Safety at home

Whether you’re living on or off-campus here are some top tips to keep safe at home or in your accommodation.

Our aim is to help you feel safe wherever you are. It’s important to use your common sense when it comes to safety and know the best precautions to take.

Here are 10 things to be mindful of to keep you and your belongings safe

1. Lock check - When you first move in, make sure all your locks are in good working order. Having strong, reliable locks on your doors and windows is crucial for your safety.

2. Lock up - Always lock your doors and windows when you're at home, even if you and your housemates are inside. Remember to keep your windows closed when you’re not in the room. Did you know? 1 in 3 burglaries occur when doors have been left open.

3. Hide your valuables - Think of your room like a shop window. It's a good idea to keep expensive things like laptops, phones, and any other valuables hidden from view.

4. Back up your work - Don't risk losing all your important academic work. Make sure you save it in the cloud. That way, even if your computer gets stolen, your assignments are safe.

5. Check visitors - If you can, before opening the door, take a peek through a peephole or window to see who's there. Don’t open the door to people you weren’t expecting. Also, avoid holding the door open for people you don’t know. They could be trying to sneak into your building, this is known as tailgating.

6. Cancel deliveries if you’re away - If you're planning to be away, don't forget to cancel any deliveries. Having a parcels pile up outside your door is like a big sign saying no one’s home.

7. Keep your keys safe - Don't give your keys to other people or hide them outside your place for someone else to find, burglars might know where to look.

8. Don’t share private information online - It may seem obvious but don't share your home address or announce when you're not home on social media. You don't want everyone to know when your place is empty.

9. Shared house security - don't assume housemates will secure the house when you're out or lock doors at night. Discuss and agree on security rules with everyone.

10. Get insurance - It's a smart move to consider student housing insurance. This insurance can help protect your stuff from theft or damage. Check with your accommodation provider or look up insurance plans designed for students.

Private housing issues

As a City student you have access to University of London Housing service.

The service is made up of a specialised team who are dedicated to helping University of London students who experience issues in private accommodation.

Examples of issues include: Deposit refutes, pests, scams, landlord harassment, illegal fees, evictions and checking your contracts before signing.

Visit the University of London website to get in touch with the team and make an appointment.

Noise in student accommodation

Please be mindful of noise and how this may impact fellow residents and the wider community.

A common cause of friction between students and neighbours is noise levels. Excessive noise, especially late at night, is not very neighbourly and can cause great distress.

Noise often travels easily between properties, through open doors and windows, and through the walls. Even low-level noise, such as slamming doors and running upstairs, can disturb your neighbours, particularly in the middle of the night.

For more information and tips to avoid noise pollution, visit our Accommodation page.

In case of a break-in

If you see signs of a break-in, like smashed windows or open doors, do not enter. Go to a friend’s or neighbour’s house and call the police on 999 if there is immediate danger. Alternatively, call 101 if the incident has already happened and you don't require emergency assistance. Avoid touching anything inside afterwards, this might damage valuable evidence.

Stolen Ride.co.uk has clear and concise steps for 'What to do after a burglary'. For burglary prevention tips visit the Metropolitan Police website.

Reporting a Gas leak

If you smell gas, call the free National Gas Service Emergency Line immediately 0800 111 999. If safe, turn off the gas and open windows and doors.

For further advice, see Islington Council's webpage.

Smoke alarms

Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm in your home, ideally two. Test them regularly. Affordable alarms are available at hardware shops.

Where to get support

If there's an immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999. If you are on campus you can call City's Security 24h emergency line on (020 7040) 3333.

You can report a crime by calling 101 (non-emergency number) or online on the Metropolitan Police website.

For further support, reach out to your Support services at City.