OSHCstudents-Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, explore new environments, and meet new people. However, it also comes with the responsibility of safeguarding your personal belongings and valuables in a foreign country. Whether you’re staying for a few months or a few years, it’s important to take steps to protect your possessions. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your valuables safe while studying abroad.
1. Get Travel Insurance
One of the simplest ways to safeguard your valuables while abroad is by securing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers personal belongings. Travel insurance can compensate for the cost of items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during your time abroad, offering you peace of mind.
Before purchasing a policy, carefully review the terms to ensure you know what’s covered. For high-value items like laptops or cameras, you may need additional coverage. Some student health insurance plans also offer protection for lost or stolen items, so check if your current policy already includes this benefit.
Our NZ Studentsafe Insurance offers pre-approval for high-value medical claims. To learn more about NZ insurance, contact the Annalink team for details.
2. Use a Secure Lock for Your Accommodations
Whether you’re staying in student housing, a homestay, or a private apartment, securing your accommodations is a must. Always lock your doors and windows when leaving the room, even for a short period. If your accommodation doesn’t have a strong lock, consider purchasing a portable door lock or a travel-safe lockbox to store your valuables when you’re out.
For shared living spaces, you can also use lockers or lockable drawers to keep your valuables safe from roommates or visitors.
3. Carry Only What You Need
When you’re out exploring or attending classes, avoid carrying all your valuables with you. Take only what you need for the day, such as your phone, wallet, and necessary identification. Leave expensive items like jewelry, passports, and large sums of cash in a secure location at home.
If you need to carry valuable items, opt for a crossbody bag or a backpack with anti-theft features such as hidden zippers or slash-resistant material. Keeping your belongings close to you helps prevent theft, especially in crowded areas.
4. Back Up Important Documents
Losing important documents like your passport, visa, or student ID can be stressful and disruptive. To safeguard against this, make physical and digital copies of all your essential documents. Store physical copies in a separate, secure place from the originals, and keep digital backups on a secure cloud service or encrypted USB drive. In case your documents are lost or stolen, having copies can expedite the process of replacing them.
5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Whether you’re commuting to class, traveling, or socializing, being aware of your surroundings can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to theft. Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places like public transport, tourist attractions, or markets. Avoid leaving your bags unattended, and never showcase your valuables in public spaces.
If you notice someone acting suspiciously or feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and move to a safer location.
6. Get to Know the Local Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency, it’s important to know the local emergency services number, as it may be different from your home country. This includes numbers for police, medical services, and fire departments. Many universities also offer security services or emergency contacts specifically for international students, so keep those numbers saved and accessible.
7. Stay Connected with Your University
Most universities offer resources for international students, including guidance on safety and security. Familiarize yourself with your university’s support services, including on-campus security and student housing policies. Some schools may even have safety apps or programs that provide real-time updates about potential security risks in your area.
8. Establish Good Habits
Ultimately, protecting your valuables comes down to establishing good habits. Make it part of your routine to double-check that doors are locked, valuables are stored safely, and your items are always within reach. By maintaining a security-conscious mindset, you can greatly reduce the risk of losing your possessions while studying abroad.
If you are international student, a foreigner arriving in Australia & New Zealand, or Australian citizen traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact Annalink team at email info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
