Starting student life can be expensive from digs to books - here's how to protect your valuables from thieves on the prowl.
Mouldy sandwich bags
You can buy a bunch of these bags from eBay or just make your own. Pretty cool.
Register your items
The website Immobilise.com is a Police-baked website where you can register the unique IDs of your devices making it easier for them to be found and traced, plus harder for them to be passed on.
Install tracker apps
Make sure your phone is set up with apps that help find it if it's lost and stolen and can remotely wipe the device, preventing your private data from getting into the hands of criminals.
Don't leave property unattended
Pretty obvious really, but don't slip up: Even if just popping over to the printer to collect work, be wary of leaving your laptop alone.
Tie it to something
If it can be picked up, someone quite possibly will take it. Use lock chains to keep particularly expensive things secure.
Be careful about who and what you loan
Lending a mate a fiver for a drink on a night out? Sure! A DVD? Of course! Your brand new flatmate £500? Ask questions, be cautious and don't be worried about saying no.
Look out for dodgy cash machines
via Cory Doctorow
Don't get caught out by skimmer devices attached to cash machines and always cover up your pin with your hand when punching it in.
Hide what food you can
Food is possibly the most common thing that gets pinched at University so label what's yours and hide it in your room if there's a thief on the loose. If you can't hide it away from the kitchen, simply changing the packaging can help, such as placing things in an empty butter container.
Get a mini fridge
You can pick up a cheap mini fridge and keep food chilled in your room away from prying eyes.
Keep your door locked when out
Another obvious one, let's be fair.
Don't get blind drunk
Or if you do, make sure you leave your valuables at home. It may be worth investing in a cheap Pay as You Go phone (can be picked up for about £20-30) to take out with you.
Got a bike? Get a bike lock
An unlocked bike is trivial to steal and get away with, don't make it easy for thieves.
Invest in a laptop lock
A laptop lock will secure your computer with a special connector.
Mark everything
Not all theft is on purpose, especially with lots of similar looking bags, phones and cables it can be easy to get things mixed up.
Get a cheap safe
Buy a cheap safe to store valuables in your room. It won't keep out determined thieves but you're looking to stop fellow students not armed raiders.
Protect yourself with insurance
Insurance will not stop your stuff being stolen but it will reduce the impact to you if it is. Check out some student contents' insurance and make sure you have home contents insurance too.