College can be a fun and exciting time for students. You’re living on your own for the first time, and the experience comes with many adventures. However, these adventures can also lead to some unfortunate events, meaning students should take college campus safety seriously.
Crime occurs even in the safest college towns. Give yourself – and your parents – some peace of mind and follow these tips for staying safe on your college campus.
Know the Area
Become familiar with the area that you live and study in. You don’t want to ever be in a situation where you feel lost. If you know the campus, street names, and city, you’ll be able to get home late at night. You should also know alternative routes to get home in case of a local emergency or event, like a parade.
Visit the Campus Safety Office
Know where your Campus Safety Office is located and become familiar with it. Go inside, take some of the informational pamphlets and flyers, and talk to some of the people who work there. These pamphlets, and especially the experienced staff, can give you great tips on staying safe while you are having fun in college.
Lock Your Doors
Everytime you leave your house or dorm, lock your door. Sometimes students think that their door will be fine if unlocked for a moment but don’t take that risk. Remember, you have your whole life inside of there. And don’t forget to lock the door when you’re going to sleep.
Stay Safe in Numbers
Whether you’re heading in from a night out with friends or just walking home from the library, try to travel in numbers. You should never walk home by yourself. If there is no one to take you home, call an Uber or cab. If you must walk home alone, be aware of your surroundings and walk in well lit, populated areas.
Keep Your Phone Charged
You never know when you’re going to need your phone! Make sure your phone has enough battery before leaving the house, and bring a charger with you if it isn’t. Also keep your phone on your physical body, not in your bag. You don’t want to waste time digging around when an emergency situation strikes.
College should be one of the best experience of your life. Understanding college campus safety will help ensure that’s the case. Taking small steps like the ones listed above will keep you safe from harm and allow you to enjoy all that college has to offer.