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'Students underestimate the value of their university possessions by £1000', warns Endsleigh

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16 August 2007

A new survey released today shows that students are undervaluing the possessions they take with them to university by nearly £1,000. The findings, published as thousands of young people receive the A-Level results which will determine which university or college they will go to, are the result of a survey by Endsleigh, the only insurance provider recommended by NUS.

In Endsleigh's survey, over 8,000 students in universities and colleges across the UK were asked a series of questions on the value of their possessions. The findings revealed that on average students estimated their belongings to be worth £3,280. However, when they actually added up the value of their belongings the average total came to £4,200.

Other interesting results from the survey include;

  • The average female university student takes an average £845 of clothes and shoes with them to university, whilst the average male student takes £596.
  • The average student takes nearly £850 of music and musical equipment with them to university.

Endsleigh spokesperson Stuart Wartalski said:

"Today's students are clearly better equipped than ever before. Our findings show how easy it is for students to underestimate the value of their belongings. Whilst most people remember to include items such as mp3 players, digital cameras and laptops in their calculations, other valuable belongings such as clothing, shoes and jewellery can be easily forgotten.

"A student house or hall of residence could potentially contain tens of thousands of pounds worth of high-tech and portable valuables. This means that students need to be especially conscious of the risks of burglary."

Ama Uzowuru, NUS Vice President (Welfare), said:

"In a few short weeks students from across the country will be starting their university courses. I hope the results of this study will really drive home to students the importance of protecting their belongings.

"Students are a prime target for burglary, and we want to see all students ensuring that they do everything within their means to protect themselves against becoming victims of crime."

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

A Freshers media pack is available from the Endsleigh media team, including further data, case studies and details of cover.

Endsleigh is the trusted brand for student insurance, and the only insurance provider recommended by the NUS.

Endsleigh is an independent intermediary specialising in the provision of insurance and financial products for career people.

Originally founded in 1965 to serve the student market, Endsleigh has since broadened its products and services for graduates and professionals, as well as being the preferred insurance supplier for a variety of trade unions and professional organisations. The company offers a wide range of services including motor, home and travel insurance.

Endsleigh also offers business insurance through Endsleigh Business Insurance Services and financial advice through Endsleigh Financial Independent Tailoring.

For further information, please contact: Nick Faith, Bridget Hargreave or Aideen McDonald at Luther Pendragon on 020 7618 9100 or at endsleigh@luther.co.uk.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.