How should I manage my valuables?

How should I manage my valuables?

When studying abroad, one of the most common concerns students have is: “How can I keep my valuables safe?” At 3D ACADEMY, we understand that items like passports, cash, credit cards, laptops, and smartphones are essential to your daily life—and their loss or theft can be highly stressful.

While our campus and dormitories are generally safe and secure, personal responsibility is key when it comes to managing your valuables. This FAQ provides clear advice on how to protect your belongings during your stay.

Use a Safety Box (Recommended)

For students staying in shared dormitory rooms (2–6 people), we strongly recommend renting a safety box. This is the most secure way to store your passport, extra cash, and any other items you don’t need to carry with you every day.

Safety Box Details:

• Rental fee: 500 PHP (includes installation)

• Deposit/loss fee: 1000 PHP if damaged or lost

• Installed securely in your dorm room by school staff

• Comes with a lock/key or combination system

• Available at the school office, subject to availability

These boxes are ideal for storing:

• Passports

• Emergency cash

• Jewelry

• Personal documents

• External hard drives or storage devices

• Small electronics

Please note: safety boxes are limited in quantity and rented on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re staying in a shared room, we recommend requesting one at check-in.

Lock Your Suitcase When Not in Use

If you do not rent a safety box, the next best option is to lock your suitcase and keep valuables inside. Most students bring a suitcase with a built-in lock or a small padlock.

Important tips:

• Always close and lock your suitcase when leaving the room—even briefly.

• Use a solid lock, not just a zipper clasp.

• Keep the suitcase in a low-visibility area of the room (e.g., under the bed or inside the closet).

• Don’t leave wallets, phones, or electronics on your bed or desk when you’re not present.

While locking your suitcase isn’t as secure as a safety box, it adds an important layer of protection and deters casual tampering.

Keep Daily Essentials on You

Some items are best kept on your person at all times, especially when traveling outside the school or going on weekend trips.

Keep the following items with you:

• Student ID card

• Mobile phone

• Daily spending cash

• ATM card

• Any medications you may need

• Travel passes or local SIM cards

We recommend using a crossbody bag, money belt, or secure inner pocket when going out in public areas.

Never leave personal items unattended in common areas, such as the cafeteria, classroom, or study lounge.

Is theft common at 3D ACADEMY?

No—incidents of theft are rare at 3D ACADEMY. Most students are respectful and trustworthy, and we maintain a secure, well-monitored environment.

However, no dormitory is 100% theft-proof, and occasional misunderstandings or losses can happen. Examples include:

• Roommates mistakenly picking up similar-looking items

• Losing items during travel or weekend outings

• Forgetting valuables in public areas

Because of this, we ask all students to be proactive in protecting their belongings. Prevention is always better than reaction.

What is the school’s responsibility?

3D ACADEMY takes reasonable precautions to create a safe living environment. We provide:

• 24/7 security staff at the entrance

• CCTV surveillance in public areas

• Room access control (keys or access cards)

• Safety box rental service

However, students are responsible for the care of their personal belongings. The school is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items unless it is due to staff negligence or a confirmed security failure.

We highly recommend not bringing unnecessary high-value items (e.g., designer bags, expensive jewelry) to the dormitory.

What to do if something goes missing

If you suspect that a valuable item has been lost or stolen:

1. Check thoroughly in your room, bags, or laundry. Items are often misplaced rather than stolen.

2. Ask roommates politely—someone may have picked it up by mistake.

3. Report the issue to the dorm supervisor or school office immediately.

4. Staff may:

   • Review CCTV footage (if applicable)

   • Assist in checking with housekeeping or laundry

   • Help mediate any roommate misunderstandings

Please provide as many details as possible (time, location, description of item).

Going Out or Traveling? Read This

When leaving the campus for longer than a few hours—especially for overnight trips or weekend excursions—be sure to:

• Lock all valuables in your safety box or suitcase

• Take only what you need for your trip

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or multiple cards

• Keep your passport in your safety box unless required

• Tell a roommate or staff member where you’re going, in case of emergency

Roommate Etiquette & Mutual Respect

Since many students live in shared rooms, it’s essential to create a culture of trust and mutual respect. Here are some best practices:

• Don’t touch other people’s belongings without permission

• Avoid borrowing items unless previously agreed upon

• Keep your area organized so you’ll notice if something is missing

• Label chargers, cables, and common electronics if they look similar

If everyone follows these simple rules, the room will feel safer for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Your valuables are important, and protecting them should be a daily habit—not a one-time action.

At 3D ACADEMY, we provide the tools and systems you need to feel secure, including:

• Rental safety boxes

• 24/7 security staff

• CCTV coverage

• Trusted dormitory culture

But ultimately, you are your best line of defense. With a few simple habits—like locking your suitcase, using a safety box, and staying aware—you can keep your belongings safe and focus on enjoying your study abroad experience.

If you ever have doubts or questions about how to secure your items, please don’t hesitate to talk to our staff. We’re here to help.