Aviva urges university students to protect belongings

Heading off to university or college to study away from home is an exciting time but with so much to think about, it can be easy to overlook protecting possessions. With recent stats showing that 439,180 applicants have been accepted into university*, Aviva has put together some top tips to help students safeguard their belongings:

1. Think about what you’re bringing to university
   Before you head off, take a moment to think carefully about what you’re packing and whether each item is truly essential. While it’s tempting to take everything with you, it may be better to leave valuable items at home.
2. Keep valuables out of sight
   Avoid leaving expensive items like phones, laptops, jewellery, or gaming consoles visible - whether in your accommodation or around campus. When not in use, store them securely.
3. Lock up before heading out
   Many people come and go in student accommodation, which can make it a target for opportunistic thefts. Always lock doors and windows, even if you're just stepping out briefly. 
4. Stay alert in public spaces 
   Although studying in cafés, libraries, or on campus can be helpful for a change of scene, never leave your gadgets or bags unattended. Use strong, unique passwords to protect your data in case your device is lost or stolen.
5. Be mindful on nights out 
   Crowded venues like bars and clubs can attract thieves. Use a secure bag and avoid flashing expensive items like phones or jewellery in public. Never store valuables in your back pocket either.
6. Don’t let your guard down on nights in
   While nights out are a big part of student life, it’s just as important to stay vigilant when hosting gatherings at home, especially house parties. To help protect your personal space and belongings, try to keep your bedroom door locked whenever possible. 
7. Consider home contents insurance
   It’s worth checking with a parent or guardian about insurance options, to see whether your items are protected while away. An Aviva Signature Home policy, for example, offers up to £12,000 of cover for students living away from home. This covers items in your term-time accommodation, including a hall of residence or shared house.
8. Consider Personal Belongings cover 
   While some insurance policies provide cover for items in student accommodation, if you want to protect items while you’re out and about, consider Personal Belongings cover. This is an optional add-on and can provide cover for items anywhere in the world, not just the UK.

With an Aviva Signature Home policy, students in full-time education and living away from home are automatically covered for up to £12,000 worth of belongings at their term-time accommodation - through their parent or guardian’s home contents insurance - providing that they return to the family home during the holidays.

This protection falls under the ‘contents temporarily removed’ clause, which covers items like TVs, laptops, mobile phones, and games consoles that are temporarily moved from the main insured property to student housing or shared flats. These belongings are safeguarded against risks such as fire, water damage, and theft involving forced entry.

Personal Belongings cover can also be added to the main home insurance policy. This optional upgrade offers protection for items like phones, tablets, ear pods, laptops, and jewellery, including cover for accidental damage and loss. It applies both at home and while out and about, anywhere in the world.

Steven Jackson, Home Product Manager at Aviva, comments: “Students often carry or store thousands of pounds worth of tech and personal items, making them vulnerable to theft or damage, which can be both costly and disruptive to their studies.

“One of the many advantages of having a home insurance policy is the added protection it can offer while a student is living away from home. This provides reassurance for both students and their parents or guardians, knowing that support is in place should the unexpected happen.

“With items like smartphones, tablets, and laptops commonly targeted by thieves, adding Personal Belongings cover can offer an extra layer of security. This is an optional add-on and provides cover for valuables carried on campus or during nights out, helping ensure that lost or stolen items can be repaired or replaced quickly.”

Although students storing their bike at student accommodation may already be covered under their parent or guardian’s home contents insurance policy, some may prefer to have extra protection. Aviva, for example, offers pedal cycle cover of up to £5,000 for theft, loss, or damage, anywhere in the world. To be eligible, bikes must be kept inside a building or securely locked to a fixed object like a post or railings.

_{*UCAS Figures, 14 August 2025}

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