Student Insurance


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Student Insurance

Tech-savvy students embrace the latest technology and teach their parents how to use social media
A new survey published by Endsleigh, the number one student gadget insurance provider, reveals that today’s student will take £1,981 worth of possessions with them to university. In addition, students are embracing new technology in all formats with an increase in smart phones, tablets and digital textbooks. Students own £152 of digital text books on average which they use for their studies, underlining the importance of hi-tech gadgets on a daily basis for work and play.
The survey, compiled by Endsleigh and the National Union of Students, revealed that 86% of students will be taking a laptop to University with them, and 80% use a smart phone. Very few, 5%, now take a desktop computer to university, while tablet PCs, at 9% are on the rise.
Endsleigh found that the average student carries many of their most expensive possessions with them every day, such as laptops, iPhones, MP3 players and digital cameras. As a result, students regularly have an average of £1,981 worth of gadgets on them – even excluding other valuable and popular items, such as jewellery, makeup, cash and credit cards.
Students also revealed the importance of gadgets for keeping in touch with family. Whilst at university. 79% of students say they have taught their parents how to use social media with Skype proving the most popular at 56% followed by Facebook at 37%. Surprisingly, 46% say that they have taught their parents to use e-mail.

Other popular possessions students take include:
• iPods (60%)
• Other MP3 player (10%)
• Digital cameras (58%)
• Hair straighteners (49%)
• Games consoles (16%)
• Kindles (9%)

In addition, the number of students bringing CDs this year (32%) is significantly down on 2011 (46%), with the average male student now owning £500 of digital music and the average female £33
Endsleigh’s top tips to help students keep their possessions safe:
1. Ensure that you check the security of your accommodation when you arrive and raise any safety concerns with the landlord/halls of residence immediately
2. Always make sure the doors and windows to your room/flat are locked when you leave
3. Make sure valuables are not left in full view if leaving them unattended any length of time
4. Try not to draw attention to valuable possessions when walking around the town or campus
5. Ensure your gadgets and your items in your room are protected with insurance specifically tailored to student’s needs.

The survey was conducted online during March/April 2013 and surveyed 2072 representative university students.

Student housing: finding somewhere to live
Make the most of your time at university or college by knowing what your housing options are – and what your rights and obligations are, whether you’re in halls of residence or private accommodation.

The essentials
Where you live at university or college is likely to have a major impact on your time there: the friends you make, the places you get to know, and your costs.It can also be the first time you deal with private landlords, or have to tackle issues such as deposits, bill-sharing and housing management and safety. Knowing where to look can help you find the place that’s right for you – and knowing your rights can stop you being ripped off.

Getting to know the area
Although some students live at home, for many it’s a chance to get to know somewhere different.If you don’t know much about the area you’re moving to, try to check it out before you arrive, either at an open day or by asking your student housing officer for information about districts and travelling time to your campus.Take a look at the BBC website, and your university or college’s prospectus.

Halls and university accommodation
Lots of first year students opt for halls; it’s a good way to meet other students and it’s convenient for day-to-day needs. A number of universities and colleges now manage their accommodation in line with government-approved codes of practice.

Private accommodation
Particularly in the second year, many students move into private accommodation, often with groups of friends.If you’re thinking of sharing, bear in mind that most student houses have between three and six bedrooms – with more people, it might be worth splitting the group to find somewhere suitable. Other options include a bedsit or flat of your own, or living as a lodger in your landlord’s house.There’s a huge variety of private accommodation on offer – the places mentioned below give you some idea of where to start looking.

Housing offices
Most universities and colleges have student housing offices to help you find somewhere to live, and discuss your options. Many offices put together lists of landlords and available properties.It’s important to check whether you’re being given details of accredited landlords – that is, landlords who manage their property in line with agreed standards.
If they are accredited, find out who by, and who handles complaints if they are not accredited, contact your local authority for further information on accreditation scheme.

Letting agencies
Letting agencies can help locate a suitable property for you to rent. Remember that letting agencies can’t charge you for just conducting a search. However, they can charge a fee if you decide to accept any accommodation they find for you.If you decide to register with a letting agent, make sure they are accredited with the National Approved Letting Scheme or that they belong to a trades body such as the Association of Retail Letting Agents or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Click this link for letting and estate agents who deal with Student accommodation in your area

Private accommodation: knowing your rights
Once you move into private accommodation, you’ll be asked to sign a tenancy agreement, and will probably have to provide a deposit.

Thinking safe
If you are moving into new accommodation, whether a hall of residence or a private house, make sure the property is safe and free from hazards.This includes ensuring that gas or electrical appliances are safe to use, that furniture meets fire safety standards, and that the property is free from major hazards.