Student safety new Government priority as record number of university places are confirmed
- One in five students fall victim to crime whilst studying at college or university (NUS)
- Business Secretary Sajid Javid orders inquiry to ensure universities provide a safe environment for all students
- Collegiate AC properties offer inclusive security features to enhance residents’ safety
Channel 4’s latest social experiment ‘Hunted’ premiered last week, exploring the power of surveillance in today’s society. With the programme highlighting the increasing importance now placed on this essential technology, for university students about to move into their accommodation for the start of term, the inclusion of such features in their new home may offer just the peace of mind they need.
Statistics released by the National Union of Students (NUS) show that one in five students today fall victim to crime whilst studying at college or university. With more university places confirmed this year than ever before, security necessities including CCTV are high on the priority list for both new and returning students as well as their families.
Collegiate AC, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, places the safety of their residents as central to their offering and utilises specific features and the latest technology in order to ensure that this is facilitated.
CEO of Collegiate AC, Heriberto Cuanalo explains,
“When moving into your student accommodation, you want to trust in the security of your possessions as well as your own personal safety. At Collegiate AC, our residents’ safety is our main priority and we provide a selection of additional facilities in order to ensure this. From CCTV and onsite management teams to secure electronic access and a student helpline, our properties provide the necessary security features so that all residents can feel comfortable and relaxed in their new home away from home.”
And student safety is today a hot topic. The subject has been in the spotlight this week with Business Secretary Sajid Javid ordering an inquiry into sexist behaviour at British universities. With UCAS figures showing that 57,000 more women than men are about to start university this term, the significance of all students’ safekeeping has to be addressed and Javid explained that this would be the focus of the inquiry. He announced that the government will “ensure that universities have a plan to stamp out violence against women and provide a safe environment for all their students”.
With the majority of students spending most of their time either on campus or in their accommodation, the new inquiry will highlight the importance of safety precautions in these areas. Cuanalo goes on to further explain how Collegiate AC properties are themselves addressing this,
“For students’ own peace of mind, as well as for the reassurance of their families, contents insurance is provided by Endsleigh as part of the inclusive room rate that is standard in our properties, just another of our safety features. With more and more students attending university, it is important that each individual still feels comfortable and safe in their new environment and we will do all we can to make sure this is the case for all our residents.”
One such Collegiate AC property that offers an array of safety features is St Augustine’s House. Plymouth’s luxury student residence not only boasts CCTV but also features a private bike storage unit so that those with two wheels can rest easy knowing their ride is secure. The property also offers students a 24-hour helpline and the services of an on-site management team.
Knowing who to contact if ever an issue arises can be a comfort to many students throughout the academic year and at many Collegiate AC properties residents have the choice of face-to-face communication or help via the phone. Glasgow’s beautiful Claremont House has a building manager on-site during the day who can help residents with any queries or concerns they may have, as well as an emergency out-of-hours service that provides students with 24 hour support and advice and CCTV in the communal areas.
For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.