I feel as if I am still getting my bearings, but the fact that I have been more recently in my world, does mean my own practice may be more recent than others, so I wonder if it would be good to see if we can set up an area and allow for practice in that space for anyone who wishes. We could allow sign-ups for certain time slots perhaps?
The school is where they are sending the non-combatants, yes?
I have wards around my own apartment. They are not so strong as to dismember anyone who tries to go through them, although I could do that. Regardless, there might be ways to ward the floors in such a way that it would make it difficult for most intruders to get into the apartments and living spaces.
If they attack at night, darkness will be either a benefit or a curse.