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Student life

Before you go home for Christmas


Last updated: November 2022

Whether you’re a fan of Christmas or not, going home and meeting up with friends and family is something most of us look forward to.

Admittedly, things like cleaning out the fridge are less exciting. But get it done this side of New Year and you’ll thank yourself when you return in January to a tidy house with a fridge that doesn’t smell like something has died. Also take a few extra measures to ensure you leave your student home as secure as possible over the winter period before you travel home.

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12 tips for going home for Christmas

1) Lock up

Before you travel home for Christmas, make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked. It sounds so simple, but still extremely important to keep all of your valuables safe!

2) Hide your belongings

Make sure all the valuables that you’re leaving behind are hidden and out of sight to deter any thieves.

3) Be careful with the heating

Set heating on a low timer, but don’t turn it off completely. This will prevent your pipes from freezing while you’re away; it’s a nightmare (not to mention expensive!) to fix.

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4) Beware of social media

Don’t post on social media when you are leaving your student house. It’s an advert that screams ‘your house will be empty’ and makes it an easy target for thieves.

5) Let your landlord know

In some cases, you may need to let your landlord know when you‘re leaving for Christmas and when you’re returning. Check in your contract to make sure.

6) Think about where you leave your spare key

Don’t leave a spare key anywhere outside; under the doormat, a flower pot, anywhere! Thieves might try and look for it. Give a spare key to a friend that’s sticking around for Christmas or a neighbour you trust.

7) Settle any bills

If bills are due to come out while you’re away, sort them out before you go. It’s one less thing to worry about and you’ll avoid potential late charges.

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8) Clean up

Have a good clean before you go. You will feel better coming home to a clean house in the New Year when the post-Christmas blues kick in!

9) Unplug

Unplug everything electrical apart from your fridge and freezer. This will help you save money and prevent fires.

10) Take out the rubbish

Collect all house rubbish and put your bins out ready for collection day. Forget this step and your house will probably smell rotten when you get back. Air fresheners are good… but they’re not that good. If you know your neighbours, ask them if they wouldn’t mind pulling your bin onto your driveway once it’s been emptied.

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11) Clear out the fridge

Seriously. Do you fancy coming back to your student accommodation after Christmas to three week old milk? If you don’t want to throw all of your perishables away, you could always take them with you.

12) Do a final walk through

Make sure the last person to leave does a final walk through of the property, just to make sure you haven’t missed anything in your excitement to get home for Christmas!


Make sure your student contents insurance is in place

Student contents insurance will protect the things (like clothes, furniture and electrical items) in your student home against risks like fire, theft and flood. Having student contents insurance in place before you travel home for Christmas will let you enjoy the festive period without needing to worry about your things back at uni.

Check if you’re already covered (if you live in halls) or get a student contents insurance quote.

Find out more about student contents insurance.

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