3 Ways To Stay Safe as a College Student
As a college student, you have a lot of freedom. Many students are independent, work part-time or study full time. You also have a lot of opportunities to be with people your age. However, there is a need to be careful, especially when outside alone or in the dark. Here are three things you can do to stay safe.
1. Lock Up Your Dorm and Protect Belongings
Burglaries can happen anywhere, especially in campus towns where most residents own laptops, phones and other expensive equipment. Always lock up before you leave and bring your key with you so you can get into the apartment when your roommates leave. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your backpack at all times.
2. Get Familiar With the Campus
Your campus can become a haven, especially when you know where all the buildings are. Learn where open spaces are and map your routes carefully. Universities care about the safety of students and often have great security measures. Learn where the safety office is, and consider downloading an incident reporting app.
It’s also a good idea to learn more about the crime scene in your town. Learn which areas to avoid at night and what to expect from local occurrences. Get to know the town and find safe places to hang out with friends.
3. Always Have Backup
Your class schedule may include a lot of night classes. If you don’t feel comfortable walking to campus alone, make sure you have a list of friends to call for a ride. Reach out to your friends whenever you feel unsafe because their company can protect you. Make sure to find friends who are supportive and reliable.
As you enjoy these years studying, always make your safety a priority. Some people learn self defense or carry pepper spray with them as a precaution. There are many resources that universities offer, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.