Often as students we feel invincible when we step foot on a college campus. Although for the most part college campuses are safer than their surrounding towns, it is still a good idea to be cautious of your surroundings just in case. With rising popularity and usage of new apps and messaging tools growing regularly that can cause risk, students need to make sure they are mindful of safety in all aspects of their lives. Whether you are a freshmen still getting used to the dorms, or a senior moving into an apartment, we rounded up some tips for keeping safe while in school that all students should be familiar with:
Walking Around Campus
- Make sure that you are familiar with your college campus, especially routes that you will be taking frequently so you know which areas are well lit and well secured. Especially at night, stick to those well lit areas, and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas whenever possible. Planning to take the safest route to your destination will greatly decrease the chances of getting into a harmful situation.
- Walk with a confident stride: keep your head up and look around. Stay near the curb and avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment.
- Try not to overload yourself with bags or other items and avoid wearing shoes that could restrict your movements. Also keep your keys separate from your purse or book bag.
- In the case that you are being followed, change your direction and go to the nearest business or house and request that someone call the police. Try to note the appearance of the person following you as well.
- Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night.
Staying Connected
- Share your class schedule with your parents and trusted friends. Also give them your phone numbers, so they have a way to reach you in case of emergency.
- Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Program emergency numbers into your phone as well as the university police or public safety campus contacts.
- Learn where the Blue Light emergency phones are on your campus and how to use them. These can be very helpful, in the case your own phone dies. They are connected directly to the university police on your campus and are easy to spot since they are well lit.
- Participate in campus emergency safety programs that are offered at your school. Here you can get specific info that relates to your surrounding areas.
These are just some of the tips that can be used to improve your safety and awareness in a college environment. Be on the lookout for more tips that will be coming soon!
