Helping you stay safe, comfortable and confident in your residence.
Your accommodation is your home – let’s keep it safe, comfortable and hazard-free. Here are some quick tips every student should know.
Fire safety – Keep flames out of your flat
- Never leave cooking unattended – most student fires start in the kitchen.
- Keep fire doors closed at all times.
- Do not tamper with smoke detectors – report issues immediately to our Facilities Helpdesk.
- Know your nearest fire escape route and assembly point.
Electrical safety – Don’t overload your plugs
- Avoid using multiple high-power devices in one socket (heaters, kettles, hairdryers). Do not use damaged chargers, cables, or extension leads.
- Only use certified/adaptor-free chargers for laptops and phones.
- If an outlet feels warm or trips the power – report it to our Facilities Helpdesk.
Housekeeping – A tidy room is a safe room
- Keep hallways and doorways clear – don’t block escape routes.
- Store belongings safely; avoid stacking items near heaters or lights.
- Dispose of rubbish regularly to prevent smells, pests, and fire risks.
- Keep floors dry to prevent slips.
Window restrictor safety – They’re there to protect you
- Do not remove, damage or bypass window restrictors.
- Report any broken or loose restrictors immediately.
- Avoid leaning or sitting on window ledges.
- Keep furniture away from windows in upper-floor rooms.
Cooking safety – No more kitchen disasters
- Stay in the kitchen when frying or grilling.
- Turn pan handles inward, away from edges.
- Wipe up spills to avoid slips and smoke.
- Never place metal in microwaves.
- If a fire starts:
TURN OFF heat, CLOSE the door, NEVER use water on oil, raise alarm, EVACUATE and CALL emergency services (999), then call our Security team.
Personal safety – Stay aware, stay smart
- Always lock your room and building doors behind you.
- Don’t let people “tailgate” into secure accommodation areas.
- Walk with friends at night when possible; use well-lit routes.
- Store valuables out of sight.
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, report it.
Smoking & Vaping – Keep yourself and your flat safe
- Only smoke or vape in designated outdoor areas between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
- Fully extinguish cigarettes before disposal.
- Keep lighters, matches and vapes away from bedding, furniture and soft surfaces.
- Charge vapes on hard, non-flammable surfaces using the correct charger – never overnight.
- Stop using any vape that leaks, overheats or smells unusual.
- Respect no-smoking areas and avoid smoking near entrances or windows.
Need help or see something unsafe?
Contact your Residential Life team or speak with your building’s Reception/Security.
- Residential Life: studentservices@chester.ac.uk or 01244 511550.
- Facilities HelpDesk: report an issue, facilities.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk or 01244 512200
- Security: 01244 511541.
Your safety matters – always ask if you’re unsure.