How to stay safe in your hall

Easy peace'y 

Staying safe in university halls doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some straightforward, down-to-earth tips to keep yourself and your belongings secure.

Watch out for tailgating

Tailgating is when someone slips in behind you into a building or room without the proper access. It's simple to prevent:

• Be observant: Take a quick glance behind you when entering doors that require a key/card. If someone you don't recognise is following, it’s okay to ask if they live there or need help finding someone.
• Let doors close: Make sure the door shuts fully behind you. It's a small act that makes a big difference, especially with the older doors that might need an extra push to close.
• Speak up: See someone lurking around or trying to follow someone in? Let a staff member know.

Always sign in guests

You are required to sign in any friends that come to visit (especially if they are staying over!), which is a good thing. It helps us keep track of who's coming and going, meaning we can easily spot who shouldn't be there.

• Stick to the rules: Follow the simple sign-in process at your reception.
• Keep the crowd manageable: Having too many people over can be overwhelming and risky. Limit your guests to a few at a time so you don't end up getting random stragglers in your hall. If you live in a shared room, always check in with your roommate.
• Your guest, your responsibility: Make sure your friends know the drill about keeping things respectful and safe in your hall - you are fully responsible for any guest you bring into your accommodation!

Keep your door locked

It’s tempting to leave your door unlocked, especially if you're just running down the hall. But it's a habit that can lead to trouble.

• Always lock: Even if you're stepping out for a second, lock up. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your stuff.
• No doorstops: Keeping doors propped open can seem friendly, but it's a security risk. Make sure doors can close and lock on their own.

Be smart with your keys

Losing keys is easy to do but can be a big headache. Plus a lost key could actually be a stolen key.

• Keep them on you: Whether it’s a lanyard, a keychain, or in your pocket, keeping your keys close is key. Don't leave them in the door for ease, it's just a bad idea.
• No labels: If you lose your keys, you don’t want someone else knowing exactly where they go. Keep them unmarked.
• Lost? Report it: If your keys do go missing, let your reception know ASAP.

Remember, keeping safe is all about the small things: being aware, locking up, and looking out for each other. It’s about making smart choices and not taking unnecessary risks. Stay safe out there!