If your student home will be empty over the Christmas break, take a look at our simple tips to make sure that your house and belongings are safe and secure while you’re away.
1) Clean out the fridge
No one wants to come back to lumpy milk or mystery veggies taking over the fridge! Take a minute to clear out the fridge—especially if you’re the last one leaving. Future you (and your housemates) will thank you!
Better yet, avoid the waste altogether by using up your food before you leave. You can donate unopened non-perishable food to your local foodbank. You’ll find donation points in your local supermarket.
2) Get unplugging
Avoid any unexpected electricity bills by turning off your electrics at the wall and unplugging them – plus you’ll be doing your bit for the environment!
Don’t forget though – do not unplug your fridge and freezer!
3) Check your heating
It’s tempting to think that turning off the heating completely will save money, but frozen pipes can lead to expensive damage, including burst pipes and water damage. Set your thermostat to at least 10°C while you’re away to avoid any issues when you return. And check whether your rental agreement includes any specific rules about heating while the property is unoccupied.
4) Sort your rubbish
Before leaving, sort your rubbish and make sure it’s placed in the correct bins. If you have wheelie bins, catch the last collection and ensure someone is around to bring them in afterwards. Leaving bins on the pavement can be a telltale sign that no one’s home.
And remember, avoid placing bins under windows, as they could provide easy access to upper floors.
5) Secure your valuables
Before heading home for the holidays, make sure to store away laptops, bikes, and any other valuable items that you’re not able to take. It’s always better to take your valuables with you if you can, especially if you’ll be away for an extended period. If you can’t make sure they’re out of sight of any windows.
6) Let your landlord know you’re leaving
Before heading home for the holidays, let your landlord or agent know you’ll be away. Give them the date of when the last person is leaving and when the first person will be back. This helps with both security and maintenance, allowing them to check for any potential issues like leaks or burst pipes while you’re gone – catching problems early can prevent bigger damage. Plus, if you don’t inform them and something goes wrong, repair costs could be deducted from your deposit. A quick update now can save you stress and money later.
7) Lock up your doors and windows
Don’t forget those easy-to-miss spots like the bathroom window or garden door. Take a moment to double (or even triple) check that all windows and doors are securely locked before heading off for the holidays. If you have a house alarm, make sure it’s set—and note how to deactivate it to avoid any surprises when you return.
For extra peace of mind, Manchester Student Homes offers free window alarms for students, perfect for ground-floor windows. Just stop by the Manchester Student Homes Pod in the Students’ Union to pick one up!
8) Don’t advertise that your property is empty
Even a simple Instagram story or an empty-looking house can signal that no one’s home, which could attract unwanted attention. It’s best to keep your home’s occupancy private while you’re away.
Consider using light timers to give the impression someone’s still there—they’re an easy and effective way to boost security. You can pick up free light timers from the Manchester Student Homes Pod in the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
9) Take care of your plants
Don’t forget your leafy friends before you head off for the holidays! Give them a good water, pop them in a spot with plenty of light (but not too much direct sun), and consider grouping them together. Just keep succulents and cacti separate from tropical plants—they’ve got different needs to thrive. A little care now means a happy reunion later!
Don’t forget Manchester Student Homes are on hand to offer advice and support with all aspects of off-campus living. Call in at see them in the Students’ Union Monday – Wednesday and Friday between 9am – 5pm or email them: manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk.