The winter break is upon us, and for most students it’s the first proper chance to head home, relax, and forget about deadlines for a couple of weeks.
But before you shut the door and jump on the train, there’s one thing that’s worth doing properly: making sure your student home is safe and secure while you’re away!
Empty student houses can be easy targets for theft and crime, especially over Christmas when whole streets clear out. And while your accommodation provider will have their own safety measures in place, there’s still a lot you and your housemates can do to reduce risks, prevent damage, and avoid any unwelcome surprises when you return.
Here’s your complete guide to keeping your room, flat or house safe when you head home for the holidays.
1. Don’t advertise that the house is empty
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many break-ins happen because it’s pretty obvious no one is home. Whether that’s avoiding posting on social media or closing all of the curtains, there are a few things that will make a big difference.
A few simple habits can make a huge difference:
- Don’t post your travel plans publicly on social media. If you want to share a ‘back home for Christmas’ update, do it after the break.
- Keep curtains and blinds looking ‘normal’ rather than fully closed in every room for two weeks straight.
- Leave a lamp or hallway light on a timer if your provider allows it. It’s a small investment that makes the house look lived in.
- Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out if you have a good relationship with them.
Making your place appear occupied is one of the easiest ways to deter unwanted attention.
2. Secure doors, windows, and ground-floor rooms
Most student break-ins happen because of simple things like an unlocked window or a weak back door, so be sure to give your home a quick security check before you head off. It sounds simple, but amongst the excitement and mental load of remembering all your Christmas presents and personal items, make sure every window is properly locked – even the ones you rarely open.
Double-check that both the front and back doors close securely, with no damage or loose fittings too. If your house has a garden gate, shed or side entrance, lock those too, so access points are limited. And if you notice anything that doesn’t look right, such as stiff locks or a door that doesn’t close properly, report it to your accommodation provider before heading home. Taking a few minutes to check everything now can save a huge amount of stress later, especially when you’re sharing responsibilities in a student house.
3. Take valuables home (or hide them well)
If you live in halls or a shared house, never leave expensive items in plain sight (any time of the year).
Before you head home for Christmas, you might want to take the following items with you:
- Laptops, tablets, and uni tech
- Headphones
- Jewellery
- Cameras
- Gaming consoles
If you can’t take certain items home, store them out of sight, ideally in your wardrobe or under your bed. Never leave tech on desks facing windows!
4. Unplug and switch off safely
Not only does this reduce the risk of electrical faults or fires, but it will also save energy.
Before you leave, make sure small everyday appliances like kettles, hair dryers, lamps and phone chargers are unplugged, and turn off any extension leads that would usually power multiple devices.
If you use a portable heater, switch it off completely, and take a moment to double-check that your electric hob or oven isn’t left on or in standby mode. A quick sweep of the room now means you won’t spend your holidays worrying about what you might have left running.
5. Bin it, clean it, empty it
You don’t want to return in January to the smell of mouldy milk, overflowing bins, or a cupboard full of rotting leftovers! A quick pre-holiday clean can prevent pests, smells and mess, so you return with a clean slate, ready to make a fresh return to student life. Before you lock up and leave:
- Empty all kitchen bins and recycling.
- Clear out food that will go out of date.
- Give the fridge a once-over.
- Wipe surfaces so crumbs don’t attract pests.
- Wash up or load the dishwasher so nothing sits stagnant for weeks.
Your future self will thank you!
6. Don’t turn the heating off completely
This depends on your accommodation, but in many student houses, the winter cold can cause bigger problems.
Turning the heating off completely for long periods can lead to frozen pipes, damp, mould and damage that will become your responsibility!
Most providers recommend leaving the heating on a low setting or using the thermostat’s frost protection mode. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy handbook or ask your landlord/agent before switching everything off.
7. Make sure your housemates know your plans
One of the biggest security mistakes students make is assuming everyone is leaving at the same time.
One of the most common security slip-ups happens when everyone assumes someone else is the last one out.
A quick chat with your housemates can prevent this.
Before the break, agree who’s leaving when, who will be the final person locking up, and what needs to be checked before they go, things like doors, windows, appliances, bins, and anything that shouldn’t be left running.
A group message or quick catch-up is all it takes to avoid the “I thought you were doing it!” moment and ensure the house is adequately secured once everyone’s gone home.
8. Lock internal doors if appropriate
If you’re in a shared house, especially with people you don’t know very well, it’s perfectly reasonable to lock your bedroom door when you head home for the holidays. It’s a simple way to protect your valuables and gives you peace of mind, particularly if you’re the first to leave, someone you don’t know is staying behind, or your room is on the ground floor.
Just make sure communal areas remain unlocked unless your landlord advises otherwise; you don’t want to create any fire safety risks.
9. Double-check tenancy rules before doing anything unusual
Not all properties allow:
- Timers on plugs
- Keeping heating off
- Blocking interior doors
- Leaving windows on the security latch
- Moving furniture or storing items long-term
If in doubt, check your contract or drop your accommodation provider a quick message. Better safe than sorry.
10. Don’t forget your documents and essentials
When you’re in a rush to get home, it’s easy to forget important things such as:
- Your visa documents (if applicable)
- Medication
- Uni coursework or revision notes
- Your house keys
Also, never leave your keys under the mat, in the letterbox, or with a neighbour you don’t know well! If you lose them over the break, contact your provider rather than trying to break in…doing that could land you with a bill.
11. If you’re worried about returning debt-free and stress-free
If you share your accommodation and you’re jointly responsible for rent, remember that joint and several liability means you could be affected if someone else doesn’t pay over the holidays.
This is where services like Housing Hand help. We stand as your professional guarantor and protect you from being chased for someone else’s unpaid rent, keeping your tenancy safe and giving you peace of mind over the break and beyond.
Heading home for the holidays should be simple, stress-free, and something you’re excited about and not overshadowed by worries about your student home.
A little preparation now can prevent big problems later. Check locks, tidy up, take valuables with you, and make sure your place looks lived in. Your accommodation will be waiting for you exactly as you left it.
And if you want more tips on renting safely, understanding your tenancy, or securing a guarantor without needing family support, the Housing Hand team is always here to help.
