It’s around closing time at FUBAR and you parked down that road alongside of McDonald’s because there was no parking, and had to walk through the “interesting” crowd at the plaza with creepy men hollering at you. Sketchy, huh? I know some of us have had those late night classes that start at 6 and end at 9. With UCF encompassing almost 1,500 acres of land on its main campus, sometimes walking to your car or shuttle stop in the dark can be a little scary, right?
Well have no fear the Her Campus Guide to Staying Safe is here.
The best way to ensure your safety is through the Buddy System; safety in numbers is key! Any person with the wrong intention is less likely to approach a group of people, than a person walking by them self. Whether walking home from a class or friend’s dorm, leaving a bar or club late at night, these tips will help ensure your safety.
- UCF wants to ensure the safety of its community. So they have come up with the idea of SEPS (Safety Escort Patrol Services). You’ve probably seen them around campus on golf carts. If you have a late night class or are walking to a friend’s dorm and don’t feel safe, you can give them a call and they will come pick you up and take you to your destination. You can call them between Sunday-Thursday, 7 pm-1am at 407-823-2424.
- If you have forgotten the number to SEPS and don’t have a way of getting home besides walking, please be very alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables hidden and your cell phone at hand. Don’t be listening to your iPod or talking on your phone, because if a robber sees you walking by yourself and not paying attention, you will become a main target.
- If you’re extremely cautious, or have a mother who is extremely cautious for you, she may have given you pepper spray to have with you at all time. If you don’t feel safe walking home from class or walking to your car from a fun night, keep that pepper spray in hand. Another tip is to hold your car keys in between your index and middle finger, and if anyone ever tries to attack you, just make it visible.
- Another great tool that UCF has made available is the Blue Light Phones. They are Emergency Blue Light Phones that are painted yellow, have black writing with a blue light on top. There are over 150 Blue Light’s on campus, and if you are in an emergency or are witnessing one, it will call the University Police Department and locate you. For reference, the University Police Department’s number is 407-823-5555.
- Ever feel like not driving to your favorite bar because you don’t want the hassle of looking for parking or are planning to drink? Well the KnightLynx is here! The KnightLynx is UCF’s very own late night bus service. It can take you to your favorite shops, clubs, bars, or to even visit a friend who lives off campus. It operates from 8pm-3am Friday and Saturday nights. It’s free for all UCF students with a valid I.D.
- Before you go out, it’s always a good idea to have a taxi service number saved in your phone. If you’re drunk and lose track of time or your so-called ‘friends’ leave you at the bar, at least you’ll have a safe way to get home. Some other useful tips are to charge your phone before you go out and have some cash on you if a situation like that ever occurs.
- A very important safety tip that EVERYONE should follow is to know their own alcohol limit!
- Never accept drinks from a stranger! Always watch your drink when it’s being made!
- Last but not least, DO NOT PUT YOUR DRINK DOWN AND THEN CONTINUE TO DRINK IT! GET A NEW ONE!
A college campus is a main target for criminals, rapists, and even for the “guy next door” to take advantage of a girl. Follow the rules above, use the resources that UCF has to offer, and just be smart. You’re better off safe, than sorry.