Personal Safety At College

Beginning college is believed to be one of the most exciting times in one’s life. There is a sense of new-found freedom and for the first time in your life, you have a sense of true independence. You have to make all major decisions by yourself and there is no one to constantly watch over you, telling you what to do and what not to do. However, this sense of freedom could also lead many young kids into situations that could endanger their personal safety. Let us look at some unpleasant situations that could develop on college campuses and how to find ways of preventing them and getting out of them.

Alcohol Abuse – Though it starts off with having a few drinks with friends at a bar, very soon young kids end up drinking way too much. This makes them easy prey for assaults and criminal attacks. The first thing to remember – always be aware of how much you have had to drink and what limit you should not be crossing.

Identity Theft
– College campuses are very often the number one spot for identity thefts. Many students go to campus computer labs to finish up assignments as also to catch up with friends and family. If they do not pay proper attention to the computer safety precautions they will end up entering all their personal information in the lab computers. This makes it easy for a person with criminal intent to copy all the personal information and steal that person’s identity. Never use the computer lab to check bank statements, shop online or pay bills.

In addition to avoiding situations like the one mentioned above, follow the safety guidelines mentioned below while on the college campus to ensure your personal safety.

  1. If you are alone in your room, lock all your doors and windows. Do the same at night.
  2. Always be aware of your surroundings, be confident and keep an eye on people as they come closer to you.
  3. Check inside your car before you unlock it – someone could be hiding inside or even underneath your car.
  4. Never carry large amounts of cash or at least do not withdraw and carry it in an obvious manner.
  5. Try to move around in groups and stick to well lit areas in the campus grounds.
  6. If you are ever faced with an attacker, do whatever you can to distract him. Yell loudly, throw your arms around; even throw a rock through your car window. Put him off guard for a few minutes during which you can escape or seek help.
  7. Be careful when you are on the cell phone or are wearing headphones while jogging. Not only will they drown out any warning noise of an impending attack, you will be too busy to notice anything suspicious.
  8. Always keep your roommate or a friend informed of where you are going and when you are expected to be back.

Enjoy your college life by just exercising common sense and good judgment.