How to secure your room in shared accommodation

Student safety and security are a top priority for many college and university students living in shared student accommodations. With so many of their valuable belongings and personal items packed into their small living spaces, it is essential that they take precautions to protect themselves against theft and other criminal activity.

At Securian Industries, we understand the importance of protecting your home and belongings while living in shared student accommodation. To help keep students safe and secure, we’ve put together 10 tips for students to secure their rooms and stay safe from theft.

1. Locks – Check the lock provided on your door, if it doesn’t work make sure to contact your maintenance team and have it fixed or replaced.

2. Keep valuables out of sight – Make sure you store valuable items, such as laptops, smartphones, and jewellery somewhere hidden. This will make it more difficult for potential thieves to find items to steal.

3. Invest in a safe or Lockbox – Important documents, such as passports and other forms of identification, should be stored in a secure place, such as a safe or lockbox, to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

4. Use blinds or curtains to cover windows – Blinds or curtains can be used to cover your windows, making it more difficult for potential thieves to see what’s inside. Ensure blinds are closed when leaving the house.

5. Keep doors and windows locked at all times – Make sure to keep doors and windows locked at all times, even when you’re in the room. This may seem obvious but late nights completing dissertations and drunken early mornings being part of the weekly routine can mean doors are regularly left unlocked.

6. Be aware of your surroundings – Be aware of who’s around you and the people that may be in the shared student accommodation with you. If you feel like something isn’t right, trust your gut and be cautious.

7. Invest in Door protection – You can add security to your door. For example, while you are in your room the MX3 is an ideal added barrier.  Our MX range of security door jammers is designed to repel intruders and is built to withstand high attack forces. Whether it’s open or ajar, tests have established that the Securian Industries MX products will withstand the typical power used in an intrusion attempt, giving you time to call for help or escape to safety.

8. Personal Attack Spray – This is a UK legal spray which can deter attackers. The TRIDENT has been specially designed so that upon activation it has a triple action – it produces an ear-piercing 138+ decibel sound output, releases a repelling odour, as well as an ‘invisible’ ultraviolet UV tracer. It is recommended to have one accessible in your room and one accessible in your possession whilst out in public.

9. Bike Safety – Many students use bikes while at university as a low-cost mode of transport. Make sure to keep your bike safe by using sturdy locks. Securian Industries range of heavy-duty locks and chains is designed and engineered to provide premium protection for your bike or motorbike. Invest in the best bike security chains and bike locks for 24/7 protection.

10. Keys – Don’t lend your key out or lose it. Whether it’s a roommate or friend, the safest option is to not give your keys out to anyone. Students account for the most likely age group to lose their keys generally due to nights out drinking as well as their first time living independently. To prevent this, always keep your keys in the same place until It is a habit and consider investing in a lanyard to wear around your neck under your shirt on nights out to prevent dropping it out of your pocket.

Summary

Following these tips can help keep students safe and secure in their shared student accommodation. At Securian Industries, we are committed to helping students protect their homes and belongings. If you’re looking for additional home security products, such as Door Jammers, Self Defense Sprays or locks, visit our product section today.