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Further education

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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:
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.

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

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

OP posts:
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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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:
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:
FurnitureAndBackgammon · 30/09/2019 22:45

Yes that can't be right, if there was a fire and, God forbid, any casualties the university would be totally at fault as it was foreseeable and several complaints had been made.

I think, in your shoes, I would be phoning them myself and putting a complaint in. That student needs to go Angry

RedWineAllMine · 30/09/2019 22:59

What uni is this? Only asking as it sounds familiar.

FurnitureAndBackgammon · 01/10/2019 12:34

Did your DC say anymore OP?

My Dd should be going to uni next year but this kind of thing really worries me Confused

Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 01/10/2019 20:43

They are monitoring it. I've told DC to be firm with the accommodation people. The accommodation flats are for students but are not owned by the university but a private company.

If nothing is done then I will intervene but I am trying to hold back as I want/need DC to sort this out. It's so hard to do what's best, especially when safety is involved.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 03/10/2019 20:04

I am beyond cross. DC has just had to go down to Reception yet again as the student had blocked the smoke alarm yet again and the kitchen absolutely stank of smoke and my DC's room is the furthest away from the kitchen stinks too.

Have told my DC enough is enough, I am complaining. I feel they are fobbing her off even though they have seen the smoke alarm blocked ad twice now made the student take the blockage off.

Grr!

OP posts:
FurnitureAndBackgammon · 03/10/2019 20:12

Can’t believe this is still going on. As you say they’re probably fobbing your DD off as she is young. Bloody cheek. Apart from the safety aspect who wants all their stuff stinking of smoke? Angry

Definitely phone up and give them hell!!!!!

Solitaryradiator · 03/10/2019 20:18

I wouldn’t panic though. Don’t forget it’s only been the last decade or so that you couldn’t smoke in halls. We used to lie on the beds smoking all night.

Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 03/10/2019 20:29

Solitaryradiator I understand what you are saying but it's the fact that the student is covering the smoke alarm and that they are on the 4th floor.

OP posts:
Fizzypoo · 03/10/2019 20:32

Meh I don't think it's that bad, it sounds pretty normal. Least he's not doing bongs.

jackparlabane · 03/10/2019 20:41

Most halls fine students £100 for tampering with smoke alarms, and then throw them out for repeat offences. Ditto for conference guests in same accommodation. It's odd they haven't in this case.

Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 03/10/2019 20:45

I've emailed (don't expect a reply tonight) but want to know what . they are going to do. Obviously the email didn't work!

OP posts:
FurnitureAndBackgammon · 10/10/2019 10:45

Did you ever get a reply @Ilovemyshoppingtrolley?

thetideishigh · 10/10/2019 14:47

Can you report the accommodation provider to the University too ?

Your dc could seek out student support services. make out they aren't sleeping properly for worrying about a fire in the night, anything to escalate the situation.

The smoker is beyond selfish and needs a bill of £100 for each time they blocked the alarm and an eviction notice. Plenty of other accommodation out there, they need to find a bunch of fellow smokers to share with so their home can stink as much as they like.

Original poster
Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 10/10/2019 19:57

I did get a response. Now they have 'evidence' they have given him a final warning. If they catch him again then they will start court proceedings to evict him. They will also inform the police, fire services, his university and his guarantor. They have given my DC the telephone number so they can ring down if he does it again. They are also doing on the spot checks without any warnings several times a day.

OP posts:
thetideishigh · 11/10/2019 12:09

That's great news !