Personal safety is important for college students. We live in a world that requires vigilance and awareness of our surroundings. Universities and colleges work to create a safe environment, but students have their part to play.
When large groups of people are gathered, there’s a high chance that criminal activity may occur. As you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, here are a few tips to help you stay safe on campus.
Know Your Way Around
Knowing the numerous routes on campus can help you avoid trouble. Consider downloading the campus map and familiarizing yourself with the routes during the day when students are all around campus.
Lock Your Dorm Room
Ensure that you lock your dorm room at all times. It can be the deterrent that stops thieves in their tracks. Also, ensure you lock your car doors and secure your valuables.
Use the Buddy System
Avoid walking alone at night; use the buddy system. Some schools offer a campus escort shuttle. Never be alone at night in remote areas, stay with your friends at parties, and make sure no friend leaves alone or with a stranger.
Know the Emergency Systems in Place
Look out for the emergency blue light phones, so you know their location. If your phone’s battery is dead or you left your phone in your room, you could use these phones to reach a public safety office for help.
Take Safety Training or a Self-Defense Class
Lots of campuses offer self-defense classes – sometimes for free or for credit. You could also sign up for one at your local recreation center. Knowing self-defense tactics can increase your chances of fending off an assailant.
Avoid Over-Drinking
Excessive consumption of alcohol can create dangerous situations. In addition to the risk of alcohol poisoning, over-drinking can lead to reckless behavior and other bad decisions. If you intend on drinking, don’t drive (of course), know your limits, and never accept a drink poured by someone you don’t know or trust.
Ensure You Have Emergency Contacts in Your Phone
Ensure you have all the emergency contacts you can find, such as campus security and the campus safety office. Save the contacts on your phone so you won’t have to search for them during an emergency.