We talked about how colleges and universities are trying to keep students safe with campus alert systems, but what can the kids do to keep themselves safe?

According to the United States Department of Education, U.S. college campuses average around 3000 forcible sex offenses and over 3000 aggravated assaults each year*. That’s a lot. Campus safety has become a major issue for colleges and universities. Administrators are doing their best to provide students with safe options, including free transportation from the bars and security for women out at night, but students need to do their part to keep themselves safe as well. It doesn’t mean they have to live in fear the whole four years, but they do need take precautions and make smart decisions.

So how can students keep themselves safe? Here are some tips to pass on to your young adult:

Personal Safety

• Program all local emergency numbers, as well as friends you can call on, into your cell phones speed dial.
• Many crimes are committed by someone the victim knows. Trust your instincts. If somebody gives you a bad vibe don’t allow yourself to be alone with him/her.
• Be cautious of anybody that is giving you unwanted attention or is overly physical.
• If somebody threatens you, tell somebody immediately. You can talk to your professors, administration, your RA or security. Don’t let it go though. Tell somebody.
• Call home before you leave to let your roommate know when you will be home.

On-campus:

• Visit the campus before school starts. Explore the campus. Map out routes to classes, the library, the bars, and other places you expect to visit when school starts. Look for emergency phones and safe places to go if needed. It will be easier to protect yourself if you are familiar with your surroundings.
• Never walk alone, especially at night. Use the buddy system. Campuses can be very big and creeps can lurk anywhere. It’s best to be safe and travel with a pack of friends.
• If no friends are around, ask a member of security to walk you.
• Be aware of your surrounding and walk confidently with your head held high.
• Only walk in well lit and well traveled areas.
• Rather than walking, ride the campus bus or use the shuttle service.
• Trust your gut. If you feel like you’re being followed go in to a store or some other populated area and ask for help.
• Don’t be afraid to cross the street if you feel unsafe. It’s better to offend somebody then to risk your safety.
• Do not wear headphones while walking on campus. You need to be able to hear what’s going on around you.
• Stay off your cell phone while walking. You don’t want to be distracted. You need to be alert.

In the Residence Halls (dorms):

• Don’t let strangers in to the dorm.
• Make sure outside doors close securely behind you.
• Get to know your Resident Adviser. He/She could be a lot of help if you are ever in trouble.
• Contact your Resident Adviser or a Security Guard if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not give anybody (including your boyfriend/girlfriend) a key to your room or loan your key to anybody.
• Have your locks changed if you lose your key.
• Make sure your dorm room has secure locks on the door and windows.
• Always lock your door even if you are only going to be gone for a short time.

Parking Lot Safety

• Always lock your car.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially not in the open. Put items in a locked glove box or in the trunk if you have something you need to keep in the car.
• Have your keys in your hands before you leave so you don’t have to spend time looking for them while standing in the parking lot.
• Walk with a friend/classmate or have security walk to your car after dark.
• Check the backseat before you get in the car.

Your Money

• Secure your wallet. Your back pocket may not be the best place.
• Hold on to your purse at all times.
• Take a friend with you to the ATM or use ATMs inside the dorms or at the bar or store you are at. Avoid stand-alone ATM machines, especially on deserted streets or dark spaces.
• Do not give your pin number to anybody, including your best friend or significant other.
• Get your wallet and ATM card out before you get to the machine so you don’t have to fiddle with your purse or wallet.
• Stand directly in front of the machine so nobody can see you typing in your pin.
• Make eye contact with anybody standing near the ATM. If anybody seems suspicious, walk away from the ATM and find another one or come back later.
• Immediately put your cash away in a safe place. Do not just throw it in your purse or stuff it in your back pocket.
• If you lose your card or checkbook, report it to your bank immediately.

Off-Campus:

• Be careful at bars or parties. Try not to get so drunk you pass out or make decisions you wouldn’t make when you are sober.
• Stick with your friends.
• Tell your friends before you leave if you leave early. Don’t make them worry about you.
• Never leave until you’ve accounted for all of your friends. You need to make sure they are safe too.
• Don’t go home with somebody you just met that night.
• Keep your drink in your hand at all times. If your drink is unattended at any time, pour it out and get a new one.

College can be an amazing experience. For most it’s the first time they are on their own. They get to make their own decisions. They may meet friends they will have for the rest of their lives. They will learn things that will help them excel at their jobs in the future. But to make it an awesome experience they need to make sure they stay safe.

*If you would like to see statistics for the schools your son/daughter is thinking about or attending go to the the Department of Education website to find out.

Share This