Safety for College Students
By Marlene Gundlach | July 12, 2008
Going off to college is a dream come true for some, but there is a level of personal responsibility that comes with the privilege. It must be taken seriously. College students are completely on their own for the first time in their lives, and, therefore, they must be aware and take precautions when it comes to safety.
Parking Safety
If you have a car on campus, always try and park in designated campus lots. These lots are typically well-lit and patrolled by campus security, making them less appealing to criminals. Many times, college campuses install emergency phones throughout parking lots which can be useful for students who don’t have immediate access to a cell phone.
Always lock your car when unattended. Unlocked cars allow assailants the opportunity to get inside, crouch down, and wait for the owner to return. If you attend night class, get to know your classmates and find opportunities to carpool. In doing so, you will not be alone when parking and walking to your vehicle.
Walking on Campus
When you are walking around campus, walk with a friend whenever possible. Always walk with a steady gait and with confidence, as attackers tend to target easy victims. If you walk slowly or slouched over, then you enhance the ideal role of a potential victim. Know where you are going at all times and be aware of your surroundings. When using an ATM, you also need to take extra precautions. Be on the lookout for large bushes or buildings that could provide a good hiding place for potential attackers, and trust your instincts. If you feel you are being followed, get to safety immediately, with a group of people or an open, occupied building.
It is wise to take personal inventory as to where emergency call boxes are located on campus. For information on carrying pepper spray or other self defense weapons, visit the self defense weapons page.
Staying Safe in Your Dorm or Apartment
Students living in on-campus dorms should follow dorm rules with regard to student ID or special means to gain entry to dorms. Do not share your ID or key code with anyone and do not prop open doors for easy entry for your friends. If you choose to do so, you may allow someone into the college dorm who has less than good intentions. Always lock your door, even if you are in your room studying or heading down the hall to the bathroom. If your door is open, it will only take a moment for an individual to gain access to your room. If you are in an elevator by yourself, stand near the button panel. This way, if a stranger with bad intentions enters the elevator, you will have quick access to the emergency stop button.
With off-campus living, in an apartment or house, many of the same rules apply. Always lock your doors and don’t share your key or leave it hidden outside for anyone to find. Keep your blinds or curtains closed, especially at night. If they are left open, it gives those on the outside an opportunity to see your routine and view what valuables you may have inside your home. Do not leave your name on the answering machine or any hints about your whereabouts. Be sure all of your doors and windows have strong locks, including sliding doors. Work with your landlord to ensure your home is secure enough for your comfort level. A peep hole installed on your door will allow you to see who is at the door, and if someone in a uniform comes to the door, unexpectedly, don’t hesitate to ask them their order of business. If need be, take time to call their company to confirm that they belong there.
Many of these rules about living in college dorms, as well as off-campus overlap. All are worth addressing and working out with your roommates. There are many things you can do from the inside and outside of your home to keep you safe. If there are safety issues that need to be addressed with your landlord, it is important that you follow-up with him or her.
Dating Safety
When going on a first date, plan the date in public and agree to meet your date at the site. This way, your date does not know where you live and you have the freedom to leave if you are uncomfortable. An initial “public date” should not be allowed to continue at your place or his. Also, it is wise to consider your choice of dress. Do not dress too provocatively until you know your date’s intentions, and wear comfortable shoes you can run in if necessary. You don’t have to wear tennis shoes, but a flat shoe will give you better get-away speed should you need it. Last but not least, don’t stay out too late, so when you are heading home to your apartment or dorm, the streets will be busier and you will be safer.
If you are having dinner or just meeting at a bar, it is best to not partake in too many alcoholic drinks. Limit yourself to one, and then choose a non-alcoholic drink to finish the evening. You want to be alert at all times. If you are at a bar or party, never leave your drink unattended. Date rape drugs are easily slipped into beverages. Should you lose track of your drink, even for a few moments, throw it away and get a new one.
One of the easiest safety tips is simply to tell someone where you are going. That way, if you are not home at a reasonable time, that individual will know that something is suspicious. Additionally, keep your cell phone charged and, even on a college budget, maintain a relatively full tank of gas. You want to be protected from all angles and be prepared for any situation. Click here for more helpful tips for dating safely.
For additional tips on surviving life on campus visit College Survival Advisor.
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