Fire Safety Tips for Students

Fire Safety Tips for Students Moving to University

Starting university is a big step and an exciting time. For many students, it’s the first time living away from home. Between freshers’ week, meeting new people and learning to cook, fire safety might not be high on your list, but it should be.

Young people aged 18 to 24 are statistically one of the groups most at risk from fire. Whether you’re moving into university halls or a shared house, it’s important to take simple steps to keep yourself and your housemates safe.

Know your escape route

When you move in, take time to find out how you would escape in an emergency. Where are the exits? Are the routes clear? In a real fire, smoke spreads quickly and you may only have a couple of minutes to get out. Make sure you and your friends know the plan before you need it.

Test your smoke alarms

Working smoke alarms save lives. Test them when you arrive and then once a week after that. If you’re in halls, the alarms should already be in place and regularly tested by building management. In private accommodation, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to provide working alarms – but it’s your job to test them.

Take care when cooking

The kitchen is the most common place where fires start in student homes. Never leave cooking unattended, even for a minute. Don’t cook if you’re tired or under the influence of alcohol. Use a timer to avoid burnt food or worse, a fire.

Don’t overload sockets

Laptops, phones, hair straighteners and fairy lights – we all have a lot of gadgets these days. But overloading plug sockets is dangerous. Use extension leads safely and make sure they are not damaged or trailing across walkways.

Keep fire doors closed

If your accommodation has fire doors, do not prop them open. They are specially designed to hold back fire and smoke, giving you time to escape. Blocking them with bags or holding them open with wedges puts everyone at risk.

Avoid candles and open flames

Candles and incense may feel cosy but they are a common cause of fires in student homes. It’s safer to use battery powered alternatives. Also be cautious with smoking materials – never smoke in bed and make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished.

Report any concerns

If something doesn’t seem safe – like faulty wiring, missing alarms or blocked fire exits – report it straight away. In university accommodation, speak to your hall manager or student services. In a private rental, contact your landlord or letting agent.

Final checks before bed

Before going to sleep, do a quick safety check:

  • Switch off appliances and unplug chargers

  • Blow out candles or incense (or better still, don’t use them)

  • Close all internal doors

  • Make sure escape routes are clear

A few final words

Moving away from home comes with lots of new freedoms and responsibilities. Taking a few minutes to think about fire safety could make all the difference in an emergency. Stay safe, look out for your housemates and don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels unsafe.

If you are a university or student accommodation provider, Ezra Safety Group offers fire risk assessments, fire door inspections and staff fire safety training. Contact us to find out how we can help.

Call us on 01772 349589 or drop us an email info@ezrasafetygroup.co.uk