Student Safety

A couple of weeks ago my house was burgled. While it was a horrible night, coming back to a ransacked house, it’s one of those life experiences that ultimately makes you stronger. As this happened to me as a student, I wanted to share it with you and talk about general safety issues that come with being a student.

The last thing I want to do is put anyone off coming to Leicester, or scare those already living here. Leicester is no more dangerous than any other city. These things just happen, unfortunately. You’ll soon realise that most people have been burgled in their lives, or at least know someone who has been, but there are ways of keeping safe and preventing such a situation.

When you move to university you have to get used to being independent. Things that your parents once did for you are suddenly your responsibility. At home you can, to some extent, relax about keeping safe. You know your mum will make sure the back gate is locked at night so you don’t have to worry about it. As independent students living away from home, we all have to get out of that mindset, as hard as it may be!

Another thing to be aware of is that living in a student house is very different to living in halls. I lived in John Foster Hall in my first year, and it would’ve been very difficult for anyone to burgle me there. The only way into the building is by key fob, followed by a series of locked doors. A house is different. You have to be a bit more careful. In halls, you feel protected by your student community. In a house, you’re part of the local community. That’s no bad thing, but you have to respect that, and also be more vigilant.

Here are a few things to think about when moving into a new house:

1. Check the house thoroughly. If you are unhappy with security, contact your landlord or estate agent. If you have any serious concerns they should sort them out so you can feel safe in your new home.
2. Leave a light on when you leave the house to deter opportunists.
3. Backup everything. Photos, documents, anything on your electronic devices that you want to keep. Once that laptop is gone, everything on it is gone too. Believe me, I know.
4. Insurance. It will help to have some sort of personal insurance. Check out what Endsleigh have to offer. With a burglary, it won’t bring your stolen items back, but it will soften the blow.

Consult this page for more information about keeping safe as a student.