Living away from home for the first time is usually an absolute blast, but it can also be a daunting process. So, in addition to getting out there, sussing out your surroundings and making new friends, the best way to make the most of this new stage in your life is to be sure you stay safe in your Student Accommodation and when in and around a new city.
This guide has been designed to help students feel confident and secure while living away from home for the first time, and looks into top tips for safety in the home, staying safe while out and about in Leicester, and how best to settle into student life.
Staying Safe in Your Student Accommodation
It might be something that you haven’t had to think about before, but there are several things you can do to ensure your student accommodation stays as safe and secure as it possibly can. So, make sure you stay in the know about fire safety and how to put one out safely, should the worst happen, and who to call for help. Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and that you practice Safety Around Electricity and electrical appliances, too.
From a security perspective, always double check that doors and windows are locked. It’s important to be sure that, even if you’re at home, there are no unwanted intruders able to get in. Also, mark valuables, such as your laptop or phone with UV pens and register them on sites such as Immobilise to deter theft – and keep them out of sight when not in use.
If you find yourself with any maintenance or safety concerns in your Westmanor student accommodation or rental property through another trusted
accommodation provider, then it’s vital that you report this straight away and someone will be on hand to help.
Personal Safety Around Campus and Leicester
In addition to staying safe in your student accommodation, it’s also important to stay safety aware when out and about, even when you’re on campus or travelling to and from university and around the city, particularly at night.
Tips for new and international students who are adjusting to Leicester and navigating unfamiliar surroundings include the following:
- Be aware of your surroundings and be careful with your alcohol intake
- Stick to well-lit areas and avoid travelling alone at night
- Be cautious of wearing headphones – you should always be able to hear, as well as see, what’s around you.
- Check taxis are fully licensed if travelling alone
- Trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, move to a safe place and contact help
- Avoid using your phone in isolated places, as it can distract you from your surroundings.
- Consider carrying a personal alarm
- Be aware of public transport and night travel information – for example when the last bus is
The Leicester universities have plenty of precautions in place to assist you. De Montfort University, for example, has a 24/7 security team on standby to deal with concerns and they work closely with Leicestershire Police and have a police officer dedicated to campus safety. Likewise the University of Leicester has 24/7 University Security via the SafeZone app and resources for reporting incidents.
Settling In and Looking After Your Wellbeing
Another vital factor of making the most of your university experience is to look after your own wellbeing and make every effort to settle in well.
Rent your student accommodation through a trusted and university-recommended provider. Create a safe, comfortable home environment, try to build positive relationships with your housemates, look after yourself physically and mentally, and make sure you know where to find support, should you need it, through your university, student services, or student accommodation providers.
Choose Student Accommodation You Can Trust
Living with a reputable, well-managed student accommodation provider will help ensure any safety issues are dealt with quickly and professionally. At Westmanor Student Living, we offer well-maintained homes, responsive support, and peace of mind for students and parents alike.
Get in touch for more details of the student accommodation we have available and to book your viewing today.