Student accommodation safety: Securing your home away from home

By Study Inn

For many, moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, but rest assured that Study Inn takes the safety and security of its student population very seriously.

Importance of CCTV in ensuring student safety

Student accommodations are designed with safety and security in mind. Study Inn premises are equipped with CCTV cameras that monitor the premises 24/7, providing an effective deterrent against potential criminal activity.

• Deterrence: One of the most effective uses of CCTV is its role as a deterrent. The presence of security cameras can discourage potential wrongdoers who are aware they are under surveillance. It makes student accommodations less attractive to potential intruders or vandals, who are likely to think twice knowing their actions are being monitored and recorded.
• Evidence Collection: In the unfortunate event of a crime, CCTV footage can provide vital evidence. This can help law enforcement in their investigations, significantly increasing the chances of apprehending culprits. Whether it’s theft, vandalism, or more serious crimes, CCTV can provide clear imagery and timestamps that can serve as solid evidence in legal proceedings.
• Monitoring and Response: CCTV systems often tie into broader security operations where security personnel monitor live feeds. This enables immediate detection of suspicious activity, allowing for rapid response. Immediate intervention can often prevent small incidents from escalating into serious situations.
• Peace of Mind: Besides its practical uses, CCTV systems provide students, parents, and university staff with peace of mind. Knowing that there is a robust security system in place can help students feel more comfortable and secure. This peace of mind can significantly enhance students’ overall wellbeing, allowing them to focus more on their academic pursuits.
• Improving Security Measures: Over time, CCTV footage can provide insights into security weaknesses or patterns in behaviour that can inform better security measures. For instance, if certain areas are identified as potential trouble spots, additional security measures can be implemented in those areas.

Secure entry systems

Our secure entry card systems are also in place, meaning only residents and authorised personnel can gain access to the building. Some accommodations also have secure bike storage facilities, and many offer well-lit areas, both inside and outside the buildings.

The importance of key cards extends beyond simply limiting access to a building. They play a fundamental role in ensuring the safety of students and maintaining a secure living environment.

• Controlled Access: Secure entrances and key cards ensure that access to the student accommodation is restricted to authorised individuals only. This helps to keep out any potential intruders and ensures that only residents and staff can gain entry, providing an essential layer of security.
• Personal Safety: Secure entrances minimise the risk of unwelcome visitors and provide residents with a sense of personal safety. By reducing the likelihood of unauthorised entry, students can relax and focus on their studies without worrying about their personal safety.
• Protection of Personal Belongings: With restricted access, the risk of theft and damage to personal property is significantly reduced. Students can leave their rooms knowing that the chances of a break-in are minimised due to the restricted access provided by secure entrances and key cards.
• Accountability and Tracking: Key cards often have unique identifiers for each user, allowing for activity to be tracked if necessary. This can be useful in resolving disputes, investigating incidents, or even deterring misuse as students are aware that card use can be traced back to them.
• Ease and Convenience: Key cards also offer a high level of convenience. Unlike traditional keys, they are easy to deactivate if lost and simple to replace, ensuring there are no vulnerabilities in the accommodation’s security while a replacement is being issued.
• Emergency Situations: In cases of emergencies, key cards can provide crucial information, such as identifying whether a student is likely to be in their room or not. This information can be invaluable in situations such as fire evacuations.

24/7 on-site security team

One of the major aspects of maintaining a safe and secure environment in student accommodation is the presence of a 24/7 on-site security team. This team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of students, making their presence essential for several reasons:

• Constant Vigilance: Having an on-site security team means that there are trained professionals who are constantly monitoring the premises, at all hours of the day and night. This constant vigilance ensures that any potential issues are spotted and dealt with promptly, thus preventing problems before they arise.
• Immediate Response: In the event of an emergency or security issue, a 24/7 on-site security team can respond immediately. This reduces the response time significantly compared to external security services or law enforcement, potentially preventing incidents from escalating.
• Preventing Unauthorised Access: The security team can actively prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the premises. They can check identification and control access to the building, which adds a crucial layer of security and protection for the residents.
• Personal Safety: Knowing there is a security team present can provide significant reassurance to students and their families. This sense of safety can positively impact students’ wellbeing and academic performance, as they can focus on their studies without worrying about security issues.
• Building Familiarity: An on-site security team becomes familiar with the residents, the building, and the patterns of everyday life in the student accommodation. This familiarity can be invaluable in spotting anything unusual or recognizing when something or someone is out of place.
• Routine Inspections: Regular patrols and inspections by the security team help to maintain safety standards. They can identify and report maintenance issues, such as a broken lock or a malfunctioning security camera, ensuring such issues are promptly addressed before they become security risks.
• Support and Guidance: A security team is not just about responding to emergencies. They can also provide advice and guidance to students on safety practices, helping them to better understand how to keep themselves and their belongings secure.

A 24/7 on-site security team is a cornerstone of safety and security in student accommodation. They offer a multifaceted approach to security, providing constant vigilance, immediate response, prevention of unauthorised access, and a comforting presence for students living away from home. They play an indispensable role in creating a safe, secure, and conducive environment for students to live and study.

Student Safety Tips

1. Be mindful: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking around at night. Stick to well-lit areas and try to travel in groups.
   Cultivate a habit of being attentive to your surroundings, both within and outside your student accommodation. This involves being aware of who’s around you, and what’s happening, especially in isolated areas or during less busy times. Avoid distractions, like using headphones or looking at your phone while walking, particularly at night. If something or someone feels out of place, trust your instincts and, if necessary, move to a safer location.
2. Secure your accommodation: Always lock your doors and windows when leaving your room or apartment. Never lend your keys or entry cards to anyone else.
   Making sure that your living quarters are secure is one of the best ways to prevent opportunistic crime. This goes beyond locking doors and windows when you leave. Also, ensure that doors and windows are secure before going to bed. Don’t leave spare keys and key cards in obvious places and avoid discussing security details, such as passcodes, where others can hear you. Remember that your room or apartment is your personal space—keeping it secure also means limiting who knows your security details.
3.  Keep your personal belongings safe: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Consider marking your valuables with a UV pen or registering them on Immobilise, the UK’s national property register. Always keep valuable items out of sight from windows, as they could potentially attract thieves. When you are not using devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, store them in a safe place. You can also mark your belongings with a UV pen — this means they can be easily identified as yours, which can deter thieves and help police recover them if they are stolen. The UK’s national property register, Immobilise, allows you to record and register your valuables, adding another layer of security.
4. Get to know your neighbours: Having a good relationship with those around you can add to your sense of security and community. Developing good relationships with your neighbours creates a friendly environment and a shared sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare. This can lead to a more secure community where people look out for one another. Attend community events or simply say hello in the hallway—it can go a long way in fostering positive relationships.
5. Use licensed taxis: If you’re travelling late at night, use a licensed taxi service rather than walking. After late-night study sessions, social gatherings, or outings, it might be tempting to walk back to your accommodation, especially if it seems close by. However, safety should always come first. Always use a licensed taxi service for late-night travel. These are regulated by local authorities, and the drivers are vetted for your safety. If you’re unsure about a taxi service, look for signs of licensing, such as a numbered plate or sticker on the vehicle, or ask your university or student union for a list of trusted local providers.

While it’s always important to take personal responsibility for your safety, the security features of Study Inn locations go a long way in maintaining a secure living environment. So, embark on your academic journey with confidence, knowing that your safety is our priority.