We are wondering what most students do…or should do for in room security of valuables. A small safe or fire box can still be picked up and taken, and your valuables are still gone. Just not sure of what to do on this.
- Be smart and aware.
- Leave anything at home that doesn't need to be there. Most kids don't need fancy jewelry or tons of cash.
- Register your items with campus police (laptop, bike) with serial numbers, etc.
- Use a laptop lock (although my kids never bothered) in your room and in the library.
- Lock your dorm room door, and make sure your roommate does as well (you'd be surprised how many kids don't..."I'm just going down the hall....")
- Have a good lock for your bike.
- If you have stuff like passport, medication that needs to be locked up, etc, try something lockable that is also not OBVIOUSLY a lock box and/or that is easy to conceal/hide in a not-so-obvious place. Don't hide stuff under your panties in a dresser drawer. Also don't announce to the masses (or, frankly, to anyone) that you have this stuff (back to #1).
- Use a gps tracking app for your iphone. In addition to phones, students ID/meal/dorm entry cards & room keys are the most frequent LOST items...figure out what works for you to keep those with you at all times. Many schools use lanyards, and that works for a lot of kids. My son has a phone cover with an extra slot for his ID- phone is always with him, so is the card! (so far, so good)
- Relax and don't worry about it. Most kids never have any trouble!
We got a storage trunk from “trunk outlet dot com”. They are located in Rochester so we ordered it and picked it up on site. It’s not something that is going to be stolen very easily. He used it for storing basic junk, but also for valuables such as passport. Used a combination lock on it. It easily fits under the dorm beds. He is taking it to grad school now.
We never worried about it - nor had any problems. Bikes getting stolen can be an issue, so a good lock is necessary if one has a bike. Aside from that? Can’t think of much other than the obvious of not leaving a computer or phone unattended.
College insurance. There are a few companies, probably all about the same. We used NSSI. Got the replacement cost coverage and it paid for a damaged laptop screen replacement.
Thank you for the great ideas and info!
You can get a cheap lock box and use a bicycle lock to secure it to a closet rod, or springs under your bed, where it cannot be taken without seriously damaging furniture or fixtures. Worked for all 3 of my kids.