• Smokers – make sure your cigarettes are properly extinguished and ashtrays washed out or moved to a non-flammable surface before you leave or go to bed.

• If you deep fry anything, use a deep fat fryer with in-built thermostat, never a chip pan.

• Candles are popular but don’t light and leave them (or fall asleep) burning near bedding, curtains or soft furnishings.

• Unplug your mobile re-charger after you’ve used it, and switch the TV off at the plug rather than leave it on stand-by (this will reduce your bills too).

• Plan an escape route in case of fire. This will usually be marked clearly in uni flats, but regardless of where you live, you should have an escape plan.

• If you are trapped by fire – call the Fire Brigade on 999 and shut doors and windows to slow down its spread. Remember that there’s more oxygen nearer the floor, so get down low, and use a wet towel/clothes across your mouth to reduce smoke inhalation.

• Never set off false fire alarms. This can divert fire engines away from attending genuine fires and could result in loss of life and property. It’s also a criminal offence. NSA has been working with the Uni, senior residents and the Fire Brigade to prevent false call outs from university residents, with good results.

• Try not to walk the streets alone after dark – guys on their own or in small groups are especially vulnerable to unprovoked assault and robbery. There can be trouble when the clubs close, so stick with friends, ideally club together with another 4 for a black cab ride home.

• Don’t be tempted to take poorly lit, quiet short cuts to save time on your journey home– across the Meadows, parks, subways – on your own or even in twos and threes after dark. These short cuts may be safe during the day, but they can be no-go areas at night.

• Use ATMs during daylight hours and if there’s anything odd looking about the card slot, report it to the bank immediately. You could be the victim of card fraudsters.

• Don’t leave your drink unattended at any time – to have a dance, or go to the toilet, or chat to someone across the room. Drink spiking is a genuine threat, so be careful.

• Watch your belongings at all times– especially lap tops, mobiles and MP3s – or they’ll walk. Don’t flash these things in public places and don’t leave things unattended while you wander off for a chat in the university itself. Not everyone is as honest as they look.

• Keep your passwords separate from your ATM and credit cards in your bag/wallet, and your bank card from your cheque book.