Student Housing Security Tips During Academic Break

When academic breaks roll around, it's easy to get caught up in planning trips home or taking time off. But one thing many students forget to think about is who or what might be showing up uninvited while they’re away. When student apartments sit empty for days or even weeks, they can become easy targets for theft or damage, especially in larger cities like Baltimore.

With most neighbors also traveling or adjusting their schedules during this time, apartment security often slips off the radar unless you’re being careful. And if you're sharing an apartment or renting a furnished space, the setup can feel even more vulnerable. Whether you're leaving town for a long weekend or a full break, putting in a little effort now to lock things down can really pay off when you return.

Secure Your Personal Belongings

Start with the basics: your personal things. If it matters to you, or if it’s expensive, make sure it’s locked away or out of sight. Even if your building has decent locks, a little extra effort goes a long way with items like laptops, jewelry, watches, or documents.

Here are a few easy ways to protect your valuables:

• Lock valuables in hard-to-see places like bottom drawers, closed storage bins, or inside fully zipped suitcases.

• Use a lockbox or mini-safe. They’re small, easy to hide, and add an extra layer of safety.

• Consider short-term off-site storage. If you won’t need access to things while you're gone, moving them to a secure unit close by can add peace of mind.

• Bring your most important stuff with you. Smaller valuables like passports, flash drives, or headphones can travel with ease.

Just doing any of these things helps. One student at Hopkins View made the simple choice to tuck her electronics into her locking desk drawer before heading out. Everything was secure when she got back. Meanwhile, her neighbor’s laptop, left out in the open, didn’t make it through the break. These small decisions can make a big difference.

Enhance Your Apartment’s Security

Before heading out, it’s worth giving your apartment a top-to-bottom check. Many student apartments in Baltimore come with standard locks, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make it safer, especially with your landlord’s permission.

Here are some useful ideas:

• Double-check that every window is secure, even the ones that are high up or partially hidden.

• Slide a rod or stick along the inside tracks of sliding windows or glass doors to prevent them from opening.

• Set up temporary door alarms that make noise if the door opens when it shouldn’t.

• Put up motion-sensor lights near the entryway. Even indoor versions can offer better visibility.

• Install Wi-Fi cameras that link to your phone. These allow you to check in from anywhere.

Before you go, do a quick security sweep. Try opening every window to confirm they're locked. Test all devices and check your camera if you’ve installed one. A few small additions can slow someone down or even stop them altogether.

Coordinate With Neighbors And Management

Letting someone know you’ll be gone can be one of the smartest things you do. While technology helps, nothing replaces an actual person who lives nearby and can notice things out of place.

You don’t have to tell them your full travel itinerary. Just knowing that you won’t be around lets them be more watchful. Ask if they’ll check your door or windows once in a while. Should anything look odd, they can contact you or building staff right away.

Here are a few simple steps to make that process smoother:

• Tell one trusted neighbor the dates you’ll be away.

• Leave a spare key with someone reliable, not under a mat or hidden outside.

• Ask your property manager if there’s a system residents use to coordinate building security.

• Share your contact number with the management staff in case something happens while you're gone.

• Offer to watch over your neighbor’s place next time they leave.

This kind of building teamwork can seriously improve safety. Even just one set of extra eyes looking out for you can lower the chance of something going wrong.

Best Practices For Extended Absences From Your Apartment

If you're heading out for a week or longer, you'll want to take a few more steps so your place stays undisturbed while you're away. Think about how your unit appears from the outside. An unlit space with mail stacking up can be an easy red flag.

Here are a few tips to make your apartment look lived-in even when you're not there:

• Set light timers to turn on lamps in the evening.

• Submit a mail hold request or have your mail forwarded to a different address.

• Unplug things like TVs, laptops, and microwaves to reduce fire risk and save energy.

• Empty your fridge of anything that won’t last until you return.

• Take out the trash. This keeps the space clean and discourages insects or bad smells.

• Let a nearby friend know your travel dates and ask them to check in on your unit if they’re available.

These little efforts take just a few extra minutes but can make your space look active and maintained, which helps deter unwanted attention.

Head Out with Peace of Mind

Breaks are for relaxing, not for stressing every time your phone buzzes. A little planning ahead of time helps you feel confident that your apartment and belongings are safe while you're enjoying some time away.

By locking valuables out of sight, upgrading basic security measures, and working with your neighbors and property team, you create a safer setup that works even when you’re not there. Each small step adds up to a stronger shield around your home.

That extra peace of mind makes room for the most important part of any academic break—rest, recovery, and stepping away from the routine for a while. When you cover the basics, you let yourself actually enjoy the time off. And that’s what a real break should feel like.

Planning to make your time away truly stress-free? Secure your living space before heading out for that much-needed break. If you're considering student apartments in Baltimore, Hopkins View offers comfortable options with added peace of mind. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact us today.