Originally Posted by SilentHero-_-

Ultimately there is no way to protect your valuables 100%, things can always be stolen. Best thing to do is liquidate your assets as much as possible, scan all your physical copies of items, into a computer, i.e. books, notes, and encrypt that data and store on an offsite location. Moving your physical possessions in a safe is most likely the best defense as a good safe will take a great deal of force or effort that would render the endeavor illogical. To protect yourself, remove yourself from the situation, offense is not the best defense, not being there is.. aka, move to a different location if possible. If not, install a security camera and upload the feed to a laptop, to detect movement. It isn't expensive, and the software will alert you of any movement, whether you're away from your residence or not, just use a smartphone to monitor your situation away from home. You have the tools to defend yourself so use them! Keep 911 on speed dial with 1 press away if anything extreme occurs. Make a Contingency plan.

This is actually not recommended because it dramatically increases the number of people who pocket-dial or otherwise accidentally dial 911, which wastes a lot of their resources.
It's only three numbers and you're not likely to ever forget them, so there's really no point in making it a speed-dial number.

I second whoever suggested renters insurance. It'll probably be very inexpensive for what most people our age have to insure.

If that's not possible, I would move as many valuables as possible off the premisis. Store them with your parents or a friend or look into paid storage.

Remember, stuff is just stuff. It can be replaced. The important thing is staying safe.

I would avoid this individual completely and look for a new place ASAP. Crash with a friend, or maybe have one stay with you to help you pack up. The odds are that this person isn't going to harm you but precautions should be taken regardless. My brother had a roommate in the west end who got into crack and became violent. It never escalated, but my brother moved out immediately. He did have some damage done to his property after he left, but insurance covered it all.

First off, "Gromacs".. thanks for turning to the MacInsiders community for help! You're definitely not alone here and we're here to help as best we can.

In regards to moving yourself to a different location quickly so that you feel safer, some suggestions:

a) Contact a trusted friend nearby that you could move valuables to and stay with for a bit, while you figure things out.

b) If your parents live nearby in the city, assuming you've already informed them of the situation, move back in with them until you can sort things out. Staying with your parents in a familiar environment that is safe can help bring down your stress and anxiety over feeling not secure in your current house.

c) If neither of the above are feasible, ask a friend to come over and stay with you in your house so that you aren't alone and have someone with you to feel safe and comfortable. Then to protect your items, rent a locker at McMaster and bring your valuables to McMaster to lock up in the locker temporarily until you can find a safer place for them. Try and select a locker that is available in one of the areas of campus with a lot of security cameras.

A few other notes:

1) Check the renters contract you signed to see if there is any sort of 'cancellation fee' or termination fee for terminating early before the renting term finishes. If there isn't anything mentioned, then the most they can keep is the last month's rent (ie. your deposit) and count it towards this month if possible. Some contracts say you have to give x days notice before you can leave and get money back so if they require a month's notice then the deposit might have to go towards next month and you just write it off as a loss.

2) Definitely utilize the off-campus housing resource center in the basement of MUSC. They have advisors to assist with situations where you need to negotiate with your landlord and review the contract, etc.