security for my room is it worth the money?

brumbrum2

hiya

im moving to uni next month and was thinking about getting one of those cctv cameras that alert you when someone goes in your room and that you can check in when your out. has anyone got one of these? they seem alright but i wanna know if its worth spending money on or if i should just save my money and use it for freshers!

i've been reading about halls and seen that a few people have had their laptops and stuff stolen which is isn't great! do you guys think its worth spending my money on?

thanks in advance

kwmlondon

Just get decent insurance in the first place. Endsleigh are pretty much the default. Halls usually have locks on room doors so just make sure you lock your room when you're not in. I'd not bother with any kind of security, more likely to cause you hassle really.

[Deleted User]

Are you taking a laptop? If you've got a built in webcam, you may only need some software. I found a list here - http://www.ugolog.com/pages/25-applications-to-turn-your-webcam-into-home-security-system

If you've taken your laptop out your room.. well, that's hopefully your most valuable thing out anyway.

DomRavioli

I had a safe at uni, got it from Aldi, worked really well as I put it under the bed. Was a bit of a nightmare getting stuff out, but I lived 2 years in halls and 2 in a house and never had a problem.

I think the safe was around £30 (this was in 2003 though!) but I'm sure you can get them for around the £50 mark or even below.

brumbrum2

Ahh right ok that seems good! I've been looking at cameras like watchbot (can't post the link cause im new!) but as i said before if there's gonna be no need for it then i'd rather save my money!

[Deleted User]

You could always buy a wifi IP camera for £30 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tenvis-JPT3815-JPT3815W-Wireless-Security/dp/B00H759YXA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408013468&sr=8-4&keywords=wireless+camera

I've got a foscam version of that.. It's ok, i used it as a baby video monitor, and just as a bit of a gadget.

Just a warning; they can be a nightmare to get setup to view 'outside' of your network - at home I had to set up all sorts of port-forwarding on my router.

I have it setup to email pictures upon movement; that way I don't need the faff of port-forwarding

Indie_Kid

Er, lock your bedroom door? I did this and never had anything go missing.

brumbrum2

yeah thats the sort of thing ive been looking at - cameras that alert you to movement etc and you can check in on your phone when out and about.

Zinger549

The rooms have locks on them so just make sure you lock them before you go out. I was in halls for 3 years and never had anything go missing.

Indie_Kid

I was in halls for a year and didn't have anything go missing either. As long as you're sensible, you'll be fine. As it got towards the end of first year, I don't think many people locked their door if they were just going to the kitchen for 2 minutes.

iclayt

I have been a warden at a hall of residence. Things get stolen when external doors and ground floor windows get left open, and bedroom doors are propped open to save having to remember to take your key when you go to the kitchen etc. All easily avoided if you and everyone else around you are vigilant. However, doesn't matter how many talking-tos you all get from the residence team, how many signs are put up, how many warnings security give out - someone will leave a window or door open, someone will get in, and they will gather up all the laptops they can from all the doors that have been left propped open *eye roll*

You can get insurance (Endsleigh probably your best bet) but your halls may also have some form of insurance cover included in your payments - check this with the accommodation office.Your parents may also be able to arrange cover through their own contents insurance.

Trust me, you do not want to be known in the hall as The One With The CCTV Camera - this will not go down well at all. Just shut doors and windows.