Depending on the policy, insurance companies will cover theft and loss due to a disaster such as a fire. But even with on-campus insurance, students still should take steps to protect their possessions.

The Insurance Information Institute Inc. offers these four easy ways to reduce the odds that a laptop or other personal property will mysteriously disappear while you're at State U.:

1. Always lock doors. Even if you are just going down the hall to the bathroom or to visit dorm mates, lock your room and keep the keys with you.

2. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Don't risk losing fine jewelry or other sentimental items to a thief. For most students, it's probably wiser to leave such valuables at home.

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3. Engrave electronic items. Computers, televisions and stereos should be engraved with an identifying number such as your driver's license number and the state where your family lives. This will help police track any stolen items.

4. Don't leave belongings unattended. Nipping off for a study-break latte and leaving your computer notebook in a library carrel is just the kind of opportunity a thief is looking for.

Jenny C. McCune is a contributing editor based in Montana.

-- Updated: Jan. 26, 2005