Your Guide to Staying Safe in College

Going to college will understandably be one of the most memorable times of your life. You’re going to form life-lasting friendships, put yourself on a unique career path, and learn more about who you are as an individual.

However, sometimes all of this excitement can cause you to forget about your safety. College students can be a target of many serious crimes, so you must figure out how to protect yourself. Doing this will only help you enjoy your new journey more.

In this article, we are going to discuss your guide to staying safe in college. Interested n learning more? Then keep on reading. 

Get to know your surroundings.

Most individuals choose to go to a college that is outside of their hometown. By learning more about your surroundings, you can determine where the safe areas are and any specific areas that you should avoid. 

Before starting classes, try walking around with friends so that you can observe both the campus itself and other vital locations such as hospitals, police stations, and fire stations. Trust us when we say it really can make a difference.

Research your area

Keeping informed of current crime rates and trends can also be a handy way to keep yourself safe in college. For example, you can keep an eye out on recent attacks, learn more about what resources are available, and take advantage of any services that are being offered (shuttle and bus schedules, community watches, etc.). Campus statists are to be reported every year according to the Clery Act, so make sure you check them out. 

Take extra precautions at night

While you don’t want to let fear rule your life, taking extra precautions at night time is a smart way to keep both yourself and your friends safe. By choosing not to walk alone, carrying protection. (that we will discuss below), and using services like campus security to escort you, you’re reducing your risk of being targeted. Remember, it’s always better to be overly cautious than not cautious enough.

Lock up your dorm room

Just as it was essential to keep your home locked up, your dorm room is no exception. Alongside keeping yourself safe, it’s also necessary to protect your valuables (they are expensive after all!). 

A dorm room alarm system can be a great choice, and they are relatively easy to install. They can be applied near the door and windows and have proven to be very useful in scaring off unwanted guests. 

If you’re worried about roommates, consider investing in a small safe for all of your most essential items. It’s a simple thing that can undoubtedly be worth it.

Stay smart online

Today, almost every person uses social media, and while there is nothing wrong with it, you still have to be careful. Posting too much personal information online can make you a target, so try and stay as anonymous as possible. This includes avoiding tagging your location, not publicly announcing when you’re alone/out from home, and installing cybersecurity software to prevent hacking. Alongside this, you should only ever accept friend requests from people that you know! 

Keep your belongings safe.

With all the pressure at college you may be feeling, keeping your belongings safe can easily skip your mind. However, being that extra bit careful is undoubtedly worth it. We already talked about getting yourself a safe above but try and think of other ways for when you’re on the go. Slash-proof backpacks, waist bags, and lockboxes (for community showers) are all great solutions. 

Learn how to protect yourself

If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, then learning some self-defense is one of the best ways. There are so many handy moves that are easy to master, and it can be quite enjoyable to learn. These simple self-defense techniques can be a great place to start!

Alongside physical defense, you might also want to carry some protective gear. Pepper spray, stun guns, penknives, and personal alarms are some of the most popular options.

Be careful in car parks. 

You may not realize it, but car parks/parking lots can be one of the most dangerous areas, especially at night. Taking extra precautions is extremely wise, and before long, these little habits will soon become second nature. For instance, check your backseat, having your keys ready, and never leaving your valuables in view can make a big difference. On top of this, you should always make sure to park in a public and will-lit area, even if that means walking a bit further.

Have a plan to get home safe

During your college life, there will be many times that you want to go out and party. Preparing a plan in advance will help ensure that you get home safe while watching out for your friends around you. 

Remember, you should always drink responsibly, never leave your beverages unattended and stay alert at all times. Another great idea is to have a location-sharing app connected to your friends and family phones, so they always know where you are. 

Be confident

Lastly, another way to keep yourself safe on campus is to remember to be confident. It might seem strange, but the way you present yourself can decrease the risk of becoming a target. Try to avoid wearing headphones or using your phone when walking. You don’t want to seem distracted from the world around you. When in doubt, hold your head high and act like you know where you’re going!

Final thoughts

By considering the above, you can stay safe at college while enjoying yourself as much as possible. It may seem like a lot to remember, but most of these suggestions are easy things that will soon become a part of your routine. Even by just making a few changes, you can make a difference to your wellbeing.