What Students Need to Know About Tailgating

Moving into student accommodation is an exciting milestone, and at Fresh, we want it to feel like home from day one. Part of that means keeping your building secure, and one of the most important things every resident can help prevent is tailgating.

It might sound like a small thing, but tailgating is one of the most common security risks in shared accommodation. Understanding what it is and how to handle it can make a real difference to everyone's safety in your building.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating student accommodation (sometimes called piggybacking) is when someone follows an authorised resident through a secure door without using their own access credentials. Put simply, it's when a person who shouldn't have access to your building slips in behind someone who does.

It often happens quickly and can look completely innocent, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about.

Why does it matter in student accommodation?

Student accommodation buildings typically use key fobs, access cards, or pin codes to control who can enter. These systems are there to protect you and your fellow residents. When someone tailgates their way in, that security layer is bypassed entirely.

Once inside, an unauthorised person could:

Access communal areas, laundry rooms, or bike storage
Attempt to enter individual rooms or flats
Cause damage to the building or residents' property
Make residents feel unsafe in their home

It's worth remembering that not every tailgating incident is intentional. But even accidental tailgating carries the same risks, so it's important to be aware of it regardless.

How to spot tailgating

Tailgating in student accommodation can be hard to identify in the moment, especially when you're rushing to get somewhere. Here are a few situations to be aware of:

Someone you don't recognise walks closely behind you through a secure door
A person waits near the entrance and enters when another resident opens the door
Someone holds the door open for a group without checking if everyone has access
A person says they've forgotten their fob and asks to be let in

What should you do if it happens?

If you notice someone tailgating, or suspect that an unauthorised person has entered your building, here's what to do:

Don't feel obligated to hold the door. It's not rude to let a door close behind you. Your access credentials are there for a reason, and everyone in the building is responsible for their own entry.
Politely ask if they need help. If you're comfortable doing so, you can ask if they're a resident and whether they have their fob. Most genuine residents will understand.
Report it to the Fresh team. If something feels off, let a member of our on-site team know straight away. That's what we're here for.
In an emergency, call 999. If you feel threatened or in immediate danger, always contact the police first.

Your role in keeping Fresh safe

Building security works best when everyone plays their part. That means being mindful every time you enter or exit through a secure door, whether it's the main entrance, a car park barrier, or a floor-level fire door.

A few habits that can make a big difference when it comes to preventing someone from tailgating student accommodation:

Always let the door fully close and lock behind you
Never let someone in just because they look friendly or are in a hurry
Keep your fob or access card safe, and report it lost immediately if you can't find it
Get to know your neighbours, so you can spot an unfamiliar face more easily

How Fresh supports your security

Your safety is our priority. Fresh properties are designed with security in mind, from controlled access points to on-site teams who are available to support residents. You can find out more about how we approach safety at Fresh on our student wellbeing page.

If you ever have questions about how security works in your building, don't hesitate to speak to a member of the Fresh team. We'd always rather you ask than feel unsure.

Useful resources

For broader guidance on personal safety and crime prevention, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust offers practical advice for people living away from home. The National Union of Students (NUS) also has resources on student wellbeing and staying safe at university.