There is a newfound sense of freedom and independence when you start college. But you now have a greater responsibility to make smart choices without Mom and Dad’s rules to keep you safe. Here are some necessary steps you can take to ensure your safety, on campus and for the rest of your life.
Avoid Walking Alone At Night
Sometimes you can’t help it, although anytime it is possible, walk with a buddy. Walk on well-lit streets that have a larger amount of foot traffic. There is safety in numbers. So if you can’t get a ride, find a large group of people to walk with.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get into the routine of having headphones in when you’re walking, but this is a habit you are going to want to break. We rely on our hearing when our vision is not at our best. By taking this away, you are making yourself more vulnerable to miss important cues that would alarm you that something is wrong. It is also important to know your surroundings. When you are lost or confused, it is just as likely you may not notice warning signs.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
This doesn’t mean you can’t drink at all. Instead it means to go out drinking with a plan. Decide how much you are going to drink and plan accordingly. Determine how you are going to return home after you evening, whether it be a taxi or a designated driver. Find a friend that you can help watch out for and they’ll do the same for you. Always keep an eye on your drinks and never let anyone get one for you.
Keep Your Friends In The Loop
A great tool to staying safe is to let your friends in on your schedule. Though it may sound lame to let your roommate know where you are all the time, it is step towards being safe. By letting them know where you are headed and with whom, they’ll notice something is wrong if they haven’t heard from you in awhile. So make sure to shoot your friend a text when you’re headed home from a late night of work.
Be Cautious
Not Paranoid. Take precautions to be prepared if anything were to happen. This includes carrying items like pepper spray or alarms in a place you can quickly access. Avoid bringing anyone you don’t know home or going somewhere with a stranger. Report anything that is suspicious. It can be easy to brush things off as nothing, but this is something that may save someone’s life.