Keep it safe - cons

Let’s face it—university life is full of new experiences, but worrying about your valuables shouldn’t be one of them. Whether it’s your passport, emergency cash, or that sentimental piece of jewellery from home, keeping your belongings secure is important. That’s where the ResLife Safe Box Scheme comes in!

What Is It?

The Safe Box Scheme is a secure way to protect your valuables while living in halls. The safe is free, but we only have a very limited safes and if you lost the key or damaged the safe, a charge of £100 will be automatically added to your student account. 

Once your application is approved, your safe box will be delivered and installed by our friendly Maintenance Assistant. The safe is securely fixed to the wall, so it’s not going anywhere.

How the scheme works:

How to apply: Email ResLife at reslife@hw.ac.uk (stock is very limited).

Installation process:

• Some rooms already have a safe box installed. If yours does, and your application is approved, you can collect your key from the ResLife Hub.
• If your room does not have a safe box, don’t worry. After your application is approved, the maintenance team will install one in your room free of charge (usually within the first 4 weeks of your arrival).

Key information:

• You will receive one key for your safe box, along with simple instructions for use.
• ResLife holds a master key in case assistance is ever needed.
• At the end of your stay, you must return your key to the ResLife team and ensure the safe is in good condition to avoid charges.
• If your key is lost/broken or the safe is damaged, a £100 fee will be charged, payable at the main reception.
• The safe box is available for the full duration of your stay.

Safe box details:

• Safe Dimension:  23 cm × 16 cm × 16 cm (L × W × H) - small safe, perfect to store your passport, cash and valuable jewellery.
• Colour: Black/Dark silver 

Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

• Available to all current residents living in Heriot-Watt University-managed halls of residence.
• One safe box is allocated per room.

Charges

• If the key is missing or broken, or if the safe has been damaged or tampered with, a fee of £100 will apply
• If a student is found to have been using the safe to store prohibited items (illegal substances, dangerous goods), the safe will be removed and a charge of £100 will be imposed.
• The payment must be made at the main reception.
• If a student wishes to continue using a safe after a lost/broken key or a damaged safe, student can apply for a new safe by emailing reslife. 

Usage & Responsibilities

• Residents will receive one individual key to access their safe box.
• ResLife holds a master key for emergency access or maintenance only.
• The safe box must not be moved, tampered with, or used to store prohibited items (e.g., illegal substances, dangerous goods).
• Residents are responsible for keeping the key safe and using the safe box appropriately

Installation & Removal

• Safe boxes installation will be subject to the maintenance team's scheduling, normally within the first 4 weeks of arrival.
• The safe remains the property of Heriot-Watt University and must not be removed or modified.
• At the end of your stay, the key must be returned to the ResLife team, and the safe must be left clean and undamaged.

Liability & Disclaimer

• Heriot-Watt University is not liable for the contents stored in the safe.
• The safe is intended to deter opportunistic theft and does not guarantee full security.
• Residents are encouraged to take out personal insurance for valuables (e.g., via Howden student insurance).
• Always lock your bedroom door, even when stepping out to shared areas like the kitchen or lounge.

Withdrawal from the scheme

• Residents may withdraw from the scheme during the academic year. Residents must return the key to ResLife Office.
• The safe will not be removed from your room.

A Few Final Tips

Read Howden's terms and conditions to understand what's covered on your insurance. For more information on personal safety in halls, please visit WattLiving.