College campuses remain extremely safe environments, with fewer than 20 crime incidents reported per 10,000 full-time students since 2018. But, this does not mean you should not be aware of unfamiliar surroundings.
However, it's important to stay alert, make smart decisions, and know what to do if an emergency happens.
Some of the safety resources and tips for college students include locking up doors and windows, learning whom to call for help, using ride-share programs, self-defense training, and emergency blue light phones.
Protecting yourself from harm should be your first concern when you are a young adult. Nobody is accountable for us anymore now that we are on our own in a new environment, and we are no longer under anyone's supervision.
Therefore, in order to guarantee our safety while we are on campus, we need to take the necessary measures. You will also be able to use them in the future when you are in other unexpected environments.
Be Knowledgeable When In Unfamiliar Surroundings
Because you are unfamiliar with this environment, it is imperative that you become educated about the whereabouts of both yourself and everything that you could need in the future.
For instance, if you are currently in a lecture, it will be very helpful for you to get familiar with all the emergency exits that are located nearby. If you do this, you will not put yourself in harm's way in the event of an emergency.
You will have the ability to already have a game plan to efficiently flee the situation.
Be Aware Of The School Safety Systems
In today's times, every single college campus is equipped with some kind of security system. Whether it be via the use of text messages to get warnings, or the physical 911 buttons situated across university grounds.
Every school aims to make its pupils believe that the institution's security is its utmost concern. It may be as simple as visiting the school website in order to get familiar with these systems.
In such a case, the most time-efficient thing to do would be to walk into the campus safety office and ask some clarifying questions.
Lock All Your Doors & Belongings
Locking your doors may protect you from potential danger and theft just as well as any other preventative measure. Take precautions before entering your dormitory or apartment by doing a thorough check to ensure that all of the doors and windows are secured.
It is important to remember to lock not only the doors but also the windows. Locks should be placed on all points of entry and departure throughout the building to maximize security.
Even while you are entering and exiting your vehicle, you should still ensure that the doors are secured for your own safety.
Take Extra Precautions At Night In Unfamiliar Surroundings
Even though evening is the time of day when criminal activity is most likely to occur, safety should always be a top concern. When traveling at night, you should be more aware of your surroundings and take additional precautions.
Put down the headphones and look around. Investigate the surroundings. Move through areas with plenty of light. If you want to assist each other and stay safe when traveling, it's a good idea to go with a buddy.If you are by yourself, it is important to keep a reliable person informed about your location at all times.
Prepare For The Worse
The unfortunate reality is that you can never be sure. Following the instructions above could help you feel more secure while you're on campus. However, educate yourself in the many methods of self-defense available to you.
Enrolling in a self-defense course or packing the appropriate equipment for your trip can help you feel better. To ensure that none of us is hurt, further safety measures need to be taken by all of us.
Being well-prepared might save your life or the life of someone you care deeply about.