Moving to university is an exciting time and for many young adults, a first taste of independence with the added bonus of there being lots of exciting things to do and friends to make.

Staying in student accommodation Leicester, or other university towns, is a great way of enjoying university life. Some students stay in halls of residence, whilst others opt for independent student living facilities, such as that offered by such as www.westmanorstudentliving.co.uk. With over 1.1 million students living away from home, according to governmental information, it’s well worth taking time to read some quick tips for keeping student accommodation secure.

Security features

Obviously, regularly maintained CCTV around residences is a must. Uniformed security guards are also a good idea – they can act as a deterrent for anyone planning suspicious activity, and can help students who may be locked out or arriving home late at night.

Likewise, reception staff on site 24/7 is another reassuring presence for students. Increasingly, universities are providing accessible, friendly student support services for any students who are struggling with loneliness or mental health problems – let’s not forget it’s not just practical matters that might cause problems, but adjusting to being away from family. Having staff like this on site or a telephone number clearly advertised within student accommodation can be a really reassuring service for struggling students.

Using technology to keep student accommodation safe

Additionally, intelligent door access, such as a smart card that allows entry and identification in one, is secure and allows the accommodation owners to have an up to date record of who is and isn’t on site at any given moment.

Advising students on safe behaviour

In order to prevent various problems throughout the year, it’s a good idea to offer new students a safety briefing upon arrival. Reminding students of things such as walking home together in groups rather than alone, keeping valuables out of sight, keeping ground floor windows locked and using safe routes to and from their accommodation is all sensible advice.