Life on campus can be an exciting and transformative experience for every student. However, despite the presence of various safety resources and laws, security remains a top concern for many.
If you are also worried about your safety while navigating campus life, here are some practical tips to help you feel more secure and confident.
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Whether you are walking down the path to your class or sitting in a quiet corner, you must always keep an eye on your surroundings. You cannot be distracted by your phone or too lost in conversations with your friends.
It is important to be even more vigilant during the nighttime. It is always best to walk in well-lit areas and avoid isolated paths.
In addition, you must always be aware of where the campus safety offices or payphones are. You can always turn to these facilities if you feel unsafe on campus.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Safety Resources
Great colleges and universities take pride in caring for their students and ensuring their safety. That is why they always have several resources in place to help students who feel unsafe.
It is best to have the campus security number on the speed dial. They can efficiently respond to emergencies and ensure that you reach your dorm safely,
To feel even safer, you can look into safety apps that may allow you to share your location with friends and public safety departments at all times. These apps can help you tremendously if you ever end up in trouble.
3. Walk in Groups
It is always a good idea to walk in groups because there is safety in numbers. Walking in groups can significantly reduce your chances of being targeted by someone with criminal intentions.
Even if you have to walk by yourself, make sure that a friend always knows about your whereabouts. You can share your life location with them and create a plan of action in case something goes wrong.
4. Care for Your Belongings
In addition to caring for yourself, you must also be mindful of your belongings. Campuses are filled with other students, and you must not trust anyone you do not know personally.
It is always recommended to lock your dorm room even if you are going to a nearby location so that no one can access your room in your absence; in addition, you must also keep your valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, hidden.
If you drive to campus, it is best to never leave valuables visible in your car. If necessary, you can keep your belongings in the trunk so that your vehicle is not targeted by someone with bad intentions.
5. Listen to Your Gut
Sometimes, you might hear your inner voice telling you that something is not right. You must never ignore that voice. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, take a step back and think it over.
It is always recommended to have an escape plan whenever you feel unsafe or uneasy. Take the first opportunity to leave that place or person to find a safe space where you are comfortable.
6. Use Social Media Carefully
For a young student, having a social media account is important, and it is even considered mandatory for some people. While there is nothing wrong with having a social media account, information in the wrong hands can risk your safety.
You must always be mindful of what you post on social media. Never let strangers know where you are and what your plans ahead are. Caution in this matter can save you from harassment and theft.
To make yourself feel safer, you can also adjust privacy settings on your social media account and make it private. This way, your information will only reach the people you trust and are comfortable with.
7. Learn About Title IX
In order to learn more about your rights as a student and take the necessary steps when in trouble, you must learn more about Title IX and Victims of Campus Sexual Misconduct.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault. If you or someone you know experiences sexual misconduct, it is important to understand that you can get help.
You have the right to report the incident to the relevant authorities. With the help of a Title IX lawyer, you can take steps to find justice without the fear of retaliation. For reporting sexual misconduct.
Under Title IX, your school is obligated to respond to incidents of sexual harassment or assault and take immediate and effective steps to address the situation.
8. Be Cautious with Alcohol and Drugs
Campus life can be an enjoyable experience. It is a place where you can form lifelong friendships and create some of your best memories. While spending time with friends can be wonderful, sometimes you may make regrettable decisions.
Sometimes, parties can get out of hand and might land you in trouble. You should be aware of your surroundings when alcohol or other substances are involved. If you suspect your drink has been tampered with, trust your instincts and do not drink it.
While there is nothing wrong with having fun with friends, you must always set your boundaries. Instead of trying to get comfortable with something your gut tells you against, you must always listen to what your heart says.
9. Maintain a Support Network
Life on campus can be filled with challenges. From dealing with mental stress to managing deadlines, all challenges can leave you feeling drained. In such challenging situations, having a support network can make your life a lot easier.
It is important to have a group of friends you can trust and confide in without worrying about being judged. You must keep a list of these friends as your emergency contacts and make sure their information is always up to date. You can also add these contacts to your speed dial for easy access in case of an urgent situation.
