Students blog

Starting college is an exciting time for more than 19 million students across the United States, but the new environment combined with new responsibilities leaves many students vulnerable in potentially dangerous situations. Students are in a new place with unfamiliar buildings, streets, and people. All of these things together can create confusion and thus put you into danger. Here is a list of three tips that will help make you more aware of your new area or even an area you have been in for a while.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Exits and avenues of escape are key to escaping a dangerous situation. When you enter a new room, building, or even an area you visit regularly, make a point to notice doors or windows which you could easily exit through. Also, think of how quickly you will be able to reach these exit routes. Your avenue of escape should allow for as little hindrance as possible so you can get to the exit quickly. Avoid secluded spots on your campus such as stairwells, small alleyways, and isolated spots or move through them as quickly as possible.  

Be safety conscious at home

In order to make sure you keep your dorm or housing as safe as possible, make sure that the door remains locked when you leave and after you come home. Do not leave windows open if they are accessible and if you are alone. If you live in a house or apartment think about getting an alarm system or even just the sign from a provider. A dog can serve as a great protector and alarm system. While it is not a bad thing to be comfortable or relaxed in your home, make sure you have a plan of defense if an intruder were to make their way in.

Have others earn your trust

While you may be eager to make as many friends as possible, it is important to keep your trust on a high shelf. Be smart when going anywhere with someone you don’t know well by staying in groups.

Going to college is exciting and you want to make sure it stays that way by keeping yourself safe. Have fun and make friends, but be smart with your decisions! These tips should help you keep safe wherever you may be.

This is the second entry of my 2-part series on campus safety. Check out the first part here.

As the new academic year approaches, many new college students will be required to take an online course or attend a seminar put on by their school administration about the possibilities of encountering violent situations or staying safe in high risk situations. Here are some simple steps in order to avoid such scenarios and that starts with using your senses.

Keep your eyes and ears open

If you are like most people, once you settle into your daily routine, you begin to get comfortable with your surroundings. While it’s great to get familiar with the place you will be calling home during the school year, it is equally important to make sure you stay aware. You may find yourself going through your daily routines in a relaxed state and unaware of what is going on around you. This can be very dangerous. One basic thing you can do in order to prevent avoidable danger is to pay attention to the sights and sounds around you whether you are at home or going about your day outside. Moving your alertness to a level of attention can prevent you from being totally surprised by the actions of another person.  

Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts when it comes to your safety. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason, you have the right to make it stop, whether that is declining to give out your number to a stranger or asking a classmate not to stand so close. You should not hesitate to make sure you feel safe. Do not feel that you need to remain polite to someone who is trying to make you do something or be in a situation you are not comfortable with. Whenever you feel like you need to make someone back off, yell. Do not hesitate if you feel awkward or think it will embarrass the aggressor. The action could save you from a potentially dangerous situation. Trust your gut and get away.

Carry pepper spray

Carrying pepper spray has to do with your senses in knowing when to use it. It not only gives you a good defense, but it deters potential aggressors just seeing you carry it. It is smart to make sure you learn how to use pepper spray as soon as you get it, otherwise you could end up hurting yourself with it. If you are confronted by someone who is making you feel unsafe and you are unable to escape, raise your pepper spray, aiming at their eyes, and shout at them to stop. If you are loud enough and can attract attention, it might be enough to deter the aggressor alone. If not, the presence of the pepper spray may be a strong deterrent for a potential attacker. Only if they don’t back down after seeing the pepper spray should you use it.

College is a time for new adventures and fun, but make sure you are keeping your safety in mind as well. Your senses are your first defense in avoiding a dangerous situation.  Have a great time, but trust yourself in how you are feeling.