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Living on campus might fill new students with a sense of false security. Of course, you assume the campus is a safe and secure place, but even so, reports surface every year about students on campuses being subjected to robberies, burglaries, attacks, stalking, and drunk driving accidents. The threat of a dangerous situation might be just around the corner, especially for kids who are living on their own for the first time. Here are a few tips to stay smart and safe on campus.
Visit the Campus
To get familiar with your new home, every college campus provides new students with a tour of the college grounds. Make sure you take part in the tour. Familiarize yourself with all the buildings on the campus, and find out the location of the campus security office. Visit the office and request information about the services provided by campus security. For example, some campus security offices might provide escort services at night, security apps to download, special security hotline numbers, safety zone maps, or updates about crimes on campus.
Security Measures
Your college campus is not the place to forget about security. Remember to lock all your doors at night. Lock your dorm room while attending classes or going out with friends, and lock your windows to discourage spur of the moment break-ins. Don’t walk alone at night and don’t visit ATM machines at night. Having roommates and dorm buddies is usually part of the system for new freshmen and can help keep you safe. Don’t leave money or valuable possessions out in the open; lock them up in a drawer or room safe.
Social Media
Kids away at college like to jump on social media sites to keep in touch with friends and family at home. Your posts might seem innocent but remember they can convey important personal information to strangers or acquaintances viewing your social media profile. Don’t announce your plans on social media. For example, don’t announce you are spending the night alone in your room or are going home for the weekend, leaving your room unattended.
Avoid Getting Wasted
Don’t drink and drive. People tend to lose control of their inhibitions and get reckless at college parties. This includes getting in a car and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stop, and think for a second before taking that drink or getting behind the wheel of a car, while drinking. Is it really worth the risk? Of course not. An auto accident attorney from Denver recommends you plan for a designated driver, take the bus, or stay close to campus.
Adjusting to your new life on campus takes time. Stay smart and safe with the tips provided here.
Sources:
Bachus & Schanker Law
Entrepreneur’s Organization
Safety Chick
This article was contributed by guest author Eileen O’Shanassy.