HELPING STUDENTS INTO THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION  

All universities and colleges have a person responsible for fire safety. If you have any concerns or questions about fire safety in halls – for example, you’ve spotted a fire risk – speak to them. If you are a disabled student and would need assistance if there was a fire, let the university or college health and safety officer know when you arrive. You should also: check what the fire safety rules are – such as any ban on candles in rooms. Pay attention to fire drills and never ignore alarms from privately rented accommodation. If you live in a private house or flat, make sure it’s fitted with smoke alarms on each level of the property - and that they are tested regularly.

Check that your escape route is clear. For example, make sure there are no bikes blocking your exit in the hallway, and be aware of any windows that are barred. If you’re a student in England, Ireland, Scotland, United States, New Zealand, Germany, Australia or Canada, you can request a home fire safety visit from your local fire and rescue service. They may provide and fit a smoke alarm for free. Find your local fire and rescue service Opens new window, health and safety in rented accommodation (home and community section). Help promote fire safety at your university or college to find out how you can help promote the fire safety message on campus, speak to your local fire and rescue service. So, each year, the 'Fire Kills' campaign also recruits a limited number of students at selected universities as 'student brand ambassadors'. They raise awareness of fire safety among fellow students by: getting publicity through student magazines, distributing leaflets and posters and working with the local fire and rescue service to organise a special event, such as a chip pan demonstration.

Student ambassadors are usually recruited over the summer. In 2009/10, the campaign is taking part in the following universities in England, Ireland, Scotland, United States, New Zealand, germany, Australia or Canada: Birmingham, Bournemouth, Central Lancashire, Cumbria, De Montfort, East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Huddersfield, Hull, Kent, Leeds Metropolitan, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton, Northumbria, Nottingham, Nottingham Trent, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, Southampton, Staffordshire

Find your local fire and rescue service Opens new window. Download 'Great Escape' postcards and posters from the Fire Kills website Opens new window, gas and carbon monoxide safety, if you’re renting privately, your landlord must ensure that all gas appliances are checked once a year by a ‘Gas Safe Register’ installer. Your landlord must also show you the safety certificates for all the gas appliances in your property. Faulty gas appliances are one of the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember: you can’t see, smell or hear carbon monoxide. Domestic gas installation and health and safety (home and community section). Ensure that doors and windows have proper locks fitted. There’s plenty of advice on home security available online.

Personal safety. It’s important to be aware of your own safety. If you are concerned, there are steps you can take. For instance, most universities and colleges offer self-defence classes, or give out personal alarms. You should also look at the range of facilities and services (for example, late night minibus transport) offered by your local students' union. Practical tips on student safety Opens new window. Home security, student accommodation is a notorious target for burglars. This is true of both university-owned and privately rented housing. Postgrade Education and learning from higher Education and learning. Support and advice during your higher education course, there may be times at university or college when you need guidance and support on all kinds of issues. If so, there is lots of help available academic issues about studying at a university or higher education college is very different to being at school or in further education. On many courses, you'll be expected to study largely on your own. You'll need to manage your time effectively if you are going to meet deadlines, as well as developing your academic skills for tasks such as writing essays.

If you do experience academic problems, your personal tutor can provide advice. Getting help at an early stage can often stop small problems becoming more difficult to deal with. Most student unions also have a welfare officer who will give confidential advice to students on virtually any welfare or course-related problem. Your college may even have a mentoring scheme, where more experienced students give academic guidance to newer students. Health and personal problems and health. The state of your health will affect your ability to study. It’s important to take care of yourself, eat well and take some exercise. When enrolling at a university or college, you should register with a doctor as soon as you can. Many campuses have their own health services, and some also have their own dentists and opticians.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim help with health costs like prescriptions, dental work and glasses. Visit the WWW.UNIVERSITYOF.ES Choices website for more information about health services and healthy living, and to find GP surgeries, doctors, dentists, pharmacies (chemists), hospitals and walk-in centres near you. You can also contact WWW.UNIVERSITYOF.ES Direct for health information and advice. WWW.UNIVERSITYOF.ES Direct: 0845 Student health - information from WWW.UNIVERSITYOF.ES choices Opens new window Help with healthcare costs: frequently asked questions from students Opens new window. Personal problems at the National Union of Students websites have advice on dealing with homesickness and other problems commonly faced by new students. Your university or college will have a counselling service. Some also offer an out-of-hours ‘Nightline’ - a listening, emotional support and information service run for students by students. Or you can call or email organisations such as the Samaritans, which offer emotional support 24 hours a day.