Living independently at University brings great opportunities – but also responsibilities, for yourself, your belongings and your housemates.
Now the semester is well underway, and as life gets busy it’s easy to forget some simple things that can help keep your property safe and secure. So here are our tips:
Lock your doors and windows
A simple one, but easy to forget. Firstly, make sure all your locks work and then use them. Keep your door locked even when you’re in, and make sure that everyone in the house take their keys every time they go out (don’t hide a spare under a plant pot!). If there’s a problem with any of your locks contact your landlord.
If your house is a large, shared house make sure you have a conversation about keeping your own room secure by closing and locking windows when you’re not in.
Pick up a free window alarm from the Manchester Student Homes pod in the Students Union.
Keep things out of sight
Whenever possible keep things like electronics and bikes out of view from outside your house. Close curtains and blinds and use light timers so that it’s not obvious if you’re out for the evening. .
Manchester Student Homes also have free light timers – pick one up from their hub in the Students’ Union
Know who’s coming and going
It can be difficult in a big household but try and make sure you’re all aware of who’s expecting friends round – and don’t let people in you don’t know. Don’t let contractors in without seeing ID. Your landlord should tell you in advance if contractors need to access your property. If someone shows up unexpectedly to make repairs call your landlord to check they’re genuine.
Double check your safety certificates
Check that your landlord has provided all the safety certificates needed and that your house has all the correct safety measures in place, these include:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): EPC are certificates that review and grade the property energy performance
- Electrical Certificates: These ensure that tenants are protected from any exposed wires, faulty connections, malfunctioning appliances
- Gas Safety Certificate: Landlords must arrange a yearly gas safety inspection that has to be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer and a copy of the certificate must be given to tenants
- Fire Safety Checks: These include things like ensuring a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor and fire extinguishers
Turn electrical devices off when not in use and take care when charging them
Not only will this save your energy bills but it’s much safer. Take particular care when charging and storing any e-bikes or scooters. Follow these tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storing your electric bike/scooter
- If possible, fit smoke or heat detection in the room or garage where you charge or store your electric bike/scooter
- Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product
- Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or out of the house
- In the event of an electric bike/scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999
Register and insure your things
Insuring your valuables will help you cover the cost if anything gets damaged or stolen. There are specific policies for students through companies like Howden, but always check whatever policy you take our covers everything you need it to.
You can also register your possessions with Immobilise. The Immobilise database helps police identify the owners of recovered property increasing the chances of things being returned to you.
Know what’s going on
Bee in Loop is Greater Manchester Police’s community messaging service and a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening in your area. You can also search for local groups on whatever social media you use.
Help and support
Manchester Student Homes are on hand to support you with all aspects of off-campus living, including keeping your house and belongings safe. You can contact them via email on
manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk, phone on 0161 275 7680 or call into see the MSH team in the Students’ Union. Follow @Manchestetstudenthomes on Instagram for updates and tips:
Report any suspicious activity in your street/area to GMP online
Remember, if there is an emergency in your home call 999 to speak to the police, fire or ambulance service.