense of community can enhance security, as you'll look out for each other's homes. Join or start a student residence group chat to share information, or join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

10. Be Social Media Savvy

Avoid broadcasting your location and movements on social media. Posting about a night out or a trip can signal to potential thieves that your home is unoccupied.

11. Sensible Habits

  • Don't Leave Valuables in Plain Sight: Keep expensive items like laptops, phones, and jewellery out of view from windows.
  • Keep Common Areas Tidy: A clutter-free environment makes it easier to spot anything unusual or out of place.

12. Report Suspicious Activity

If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your accommodation's security team or the authorities immediately. Timely reporting can prevent potential crimes - call the police on 101 (for non-emergencies) or visit your local police website and use the "Report a Crime" option.

Greater Peace of Mind

Ensuring the security of your student home and belongings requires a combination of vigilance, smart habits, and practical investments. By taking these steps, you can focus on your studies and university life with greater peace of mind. A secure environment will help to make your university experience, an enjoyable one.


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