Welcome to the wonderful world of college, ladies (and gentlemen)! It’s an atmosphere full of opportunities, friendships, stress, meetings, exams, and coffee breaks. In college, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of possibilities sweeping its’ way across your campus. So, as you read this article, allow yourself to be grounded in reality for the next few minutes, because there are some dangers on every college campus. It’s uncomfortable to talk about them, but they’re essential to acknowledge in order for you to have the safest and most fulfilling 4 years possible. With that being said, here are some safety tips they may have missed in “Bearcat 101.”
- Avoid walking alone as much as possible. If you’re forced to walk alone, follow these tips to stay safe:
- Find a friend to walk back from night classes and meetings wit.
- Make sure someone knows when you should be back at night. If there’s no one to do this, download a personal safety app such as SafeTrek.
- Use the campus escort service if you’re feeling uneasy. This service can be engaged by calling the Public Safety Office at 724-805-2311.
- Avoid being distracted as you travel place to place.
- Put your books in your backpack before you leave the building. This frees your hands and keeps your eyes up.
- Always remain alert when you’re walking… no playing on your phone.
- It’s tempting to listen to music, but headphones block your hearing. Keep your earbuds out and your sense available to keep you safe.
- Take steps to ensure your ability to defend yourself. This will lead to your safety and an increased level of confidence.
- Take a self-defense class.
- Buy some mace to hang on your keychain (and know how to use it). 3. Watch some instructional videos online. Personally, I found Boldly’s “Women Take a Self-Defense Class to be helpful.
Watch the Video Here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1H5-F50c4
- Be smart at parties! It’s college, and as stereotypical as it sounds, nearly everyone attends a party at one point or another… but “well everyone’s doing it” isn’t an excuse to be unsafe.
- Always have a sober friend to serve as your designated driver and to keep you safe.
- Never leave your drinks unattended.
- Make your own drinks and never take anything from someone you don’t know.
- Have a clear and concise definition of consent. Whether we’re comfortable admitting it or not, sexual assault is a rampant issue in the world today, particularly on college campuses.
- Bring any concerns you have to the Title IX coordinator on your campus.
- Acknowledge that “no” speaks for itself. 3. Familiarize yourself with Planned Parenthood’s resources on consent if you desire more information.
Most importantly, don’t let fear keep you from enjoying the experience of being in college. Yes, there are dangers that accompany being a young woman in school, but there’s a difference between being cautious and allowing fear to rule your life. And guys (if any of you happened to stumble upon this article), you can take many of the same precautions I’ve stated above. We’re all strong, brave, independent women (and men), and we can all take these steps to ensure our safety as much as possible.