Student accommodation present property managers and landlords with a unique set of challenges when it comes to safety and security. These properties often house hundreds of young adults in one location, many living away from home for the first time.
This creates a significant responsibility for accommodation providers to ensure a safe environment where students feel secure. From preventing theft and unauthorised access to reducing anti-social behaviour and meeting strict fire safety regulations, a comprehensive security strategy is needed to ensure student wellbeing, maintain compliance with legal obligations, and protect the reputation of accommodation providers.
In this blog, we explore the essential security measures every student accommodation provider should have in place.
Why Security in Student Accommodation is Important
The nature of student accommodation makes it particularly vulnerable to security issues. With high footfall throughout the building, shared communal spaces, and frequent visitors, these environments can present multiple challenges. The presence of valuable personal items, such as laptops, smartphones, and games consoles, often left in bedrooms or common areas, makes student housing a prime target for opportunist thieves. Combined with the relaxed attitude towards security among students, this creates an environment where risks can easily escalate if not properly managed.
Additionally, smoking inside rooms remains a significant fire safety hazard in student accommodation. Despite providers implementing strict no-smoking policies, some students choose to ignore these rules, increasing the risk of accidental fires. When combined with alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and lead to careless behaviour, the danger becomes even greater.
CCTV Installation and Remote Monitoring
CCTV is one of the most effective security measures for securing student accommodation. Installing CCTV cameras around key entry points, hallways, communal areas, and car parks provides a strong deterrent to criminal activity, while offering reassurance to students and staff.
However, simply installing CCTV cameras means there is evidence once a crime has been committed. To get the most out of CCTV, enlisting the support of a remote CCTV monitoring company will greatly increase security. With remote monitoring, trained operators watch live camera feeds round the clock, allowing them to identify suspicious behaviour in real time and respond before a crime occurs. Once a threat is detected, the monitoring team can escalate the situation depending on your requirements. Whether that’s liaising with onsite security teams, contacting a dedicated point of contact, or calling the emergency services. This proactive approach transforms CCTV from a passive recording tool into an active security solution that significantly enhances student safety.
Access Control
Controlling who enters and exits the building is critical in student accommodation. Traditional keys can easily be lost, copied, or misused, which is why many providers are moving towards electronic access control systems. These systems typically use fobs, cards, or even biometric technology to allow authorised entry while keeping unauthorised individuals out.
An effective access control system not only enhances security but also provides an additional layer of accountability. Managers can track entry and exit records, which is useful in case of security breaches or emergencies. For students, these systems offer convenience and peace of mind, reducing the risk of strangers entering accommodation blocks and ensuring that only residents and authorised visitors can gain access.
Concierge Security
Concierge security provides a visible and reassuring presence in student accommodation, serving as the first point of contact for residents and visitors. A trained concierge officer does far more than greet people, they monitor access to the building, verify visitors, and ensure that only authorised individuals enter the premises. This helps to reduce the risk of unauthorised access, theft, and anti-social behaviour.
In addition to security duties, concierge staff often assist with general enquiries and emergencies, providing a professional and friendly face for students who may be living away from home for the first time. Their presence not only deters potential intruders but also creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for residents. Having a dedicated concierge on site can make a significant difference in maintaining both safety and community within student accommodation.
Security Patrols and Mobile Response
Security patrols provide reassurance for students and act as a visible deterrent to potential troublemakers. Whether delivered by on-site security officers or mobile patrol units, these services help maintain order and address issues quickly.
Patrols are particularly effective at reducing anti-social behaviour, which can be a significant concern in student housing. Officers can monitor communal areas, check entrances and exits, and respond to disturbances before they escalate. When combined with keyholding and alarm response services, security personnel can also deal with emergencies promptly, ensuring the property remains secure at all times.
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of managing student accommodation, and a reliable fire alarm system is essential in large buildings. These systems are designed to detect smoke or heat and alert residents immediately, giving them valuable time to evacuate safely. In larger multi-storey buildings, fire alarm systems often include interconnected detectors, control panels, and sounders that cover every floor, ensuring no area is left unprotected.
However, simply installing a fire alarm system is not enough. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure the system functions correctly in an emergency. This becomes even more important when considering that smoking in rooms remains a common issue among students, despite strict no-smoking policies.
Why Professional Security Providers Make a Difference
Managing security and fire safety in student accommodation requires expertise, resources, and constant vigilance. Working with a professional UK security provider ensures that all measures are compliant, effective, and tailored to the unique challenges of student housing. From SIA-licensed officers and remote CCTV monitoring to fully maintained fire alarm systems, partnering with specialists gives property managers confidence that their buildings and residents are protected 24/7.
Student accommodation presents unique challenges that demand a robust, multi-layered approach to security and safety. Here at Prime, we specialise in delivering tailored security solutions that address these challenges head-on, ensuring students feel safe and accommodation providers stay compliant. From advanced CCTV systems and remote monitoring to concierge security, access control, and fire safety solutions, we provide everything you need to protect your property and its residents. For more information, get in touch with the team today.
