Skip to Content
Northern BankEndsleigh Study

► Latest Blog

» Stay Safe this Christmas

12.33PM, Mon Dec 12 2011

Hi Folks,

It is important to remain concious of your own safety over the festive period. Below is a few points to keep in mind over Christmas to ensure you do not become a victim of crime. The Students' Union work closely with the PSNI to ensure student safety and we would like to offer you the following advice;

Student houses and halls of residence can be a particular attractive to thieves. Thieves are aware there are likely to be a high number of electronic goods inside (Laptops, TV’s, Music Systems, MP3 Players etc).
Student properties are particularly at risk of being burgled at the beginning of each term or after Christmas holidays when thieves are aware the returning students will be bringing new possessions with them
 

Accommodation

During the Christmas holidays, when your house will be empty for a long time, supplement additional security measures

  • When you go out, even for just a few minutes, always ensure your laptop and other valuables are out of sight and your windows and doors are locked. Do the same when you go to bed at night.
  • In a hall of residence make sure that main entrance doors shut behind you and definitely don’t let anyone tailgate in behind you. Lock your room door even if you are only going down the corridor
  • Don’t leave any electronic or high value goods in your student accommodation, bring them home with you
  • Put lights on a timer
  • Mark all your valuable items with your home postcode using an ultra-violet (UV) pen, and register a description of your property and it’s serial numbers with the online database at immobilise.com
  • Ask someone you trust to check on things and lift your post for you


Going out


Remember great nights start and end with friends,

  • Plan how you will get home
  • If you are out with friends stay together stay safe make sure make sure when you go home you don’t leave anyone behind
  • Never use an unlicensed taxi
  • Do not walk home alone. Use public transport but if you have to walk always use well lit busy street and never take short cuts down alleyways or across large open spaces
  • If possible withdraw any cash you will need in daylight hours.
  • If you do need to use an ATM at night make sure you use one that is in a well and busy area. Only withdraw as much as you need and put your money and card away safely before leaving the ATM.
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
  • If your drink looks different do not consume it
  • Never ever Drink and Drive!
  • Visit www.gethomesafe.org


Shopping

 

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Only withdraw what you need.
  • Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Keep your handbag closed and carry it the front of you.
  • Never keep your cheque book and card together
  • Keep your pin number confidential
  • Check the ATM before you use to make sure there is noting unusual about it. If in doubt use a different one
  • Never leave any bags including your handbag unattended
  • Beware of fake goods being sold on the internet.


Your car

 

  • Always park in a well lit or attended car park. Remember when you park in daylight it may be dark when you return to your vehicle
  • Never leave presents or valuable in your car if it unavoidable. lock them out of sight in the boot
  • Remove your Satellite navigation and any suction mounted fitting it has from the car
  • Don’t leave your car running in frosty weather it makes it easy to steal and your car insurance will not cover the theft
  • Always lock your doors and windows
  • For long journeys Plan your journey and keep your mobile phone and extra cash on hand in case of emergency.
  • Do not use your mobile to phone, answer calls or text when driving! Consider investing in a hands free device
  • Do not drive if you are tired or if you have been drinking (even if it was the night before)
     

...

Read more blogs...

► More Overall President Blog

» Free Winter Clinics

Are you in rented accomodation but are heading home for Christmas?

 

Belfast City Council are now offering Free Winter Clinics offering advice and information on how to keep you home free from damage due to cold weather over the Christmas period.

 

For information on a Winter Clinic near you check out http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/winter/clinics.asp
» MAGEE STUDENT SCOOPS ONE YEAR’S FREE TUITION FEES

A lucky University of Ulster Magee student has become the first to win a year’s worth of paid tuition fees through a major monthly competition.

Psychology student, Catherine Barr, claimed the top prize – worth up to £3,370 – in a giveaway organised by FreeStudentFees.co.uk and backed by a number of local companies, including prize sponsor CoolFm.

The FreeStudentFees.co.uk competition is open to all Northern Ireland college and university students as well as those who graduated within the last five years.

Winning student Catherine Barr, is a Second year Psychology student at Magee Campus and said the prize was a huge boost.

“Like most students I’m nervous about racking up huge debts during my studies, but this will help lessen that burden. It’s no secret that students are feeling the pinch more now than ever and every penny has to go further. I still can’t believe I’ve won the first draw and all my friends are logging on so they can be in with a chance next month.”

Belfast entrepreneur, Barry Kemp, co-founded FreeStudentFees.co.uk and said the simple idea was about giving students a real chance to reduce their debt by teaming up with interested businesses.

“As recent graduates, we know students are faced with an unfair burden of debt and decided to do something about it. A lot of firms we talked to said that they wanted to help and the idea developed as a way for them to support local students and communicate better with key audiences.

“The secure website and regular news alerts share a wealth of information from promotions and special offers through to job opportunities. But most importantly there is the chance of winning tuition fees for a year as well as other prize-draws and giveaways.”

FreeStudentFees.co.uk is the only company in the UK and Ireland offering students a monthly chance to claim paid tuition fees for one year.

Professor Robert Hutchinson Provost and Dean of Campus Development at the University of Ulster at Coleraine welcomed the FreeStudentFees.co.uk giveaway.

“Clever ideas like this are good news for students, universities and colleges. Increasing financial pressures mean than gaining a qualification is now more challenging. It’s encouraging to see businesses working proactively and in partnership with students to help remove barriers and reduce debt levels.

“FreeStudentFees.co.uk has already received a tremendous reception from those enrolled in higher and further education because it smartly tackles the issue that matters most for students and offers valuable information.”

To find out more or to register your free chance to win one year’s paid tuition fee log onto www.freestudentfees.co.uk.
» Welcome from the Students' Union

Some of you may recognise me as Vice President of the Students’ Union on the Jordanstown Campus but this year I am back as Overall President representing all campuses. The Students' Union can offer you some great opportunities throughout your time here at the University of Ulster so I would like to invite you all to come along to the Fresher’s Fayre on your campus and find out exactly how you can get involved. As well as getting lots of freebies at the Fresher’s Fayre you can also find out how to join our wide range of clubs and societies and find out a little bit more info about them. This is also a great time to came and meet your Students' Union Officer based at your campus.


If sports clubs and societies don’t tickle you fancy there are many other ways of getting involved in your Students’ Union, why not become a class rep and be the voice for your class and any issues you may encounter. We also offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which will strengthen you CV and offer you an even greater sense of achievement throughout you time at University.

For more information on what we here at the Students’ Union can do for you check out our website www.uusu.org, continue to pick up the various issues of Uforia magazine or you can drop me a message to su.president@uusu.org

Claire Flanagan
Overall President
 

Read older blogs...