As the new academic year begins, both universities and student accommodations across the UK are preparing to welcome thousands of students embarking on the next stage of their lives. According to UCAS, 328,390 UK 18-year-olds applied to start undergraduate study this year, the highest number on record. With so many young people living independently for the first time, fire safety awareness is more important than ever.
At Drax Technology, we understand the challenges that come with the start of term. Move-in day is exciting but also hectic, and it is during this time that false fire alarms and preventable disruptions often peak. That’s why we’ve created a straightforward guide to help students settle in safely - and to support accommodation providers in reducing risks.
Common Causes of Fire Alarm Disruptions
The majority of avoidable fire alarm activations can be traced back to a handful of behaviours. These include:
Vaping indoors – Vapour can trigger alarms and cause unnecessary evacuations.
Burning candles, incense, or oil burners – These may create atmosphere, but they are a significant fire risk.
Wedging fire doors open – Fire doors are designed to stop smoke and flames from spreading; they must remain closed at all times.
Improper cooking habits – Leaving food unattended, attempting to cook when intoxicated, overheating oil, or cooking with clutter nearby often leads to alarms.
Misuse of electrical appliances – Overloaded sockets or faulty chargers can cause fires or malfunctions.
Aerosols and steam – Everyday activities such as spraying deodorant or leaving a bathroom door open while showering can activate detectors.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe
Encouraging students to adopt small, safe habits can make a big difference:
Familiarise yourself with the fire evacuation plan.
Report any faults with smoke alarms immediately.
Keep hallways and escape routes clear of clutter.
Use quality electrical adapters and avoid overloading sockets.
Switch off and unplug hair straighteners and hair dryers after use - these remain hot long after they’re powered down.
Respect accommodation safety rules; they are in place to protect everyone.
Why It Matters
False alarms aren’t just inconvenient; they can reduce awareness and urgency during genuine emergencies. For students adjusting to independent living, reinforcing good habits from day one helps create a safer environment for all residents. For accommodation providers, it reduces the strain on systems, staff, and emergency responders.
Supporting Safer Student Living
At Drax Technology, we specialise in providing innovative fire safety solutions that support purpose-built student accommodations. From reducing false alarms to offering remote monitoring and real-time fault reporting, our systems give providers confidence that their fire safety measures are reliable and effective.
With a record number of students moving into university housing this year, now is the time to ensure that safety standards are not only met but exceeded. Together, we can make sure that the start of term is memorable for the right reasons.
Download our one-page Fire Safety Guide for Students here
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