Student Safety in Ruimsig: Choose Accommodation Wisely
Ruimsig, located in the West Rand of Johannesburg, is a vibrant suburb and is home to many students. It is home to students who are attending IIE MSA (Emeris), Capsicum Culinary Studio and the International Hotel School West Rand Campus.
The area offers numerous amenities, entertainment options and transport links. However, it is important for student to be aware of the potential risks that come with living away from home. Student safety should always be front of mind. In any urban setting crime including theft, break-ins and personal attacks are a risk and Ruimsig is no exception. The intention is not to scare student away but rather to emphasise the importance of taking care of one’s personal safety and security.
Why Student Safety Should Be Your Top Priority
A sense of safety and security offers you peace of mind. This is not just for the student but also for the parent. As a student, living in a safe environment means you can better focus on other things like your studies and social life and for parents it means that they’ll be more comfortable knowing that their child has a safe place to stay when they are not in class. Student safety plays a huge role in providing that reassurance.
Students often invest in expensive equipment for their studies. This includes but is not limited to laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Having secure accommodation means that you have a safe place to keep these items when they are not in use. It minimises the is of theft and damage to valuable items and in turn saves you the potential cost of having to get these items fixed or replaced.
Additionally, a safe living environment in student accommodation fosters a sense of community. Being able to get to know your neighbours means having access to support networks in times of trouble. Whether it be someone to study with, someone to vent to or someone to borrow sugar from these small things make all the difference in you student experience and contribute to an overall feeling of student safety.
Key Safety Features to Look For
Facilities:
- 27/7 security staff and CCTV surveillance.
- Controlled access and secure entry points
- Well-lit common areas and pathways
- Emergency response systems and procedures
- Safe parking facilities
- Proximity to police stations/security services and hospitals/clinics
Room:
- Bathroom and bedroom windows with burglar bars and the ability to be locked.
- Main door should be solid and be able to be locked form the inside (bonus points if there is a deadbolt as well the normal key locking mechanism).
- Private locking room – this is non-negotiable. Even if you are in a shared living situation you should be able to securely lock your room with your belongings in it.
Now, finding all of these offered in one place is possible but space may be limited. The important thing is to keep this list in mind when you are looking for a place to stay.
Why Safety is a Deal-Breaker
Remember, that your primary goal is to study and succeed. This is no easy task, and it just becomes more difficult if you are constantly anxious about your safety and the safety of your belongings. When student safety is compromised, going to class becomes difficult , especially if you are nervous about walking to and from campus. You also can’t focus or retain information efficiently if you are losing sleep because of a noisy and insecure environment.
Everybody wants to live in freedom. Part of independence is being able to come and go without fear (within reason). A safe accommodation gives you the freedom to attend late-night study sessions, social gatherings and to explore your new community without worry.
Paramount to all of this is you physical and mental well-being. A safe living environment means that you will be able to come home after a stressful day or difficult exam and relax. Your accommodation should be your sanctuary where you can rest and recharge without having to constantly look over your shoulder in a state of worry.
Take an Active Role in your Own Safety
Remember that even if you choose an accommodation that meets all the suggested safety requirements, you still need to play your part.
Be aware of your surroundings when you are coming and going. Don’t leave your place unlocked just because there is controlled access and don’t give access to strangers. If you notice something that could pose a hazard or danger to others make sure to notify the accommodation office, onsite security, maintenance or the grounds manager.
Finally, don’t forget the spirit of Ubuntu. We are nothing without the people around us so make sure to build goo relationships with your housemates and neighbours. Look out for one another.
Red Flags to Be Aware of
When enquiring about a place. Ask as many questions as you can whether it be about safety or something else. Make sure you are making an informed decision. If the landlord or agent is evasive about security details, then allow that to be a warning sign, especially when student safety is a priority.
Pay attention to the maintenance of the building. Peeling paint, and faulty locks could be a sign of a landlord who cuts corners. If they won’t install proper working locks who’s to say the smoke detectors are in working order? If you suspect that the management of the building is not taking security seriously then it is best not to stay, there.
Location is key. While you might be looking at a place that is close to amenities and to campus you also need to pay attention to where the res is located. If the accommodation is on a dark quiet road with no other properties, the logistics of late-night travel becomes an issue. Even if the area is relatively safe, an isolated location can introduce an increased potential for crime to take place.
Read More: Student Wellbeing: How to Live a Balanced Life
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. If you are viewing a property and the vide just feels off despite everything looking fine, then it might not be the best place to stay. Even if everything checks out on paper, the fact the just being there makes you feel uneasy means it is not the place for you. A safe environment should just look safe it should also feel safe, so if you are not feeling safe then keeping looking for a better option.
Bottom Line
The university experience is incredible. It is a period of immense growth and your first taste of independence. You should be able to enjoy all of it to the fullest. Therefore, do not allow a poor choice in accommodation overshadow these memorable years. While cheaper rent might be tempting, the cost of compromising your safety is infinitely higher.
In Conclusion
While you are looking for your place in Ruimsig, don’t get distracted by amenities and shiny finishes. Ask the hard questions, inspect the locks, check the lighting, do everything you can to ensure that you will be safe in your new home. Keeping student safety in mind from the start will help you make the right choice. Choose a space that will become sanctuary, a place that will bring you peace of mind.
If you’re ready to find a space that feels secure, comfortable and truly yours, contact KCI Properties and secure your ideal accommodation for 2026 — with student safety at the heart of your decision.
