Top Tips for Keeping Your Student Home and Belongings Safe:

Moving into student accommodation is an exciting step towards independence. But with this freedom comes responsibility, especially when it comes to protecting your belongings. Shared living, frequent visitors, and busy student areas can increase the risk of theft, so taking proactive steps is key.

This guide outlines practical ways to safeguard both your room and your valuables, helping you feel secure and stress-free during your University years.

Securing Your Space

Lock your doors and windows
It sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget. Always lock your door – bedroom and front door - even if you’re only stepping out for a few minutes -and make sure everyone in the house takes their keys when leaving. Don’t hide spare keys under mats or plant pots and report any faulty locks to your Landlord/Agent straight away.

When out of the house ensure all downstairs windows are shut.

Keep valuables out of sight
Avoid leaving electronics, bikes, or other expensive items visible from windows. Use curtains, blinds, or light timers to make it less obvious when no one is home.

Managing Visitors

Whether your household is quiet or busy, it’s important to keep track of who’s coming and going.

• Don’t let in people you don’t know. Always ask for ID from contractors and confirm unexpected visits with your Landlord/Agent.
• Agree house rules with flatmates - for example, locking the front door whenever the last person leaves.
• Keep valuables like phones, laptops, and jewellery out of sight when hosting a get together with others at your property.

Registering and Insuring Your Belongings

Register valuables
Use free services such as Immobilise to record the serial numbers of electronics and bikes. Mark items with a UV pen or label (e.g. your student ID) to make recovery easier if stolen.

Insurance matters

First, check whether your belongings are already covered under your parents’ home insurance. Some providers extend cover to students living away from home, but this may only apply during holiday periods when you return home. Not all policies include this benefit - some require an optional extension, while others exclude student possessions entirely. Parents should review their policy carefully rather than assume cover is in place.

Also check whether your tenancy agreement includes contents insurance. Some landlords, agents, or accommodation providers build this into the contract, which can save you the cost of arranging your own policy. Always confirm what’s included and whether there are any restrictions, such as limits on high-value items.

If you are not covered, explore student-specific insurance policies. These are designed for student lifestyles and can include protection against theft, loss, and accidental damage. Providers such as Endsleigh offer tailored cover, but always review the policy wording closely to ensure it includes everything you need.

When comparing policies, consider:

1. Single-item limits – some gadgets or bikes may need to be listed separately.
2. Excess – the amount you’ll pay if you make a claim.
3. Out-of-home cover – for devices used on campus, in cafés, or libraries.
4. Exclusions – some policies don’t include accidental damage or cover for unoccupied properties.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While insurance is a safety net, prevention should be your first step.

• Keep valuables hidden when not in use.
• Record device details (make, model, IMEI/serial number).
• Store this information securely (cloud storage or a physical notebook).
• Use built-in security features (passwords, biometrics, tracking apps).
• Register items with Immobilise to help police recover stolen goods:
  • Collect Details: For your phone, laptop, and other electronics, note down the make, model, and serial number. 
  • Find the IMEI: For mobile phones, you can find the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number in your Phone Settings under "About Phone" or "General”.
• Mark items with a UV pen or security tag to help with recovery if stolen.

Protecting Shared Spaces

Communal areas are often where theft happens.

• Store shared electronics like consoles securely when not in use.
• Set clear house rules about locking up and keeping spaces tidy.
• Keep expensive items in your personal room rather than common areas.

Reporting Issues

If you notice suspicious activity or strangers around your property, report it immediately. At University of Staffordshire, you can contact the campus Police Liaison Officer, PC Gareth Richardson (email: gareth.richardson@staffs.ac.uk  available Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30) or visit the  Cop Shop

If you feel unsafe or suspect an imminent break-in, call 999 right away.

Staying Safe When Out and About

• Stick to busy, well-lit routes at night.
• Keep phones and valuables secure and avoid distractions when walking.
• Use zipped or inside pockets and stay alert at crossings.
• Don’t leave belongings unattended in public places like cafés or libraries.
• Enable tracking apps (e.g., Find My iPhone, Find My Device).
• Register your phone and note its IMEI number.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your belongings at University doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

• locking up,
• staying alert,
• and insuring your valuables

Not only will you reduce the risk of theft, but you’ll also gain peace of mind, letting you focus on enjoying student life to the fullest.

With good habits and co-operation with your flatmates, you’ll create a safe and welcoming home away from home.