Cyber safety in halls

How to stay safe online

Living in halls means a new place to call home and a lot more digital admin than you're used to. Fraudsters know students are targets, so here's how to keep your data safe while you settle in.

• Don't post photos of your door number online. This tells strangers exactly where to find you.
• Take five minutes to check your privacy settings so only people you know can see your posts. 
• Be wary of new "friends" or bots messaging you privately on social media, especially anyone asking odd personal questions early on.

• The only official UAL online group is Unibuddy Community which is available until 25 September 2026.
• Think twice about what personal information you share if you're added to a group chat.
• Don't share your room number in a group chat with people you've just met. 
• Be cautious of links shared in group chats, even from someone you recognise, since accounts do get hacked.
• If you join a group chat and experience bullying or harassment, UAL has support services and advice available to you: Find out more here.

Phishing is the most common way students get caught out. Before you click anything:

• Check the sender's actual email address, not just the display name.
• Watch for poor grammar or urgent language, that's a classic red flag. 
• Never click links or download attachments from texts or emails you weren't expecting e.g. fake "parcel delivery" texts.

• Use a password that's at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and never reuse your UAL password anywhere else. 
• Turn on biometric login and multi-factor authentication wherever it's offered. 

• Kitchens and common rooms are shared, so don't leave your laptop or phone unlocked or unattended.
• Do not leave personal data written down in shared spaces e.g. sign up sheets with emails or phone numbers.
• Keep your room key/card and student ID card safe, ensure you do not leave these behind. 
• If you log into an account in a shared space e.g. a streaming service, log out when you're done using it.

• All residents are expected to comply with the expectations set out in their tenancy agreement.
• This includes being conscious of noise, not smoking or vaping indoors, not using illegal drugs, and treating fellow residents, staff and your hall with respect.
• Harassment or discrimination, including behaviour in person or online, will never be tolerated.
• If you’re unsure about your hall’s policies, speak to your on-site residence team.

• Tell your halls reception. They can help provide advice and support.
• Worried your UAL email account has been breached and need advice? Report it using the Security Incident reporting form or call the UAL IT Service Desk on (+44) 020 7514 9898. Support is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• If you're concerned that you have been a victim of cyber-crime in any other way, visit Action Fraud.

👉 You can read more about Cyber Safety here.

Photo credit: UAL Diploma in Apple Development, UAL SMRA