When your acceptance letter came in the mail you couldn’t have been more excited. You may have created an entire wall to showcase your school pride complete with Drexel’s colors and a framed “Drexel Dragons” T-shirt. You probably even found the perfect roomie! Back then you weren’t even thinking about the dangers of living on an urban campus. But now that classes have started, you realize how often you have to trek to classes, meetings, and parties after sunset. You may be wondering how to stay safe while having fun and taking advantage of everything Drexel has to offer, including the nightlife. Here’s how!
AT THE DORMS:
Talk to your Resident Assistant: Many people are afraid to talk to their RA about partying or about something that’s bothering them. Your RA is there to be a resource for you and he/she is always more than willing to help. Whether you need to know the best route to your favorite restaurant or you’re wondering what places you shouldn’t visit or there is someone who is harassing you or making you feel uncomfortable, talk to your RA. He/she has been around the block a few times—they know their way around the city, they have connections with people who are higher up, and they know how to diffuse more serious or awkward situations.
Buy a laptop lock: There are endless articles on what you should pack for college and things you shouldn’t neglect to bring to your dorm, but one nifty thing that is often forgotten is a laptop lock. You simply attach one end to your computer and the other to your desk, and the only way to open it is with a key. You might trust your roommates, but you never know who else is coming into your room or what they might want. A laptop lock is the best way to secure your computer!
Have your valuable belongings locked away: Your passport, extra money, and the watch your grandma gave you are valuable items you wouldn’t want stolen. Always keep everything of value under lock and key. Better safe than sorry!
Lock your door at night: Part of the fun of dorm hall living is that people go from room to room and hang in the hallways. It is a great idea to keep the door open when you are binge watching some Netflix to invite people in and make new friends, but at night it is a big no-no to leave your door open or unlocked. Always lock your door when you are about to go to bed to prevent break-ins or uncomfortable encounters with drunken guys coming back from a party.
ON THE STREET:
Never walk alone at night: No matter if you are going to eat sushi with your SO or if you are craving a late-night taquito from 7-Eleven, always walk with someone to your destination. If you happen to be walking around alone, make sure to choose a path that is fully lit and is not isolated.
Know where the emergency call booths are: There are emergency booths, or “blue light systems,” all over campus. They always have a light on and an emergency button to call the campus police. It is great to know where the nearest one is at all times in case of an emergency. Ask your advisor for a map of campus that shows you wherever there’s a blue light and begin to take notice of their locations on your walks to class.
Know where you are: Finding new, shorter routes to get to your 8 a.m. chemistry class might seem like a great idea so you can sleep in an extra 15 minutes, but unless you’re with a friend it is better to stick to what you know (especially at night). You don’t want to find yourself wandering around a strange street in Powelton Village alone.
Keep technology to a minimum when alone: Of course blasting Taylor Swift while walking back from soccer practice may be fun and a great way to pass time, but it takes your concentration away from your surroundings. If you do listen to music, make sure one of your ears is free at all times and always keep your eyes on the road. Maybe you are not behind the wheel, but texting while crossing the street can be equally as dangerous as texting and driving.
AT PARTIES:
Never leave your drink unattended: In college, you will definitely go to a lot of parties, gatherings, and other social events where alcohol is involved. The rule of thumb here is to never leave your drink unattended, and always make sure you are the one who is getting your own drink. The easiest way to be drugged during a party is through someone dropping something in your drink when you’re not paying attention.
Notify your friends and family when you are heading out: It may sound ridiculous to let your mom know that you are going out when she is miles and miles away, but notifying your family or friends is a must when you go out. You should let someone know about Bobby’s party in his basement, in case you don’t report when you get back or something sketchy happens, so they will be able to call someone to rescue you.
Invest in self-defense devices and classes: There are tons of self-defense classes out there for you to take to learn how to defend yourself in case of an attack. Ask your RA for information about the best place to take classes in the area. There are also many apps and products that will help you during emergency situations, like The Rave Guardian and ROAR for Good. A pepper spray keychain is also a good idea (they even come in pink).
Never leave with a stranger: The cutie who paid for your drink invited you to his place and naturally you want to say yes. But be careful and think again about this, you really don’t want to be stuck in an uncomfortable situation. If you do decide to go with him, make sure your friends know about it. Also, monitor the number of drinks you have so that you are always sober enough to give consent to or decline sex.
Remember your M.I.K.: Money, ID, and keys. You should never leave your house without these three things in your purse, no matter where you are going. Invest in a small purse to keep everything together when you hit the bars or a cool frat party. You don’t want to be broke in case you need to call a cab and you definitely don’t want to get locked out of your dorm.
Always charge your phone: It is important to have your phone fully charged when you go out, especially when you go to a party. If you are the kind of girl who is always on the run, invest in a portable charger so you don’t have to depend on an outlet to charge your phone. You might not have service in the basement of a frat house, but you will be able to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Having fun and succeeding in college is possible, as long as you find the right balance between the two. You can work hard and play hard while staying safe and keeping yourself out of danger. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or an upperclassman, these safety tips will keep you out of harm’s way. Stay safe, collegiettes!