College is the time for students to get away from their comfort zones and experience new circumstances. However, with all that liberty and independence come more obligations, especially when it comes to the safety and security of the student. Various students are usually worried about not only the safety and security but also safety-related issues like walking alone on campus, excessive drinking and theft.
Image via Adobe Stock, by Prostock-studio
Safety Tips That Can Help You Stay Safe on Campus
Be wary of your surroundings
Never put yourself in a compromising situation when walking on campus by allowing your phone to be a distraction. Many students who have been attacked were unfocused, lost, looked confused and looked like they needed help. When you are texting, you are not aware of what is happening around you; you might not even notice a car coming your way and a tree that is just in front of you.
Protect your privacy
This is vital, especially when you live on your own for the first time. Consider being friends with your roommate and neighbours. This will help give you a sense of community and a security net since you will have a bigger group of people who will care about your security and look out for you. If you are a freshman, consider choosing an accommodation that focuses more on student’s needs, click here to learn more. Also, always remember to lock your room and secure your valuables.
Maintain your privacy on social media
Social media is a great way to connect with your friends and families; however, beware of people who view your profile to check what you post. Don’t geotag your photos, since it discloses your location to strangers, also never publicly announce when you leave your room unattended.
Learn how to defend yourself
There is nothing more magnificent than learning how to defend yourself physically. You feel more safe and confident to face anything. You don’t need a black-belt to protect yourself when in college; all you need are just a few classes and defence tips from a professional. Your interest is the one that will determine the type of course you can choose.
Take extra precautions at night
On average, other crimes are more expected to happen at night. Don’t scare yourself into assuming that there is danger at every corner. Additionally, you should avoid preventable steps like walking alone at night, instead, use a buddy system or call campus security whenever you feel scared to walk alone to your room.
Learn the ins and outs of your campus
Almost all campuses are enormous stretches of buildings, green spaces, parking lots and dorm rooms. It might be time to learn all about the campus structures if you don’t know where you are going and what building you are in. Check for areas that might be dark at night and areas that you can spot things that seem out of place.
Communicate your plans with your family or friends
When going out, make sure that someone knows where you are going and who will be accompanying you. You can tell you, roommate, where you are going.
Final Word
Parents can help their kids stay safe on campus by setting clear rules about tolerable activities in advance and not allowing their kids to carry guns, knives and other weapons to college. Also, parents should teach their kids on how to reduce the risk of being crime targets by enrolling them to defence classes and making sure that they know how to swim.
