Campus Safety and Security

Part of the "Surviving College" series

Even if you're going to college in or near your hometown, it's important to be watchful and careful when you're in a dorm or on-campus. Depending on where you go, there can be a lot of on-campus crime or not a whole lot--but it pays to be careful. Here are some tips that I have used to good effect:

1. Keep your door locked.
   

   Seems like a no-brainer, but if you leave your door unlocked when you go home for a weekend or go out to class, you're inviting people to come in and steal whatever they want. Many people make the mistake of trusting their dormmates a bit too much, and end up losing their valuables.

   It's also a good idea to lock your door when you nap or at night before you go to bed--it's just that much more protection.

2. Whether you're on-campus or off-campus at night, be with a group of people if you're out and about.
   

   It's good to stay close to friends if you're out at a party or shopping late--even for guys. Traveling in numbers reduces the risks of petty crime like mugging, and greatly reduces the chances of being raped (for both sexes). Plus, it's just plain fun to be out with friends rather than by yourself--the latter gets kind of lonely sometimes.

3. Don't use your ATM card on-campus unless you absolutely need cash money that badly.
   

   With the threat of identity theft hanging over everyone's heads nowadays, it's best to leave your debit card usage on very secure websites like Paypal and use actual cash or a college money card on campus. People such as other broke college students can and will steal your card number, your PIN, and subsequently your money if you give them the opportunity.

4. Keep your online profiles vague about your actual residence(s).
   

   Again, it may seem like a no-brainer, but many young men and women make the mistake of being too specific about where they live in real life. On places like Facebook and Myspace, these sorts of actions invite stalkers and other criminals to come and find you--and do NOT think it cannot happen to you. One of my acquaintances in my freshman year of college had to suddenly move off-campus because a random guy showed up at her dorm and hung around for days, bothering her and wanting sexual favors. It's really scary knowing that just posting your dorm name and room number could give somebody else that sort of ability, but it's a reality, and we all need to be careful.

5. Keep an eye on your stuff in public.
   

   Especially in large cities where colleges are often located, pickpocketing and theft are commonplace. Keep your wallet/purse, cell phone, keys, etc. near you at all times--don't leave them ANYWHERE, not even to go to the bathroom, unless you have a trustworthy friend who will watch your stuff for you.

6. Lock your car when you park it on-campus.
   

   Locking your car whenever you park it anywhere is a good practice, but especially on college campuses. People get drunk and stupid on campus sometimes, and subsequently decide that it's funny to steal stuff out of other people's cars. If you're afraid of your car getting broken into, do not leave lots of stuff in your car. For instance, if someone breaks into my car on campus, all they're getting is a few pennies on the floorboard, some random gum wrappers, and a map of the city.