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Original poster

University, smoking inside and covering smoke alarms

35 replies

Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 17/09/2019 15:07

DC started Uni recently. It has come to light that one of the students in her flat 1st covered the smoke alarm in the kitchen with a carrier bag and then 2 nights later covered it with a sock.

DC spoke with security about carrier bag and they removed it and spoke with the student responsible. After the sock incident DC again reported it and security have said they will email student.

DC has only been there 3 nights, so this is 2 out of 3 nights. What is concerning me is - if he is doing this in the communal area (there is only 3 people to their flat) what is he doing in his room? I am worried that if there was a fire in his room and he has covered the smoke alarm and was asleep etc (doesn't bear thinking about), they are on the 4th floor.

Part of me wants DC to go ad ask to be moved as I'm not sure I would trust him to follow the rules and regulations. I do have another DC at uni so I kind of know how students live.

What would you advise your DC to do? I don't want DC to be called a snitch or be a pain to the security but at the same time I am worried for their safety. Or maybe I am over reacting!! Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 30/09/2019 20:54

Have just found out that DC has reported the student another 2 more times. Surely the accommodation people should be doing something!

I am so cross, I am waiting for DC to ring me and then I think I will tell them they need to be moved out of that flat. If they want to put their own life in danger then thats up to them but they should not be including others.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 20/09/2019 17:36

Thanks everyone, DC said that everyone in their flat has received an email about smoking, as far as I am aware it's now stopped. But I have told them any suspicions then report.

OP posts:
SherbetSaucer · 20/09/2019 12:20

Exactly the same situation happened to me first week of my first year. Repeatedly reported and student was removed. Never saw him again so not sure if sent elsewhere or expelled but he was no longer my problem.

iwantavuvezela · 20/09/2019 12:20

Your DC needs to go to student services - someone within that department will be looking after housing issues - they will take a very dim view of this (health and safety etc) and they can speak to the student as well - they can say that they have been advised and perhaps not even mention your DC name - if you have no luck with the building superisor take it up with the uni - they sign contracts with the housing and are also responsible for students and their well being.

Weathergirl1 · 20/09/2019 12:15

We were warned off doing this in a fire safety talk when I arrived at university 21 years ago. Apparently it was condoms that were the usual choice of covering. Anyone doing it would have had serious consequences! Doe they have a fire warden in their block? Usually there is someone responsible to make sure everyone is out in the event of a fire - might be worth making them aware of it too. And yes, he needs to keep reporting it, and potentially raise it as a concern higher up.

FurnitureAndBackgammon · 20/09/2019 12:05

Oh my goodness on the 4th floor as well.

Do they have any other smoke alarms other than the kitchen? I think I'd be buying one for my DC to put in their room just in case.

Have they done it again since security told them off?

inwood · 17/09/2019 15:44

Oh god that has brought massive memories back. Didn't realise the risk at the time. They should absolutely keep reporting.

GoingComando · 17/09/2019 15:29

Your DC should most definitely keep reporting it, every day if necessary.

Security won't think they're an PITA, they'll be grateful that they've reported it.

It sounds like the smoking kid is trying to show off. Twat.

If you DC can get someone else to complain as well, that'll be good.

Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 17/09/2019 15:27

I'm glad you said that as that's what I think too.

OP posts:
SpoonBlender · 17/09/2019 15:24

DC should keep reporting it. The other student is liable to be kicked out for this sort of twattery.