Halls to Home: Safety Matters

Get to Know Your New Space

Once you’ve picked up your keys, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the property and surrounding area. Check:

• How the doors and windows lock
• Whether there’s an alarm system and how it works
• The quickest routes home from campus, especially after dark
• Where the nearest well-lit streets and bus routes are

For more guidance on personal safety and home security, your Leeds Beckett Accommodation team has a great safety overview you can use even if you’re not in halls.

Keep Your Home Secure

Student areas can sometimes be targeted for break‑ins, especially early in the year when it’s obvious people have just moved in. A few small habits make a big difference:

• Always lock your doors and windows – even if you’re just popping out.
• Don’t leave valuables on display, especially near windows.
• Use timers on lights if you’re away overnight to make the house look lived in.
• Register valuables (like bikes, laptops, and phones) on immobilise.com – it helps recover stolen items.
• If something doesn’t look right, report it. Whether it’s suspicious behaviour or an attempted break‑in, contact the police on 101 (non‑emergency) or 999 if you’re in immediate danger.

Looking for more tips on feeling safe in your new home? Check out our more detailed blog around security considerations.

Stay Safe When You’re Out and About

Nights out are a big part of student life – but staying aware helps keep you and your friends safe.

• Stick with friends when walking home.
• Use well‑lit, busier routes (even if they’re slightly longer).
• Pre‑book taxis or use recognised taxi ranks.
• Let housemates know if you’re staying out.
• If you ever feel unsafe on campus, head to the nearest university building or call Security on 0113 812 3165

Know What to Do in an Emergency

Break‑ins and security issues can be stressful, but knowing how to respond helps:

• If you’re inside the property during a break‑in, move away from danger and call 999 immediately.
• If you discover a break‑in after coming home, don’t enter the property – call 999 from a safe place.
• Inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as you can.
• Take photos of any damage and make notes of anything stolen.
• Contact your insurer to begin a claim if needed.

Check Your Insurance Before Move‑In

In halls, contents insurance is often included in your rent – but in private accommodation, most landlords don’t provide this. Before you move:

• Look through your contract to see if any insurance is included.
• If you own higher‑value items (laptops, bikes, gadgets), consider getting your own policy.
• Before buying insurance, check whether you’re already covered under a parent or guardian’s home insurance. Some policies protect students under a “temporarily removed from the home” section – which could save you money.