Why are you writing this? Students are honest!
So wrong. It doesn’t matter if it’s Students or not, as random people roam your Campus and Security are not there all the time. My heart was beating fast enough when 2 black guys walked into my block and I had left my door unlocked.
Contents.
- Location, location, location.
- One key to rule them all.
- Liabilities.
- Insurance.
- Recap.
Location, location, location.
Luckily for my first year I was not on the ground floor, but not everyone is that lucky. University rooms have a horrible habit of getting humid, not least if like me, you have 2 laptops, an xbox, widescreen TV and an en-suite shower in it…as well as other steamy things. It’s easy to open your window, but not if you’re on the ground floor.
The number one rule is securing your room. Most University dorms will have what I call a “3 layer security” system, consisting of the outer door to the block, your hall, then your room. Chances are your key will be either a dimple high security one or a non-copy one (meaning you cannot copy it in any normal locksmith shop). The reason being is because the University doesn’t want you to make a copy, which will cost less than having a replacement from the University. In other words, a key cost of being copied would be about £10 give or take, and a replacement from the University would charge you £25-40 for a replacement. More so at the end of the Semester when the rush is on to leave and the University needs as much money as they can get.
So, having a ground-floor room sucks, in short. You have the ability to hop out for a smoke, or get a girl to jump through your window to avoid the awkwardness of having your housemates seeing your drunken hookup go into your room for some awkward sex. Other than that, you need to have a sense of healthy paranoia.
Some tips are to keep your window closed when not in your room (always double check when you leave), always double check your door to make sure it’s locked and don’t leave anything on the latch. You may have housemates that you trust, which I will come onto later.
So to recap for a ground floor accommodation
- Always close your window when you aren’t in your room. Double check.
- Keep your key in a place you won’t lose it. A good keyring is great. If you go out, you can always put the key and a ring onto your belt loop on your trousers to avoid losing the key and keeping the keyring weight to a minimum.
- If you are in your room then by all means keep the window open, but even if you leave your room, make sure to lock it.
- Having something to obscure the view between the curtains (for example some thin sheet or a flag) pinned to the curtains so you can open the curtains and not have someome gawping in at your post-shower naked body.
If you are on any floor above the ground floor, you can usually get away with keeping your window open. Your door is what matters, so always, always make sure your door is locked. Always try the handle when you lock the door, just to make sure.
One key to rule them all.
Your hall, floor and room are opened by your key. That one key. All your belongings, all your privacy. In that room. You are the only person who can control access to that place.
Your key, like I said, would either be dimple or copy-proof. That said this doesn’t mean you can’t get it copied which is a cheaper alternative to getting the University to replace it as they will do, but charge you out of the arse for it.
It is possible to get your key copied, but you just have to do some legwork in finding a locksmiths or cobblers that would do it for you. Pay them a bit extra or just say it will save you money, and give them some money. It’s not necessary to copy your key, but if you are the sort to lose it, then it’s a good idea. Expect to be frowned upon by some locksmiths, but just be friendly and offer a bit of extra money. It will save you about £10 to £15.
A good way to keep your key is on a minimalist keyring, but I’m not going to tell you how to arrange your security items. Just keep it close and in a bag or your pocket. Some doors may be auto locking as they need to be put on a latch, so always keep your key on you. I’ve been locked out and had to walk across a soaking wet field to get Security to let me in again wearing nothing but trousers and socks.
Liabilities.
You may have locked your window and door, but what’s the use if those you live with let people in as they don’t see security as a problem. As a ToTSEan you will need to learn to guard against people who can let you get into these situations.
A simple way, although seen as some by paranoia, is to lock your door even if you leave your room for a few minutes. It’s easy for people to go from the kitchen into your room and Facebook rape you or whatever. Like I said, even friendly people can be liabilities, not least as I had a housemate come to “frape” me, and I had a quarter Oz of Lemon Skunk drying out on my desk…right next to my laptop. Just don’t take unnecessary risks. Healthy paranoia.
Insurance.
Depending on just how retarded or lax you are on personal security, then you may look at Insurance.
Student deals can be found all over the show, from Student based forums to Freshers fair stands. It’s a bit pricey if you don’t claim anything, so it’s your call.
I have not had insurance for the 2 years I have been at University and never had anything stolen. It’s all how security-conscious you are. if you aren’t the sort to leave things on display or let any Tom, Dick or Harry into your room, then I’m sure you’re fine. I can’t imagine your window will be busted in, and just keep it locked shut when you leave your room.
Around some Campuses and Halls, the Police will actually “break” into rooms where the windows are open or are left unsecure, then take your laptop or a high-value item, then leave a note saying “This could have been a thief!” or wahtever and where to collect your property from. Just a warning – so keep your shit secure.
Recap.
- If you live on the ground floor, your window is also a front door to your room. Keep it locked when you aren’t in. Open it when you are in – if your room’s stuffy then it’s a lifesaver.
- Put something between your curtains. Assuming you have the typical 2 curtain setup (1 each side to part to open) then get some transluscent material to pin to the top of the curtains to link them up, and thus when you open your curtains, you still have a guard against snoopy passers by.
- if you feel you may lose your key then do your upmost to find a locksmith or cobblers that will make a copy of a “non-copyable” key. It will save you hassle and money if you had to get a replacement from the University at an even greater cost.
- Insurance is not necessary unless you feel so. There is no way to give you an estimate as it depends what you own, but it’s totally up to you. If you are sensible about your paranoia, then there is no need. I know many rooms that were full of Consoles, top end laptops, tons of drugs and jewellery that had no insurance. Let people know as much as you want them to know.
- Don’t keep doors on latch unless you need to. It’s just an open invite to people who skulk around, especially in Freshers week, looking for the one open door that leads to another. If it’s not a thief in your room, it’s the Cops. Your choice.
22/8/2011
V1.0
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