Student thefts ‘may result in debt troubles’

Students may be at risk of future debt problems if they do not adequately insure their belongings, it has been suggested.

New research carried out by Endsleigh revealed the average university-goer will be taking just under £4,000 worth of possessions when they head to a new abode.

Moreover, a third of these goods will be carried around campus and the surrounding area by pupils – meaning a theft could see them stripped of products worth £1,300.

The survey found a student who cycles to his or her place of learning and carries a laptop, mobile phone, MP3 player and books, while also wearing typically valued clothes and a watch, would be carrying about their person £1,305 worth of possessions.

And this amount excludes other popular items, such as makeup, jewellery, cash and credit cards.

The most common product pupils pack with them before heading to student halls is a laptop.

It was discovered every student will be taking with them a computer of some kind, as 94 per cent will be taking a laptop and six per cent will be transporting a desktop model.

Other possessions to be taken to university include mobile phones (93 per cent), MP3 players (73 per cent), digital cameras (62 per cent) and hair straighteners (49 per cent).

Vicki O’Connell, a spokeswoman for Endsleigh, commented: “As lifestyles become more mobile the ‘must-have’ items become more portable.

“Our research shows just how easily the value of your possessions accumulates,” she added.

A study recently carried out by Hiscox found many university-goers are planning to set up their own business after their studies have finished – possibly in an attempt to stave off debt worries.

By Amy White