Ultimate Guide to Student Accommodation Security

Moving into student accommodation is an exciting step, whether you’re living in university halls, a shared student house or privately rented accommodation. Along with settling into your new home, it’s important to check that your doors, windows and locks are secure. Student accommodation can have different security arrangements depending on the property. You might have a traditional key, a key fob or electronic access system, or a combination of locks and communal entry systems.

How To Secure Your Student Accommodation

Before settling into your new accommodation check:

• Front door locks work correctly.
• Bedroom door locks work correctly.
• Accessible windows close and lock properly.
• Keys, fobs and access cards work.
• Any damaged or faulty locks have been reported.
• Doors and windows are locked whenever you leave.
• Keys and access devices are kept secure.
• Your tenancy agreement has been checked before making changes to locks or fixtures.

Check your locks when you move in

When you move into both student houses and university accommodation, be sure to check that the locks are working correctly! Look out for things such as rust, cracks, and stiffness in key cylinder locks, as these will affect the safety of your lock and door. If you see these problems, report them immediately to your landlord, if in a shared house, or to the building manager, if in halls of residence.

In newer university accommodation, you may have a key fob or electronic access system to enter the building and your room. These systems can still develop faults, so inform the building manager or reception if you have any difficulties gaining access.

Keep Your House and Bedroom Locks Secure

Make sure the locks on your external doors and bedroom door are working correctly. If a lock is damaged, stiff or difficult to operate, report it to your landlord or accommodation provider. Keep your bedroom door locked when you leave the property, particularly when you are away for an extended period or when visitors are in the house.

Don’t assume that knowing your flatmates means your belongings are automatically secure. Visitors and other people entering the property may have access to areas you normally consider private.

Which Locks Are Used in Student Accommodation?

Student accommodation can use different types of locks depending on the property and accommodation provider. You may encounter traditional key-operated locks, key fobs, electronic access systems or locks fitted specifically to bedroom doors. If you’re unsure whether a lock is working correctly, don’t ignore the problem. Report damaged, stiff or faulty locks to your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider. In shared accommodation, a working bedroom lock can provide an additional layer of privacy and security for your personal belongings.

Always Lock your Doors and Windows

If you are leaving the property, no matter for how long, always lock your windows and doors. Leaving windows and doors unlocked can provide an easy opportunity for someone to enter your accommodation and gain access to your belongings. If you have contents insurance, check your policy for any security requirements relating to locked doors and windows.

Student Tenancy: Who Is Responsible for Security

Security responsibilities can depend on the type of accommodation and the terms of your tenancy. If you rent privately and discover a faulty lock, damaged door or window problem, report it to your landlord or letting agent and keep a record of the report. If you live in university halls, contact the accommodation team, reception or building manager to report security problems. Before replacing or installing a lock yourself, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord or accommodation provider. Always read your tenancy agreement or accommodation agreement so you understand what is expected of you and what your landlord or accommodation provider is responsible for.

Can Students Change Their Locks?

If you rent your student accommodation, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider before replacing or installing a lock. If you have a genuine security concern, such as a damaged or faulty lock, report it promptly and ask who is responsible for arranging the repair or replacement. If you need help with a lock, a professional locksmith can assess the problem and explain the available options.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Student Accommodation Keys?

If you lose your keys, report the loss as soon as possible.

If you live in halls, contact the accommodation team to find out whether a lost key or access fob can be deactivated and replaced.

If you live in rented accommodation, check your tenancy agreement and contact your landlord or letting agent where appropriate.

If the lost key could allow someone to access your home, ask whether the lock needs to be changed.

If you’re locked out and need assistance, a professional locksmith may be able to help you regain access.

Keep your Valuables Secure

Students may leave their accommodation for extended periods during university holidays or when returning home. When leaving you accommodation for longer periods, take valuable items with you when practical or keep them securely out of sight. Avoid leaving laptops, phones, jewellery or other valuable belongings visible through windows.

Student Contents Insurance

If you are taking valuable belongings with you to university, consider whether student contents insurance is appropriate for your circumstances. Check what is covered, including your belongings while they are in your accommodation and any security requirements you may need to follow.

If you’re living in halls, your accommodation provider may have information about any existing cover, but you should check the terms carefully to understand what is and isn’t included.

Check the Exterior of Your Property

This is particularly relevant for students living in shared houses or privately rented accommodation. When you move in, check the exterior of the property for obvious security problems, such as damaged doors, windows, gates or fences, and report any concerns to your landlord or letting agent.

Read our guide to Garden Security for advice on securing gates, fences, and outdoor areas.

Living in Student Accommodation

University halls of residence are often the first choice for first year students. Shared entrances, communal areas and multiple residents mean there are some additional security considerations. The following advice can help you keep your room and belongings secure.

How Can I Stay Safe In Student Halls?

Be Careful Who You Are Letting In

Student halls often have multiple security doors or access-controlled entrances. Avoid allowing people you don’t know to follow you into a secure building. If someone needs access, they should use the appropriate entrance system or contact the relevant resident.

Keep Your Room Secure

Even if you are friendly with residents in neighbouring flats, keep your own flat or bedroom door locked when appropriate. You don’t know who other residents may invite into the building, so don’t rely on other people to keep your belongings secure

Report Security Concerns

If you notice someone attempting to access a secure area without permission, a damaged entrance door, a faulty lock or another security concern, report it to reception, your accommodation team or building manager. If you ever feel unsafe, move somewhere secure and contact the appropriate person for assistance.

Can University Security Enter Your Flat?

Access arrangement can vary between university halls, private accommodation and rented properties. Check your accommodation agreement or tenancy agreement to understand when staff, landlords, or contractors can enter your room or property. If you’re living in privately rented accommodation, your landlord or letting agent should follow the access arrangements and notice requirements that apply to your tenancy, except where emergency access is permitted. If you’re unsure about an inspection, repair visit or other request for access, check your agreement or contact your accommodation provider or letting agent.

How Do Burglars Get Into Student Accommodation

Student accommodation can be vulnerable when doors and windows are left unsecured or when access to communal buildings is not properly controlled. Common security weaknesses can include unlocked doors or windows, damaged locks, unsecured communal entrances and belongings being left visible. Students can reduce these risks by locking doors and windows, keeping bedroom doors secure, reporting faulty locks and avoiding allowing unknown people into secure buildings.

Living In A Student House

Many students move into shared accommodation during their second or third year. Living with friends can be a great experience, but everyone in the property needs to take responsibility for keeping the home secure.

How Can I Stay Safe In a Shared House?

Dispose of Packaging Carefully

Large boxes from expensive electronics can make it obvious that valuable items are inside the property. Break down packaging and dispose of it appropriately rather than leaving branded boxes outside your home.

Be Aware of Who Enters Your House

In a shared house, your housemates may invite friends and visitors into the property. You may also have landlords, letting agents or contractors visiting to carry out work. If you aren’t expecting someone, check with your landlord or letting agent before allowing them access where appropriate.

What Should I Do if There is a Burglary?

Unfortunately, there is no best way in which to stop a burglar and you can take all precautions but sometimes the worst can happen. If you do find yourself in this situation here are our top things to remember:

Call the police immediately on 101.

Report the burglary to the police as soon as possible. If there is an immediate danger or the intruder may still be present, call 999. For non-emergency reporting, use the appropriate police reporting service. If you live in halls of residence, you should also contact the building security as other people might be in danger, the intruder might still be in the building and the security of the building has been compromised.

Don’t touch anything

Unfortunately, the area is now a crime scene, avoid touching or moving items so that potential evidence is not disturbed.

Make a list of everything damaged or stolen

This is so you can give a detailed list of items to the police to help any investigations and also if you are going to make a claim on any insurance policies.

Contact your landlord

If you live in a privately rented property you should contact your landlord to let them know of the situation and also of any damage that has occurred so that they can send someone to secure the property.

Secure Your Accounts and Cards

If things such as your bank cards have been stolen ensure that you register them stolen at your bank and get them blocked. Similarly, you should try and change all of your passwords to secure all of your accounts.

Make sure to note your Crime Reference Number

You will need this to be able to find out updates about your case and also if you are going to make any insurance claims.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide is a serious safety risk because it is difficult to detect without an alarm. If you’re renting, check that the required alarms are present and report any missing or faulty alarms to your landlord or accommodation provider. You should also familiarise yourself with your accommodation’s fire procedures and escape routes.