Going to college is a very liberating experience, an experience that you really only get to do the right way, once. You get to decide what to eat, what you do and when you do it, if you actually need to go to that class at 7:30, and many other very important life decisions (like that spur of the moment tattoo I got freshman year.) When a lot of collegiettes are given so much freedom so suddenly, it’s hard to remember to try to do what’s best for you, in regards to what used to be your parent’s job. Keeping yourself safe in this new world of being on your own is not always your top priority, but maybe it should be a bigger deal then we’re making it. And besides…
There are many ways that our school campuses keep us safe. But it is also on us to make sure that we’re being responsible too. I know that I would rather be extra cautious than having regret while wishing I’d been more safe at some point in time. Fall semester is full of different fun activities that we all like to go to that sometimes end a little later than we expect. But make plans accordingly. It’s not summer anymore and the sun likes to leave in the early evening rather than at 9 at night, sadly. Even if you are not going to or from something fun and you are just taking a night class, be on your toes when you are alone on campus.
I have thought about my last two years on campus, and compiled a list of easy ways to keep yourself safe while at school.
1. Tell someone where you are going
When making plans to go anywhere on or off campus, let your friends know where you are going to be. Even if it’s not dark yet, you may be walking all the way across campus in the night later on. I know that when I’m on campus alone I am definitely on high-alert and I hyper analyze every little thing. I try to always text my roommates or even my mom, cause we’re probs already texting anyway, what my plans are. I’ve been doing this since my freshman year at the U and just the fact that someone knows where you are and what you are doing is kind of comforting. If anything were to happen to you, someone would be able to vouch for where you were and when.
2. Change up your usual walk
I know that people get stuck in their ways, but it’s smart to switch up your usual walk and take a different path. If you have become aware of the fact that you walk the same way all the time, who knows… maybe someone else has too. As mom-ish as this sounds, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Don’t Use Headphones
During the day and walking with headphones is one thing, we all do it. All day, every day. However, walking alone in the dark and having cut out one of your main senses is a completely different thing. Along with sight, your hearing is one way to stay completely aware of what is going around you, especially during night when your vision may be limited. If you just can’t not walk around with music playing, take the headphones out and let the music play out loud, or play it old school and carry a boombox with you at all times. It’s likely that not a lot of people are going to be on campus anyway at this time, who cares if Ke$ha is playing for the world to hear (it’s like you’re doing the rest of campus a favor by letting them listen to Blow too.) BONUS POINTS: Literally throw some glitter and put it on snapchat.
4. Utilize Campus Resources
The University of Utah, along with most college campuses across the country, offer free escort services. Collegiettes and staff alike can call the Department of Public Safety on the campus and request an officer to escort them to their next destination. It’s pretty simple and takes just a quick phone call, this will mean that an officer will either walk with you or give you a ride to anywhere else on campus. This is a completely underused service that our tuition dollars go towards, and many victims of assault or robbery wish that they had utilized. The phone number to reach this service at the U is (801)585-2677, and they literally are so willing to help out anyone, and they encourage students to utilize their resources.
5. Be Prepared
I personally am a huge advocate of self-defense. I believe that if you are well trained and prepared on how to protect yourself, you will be ready for almost any situation. I think that everybody should have a self-defense item on their keychain and should participate in a self-defense class. My personal fave thing to keep on my keychain is my pink Brutus. I bought Brutus at a trade show, but he can be purchased on Amazon for $5 or so! Imagine getting hit with, it would hurt so bad!
No, not THAT Brutus, this one:
So collegiettes, as the school year continues to stay busy as ever, try to keep these tips in mind to keep yourself as safe as possible.