When I went off to college, my mom sent me a magazine article warning about some of the dangers students face. I remember how it told the story of a female college student who was walking upstairs to her apartment complex carrying groceries. A charming young man appeared behind her, saying "Let me help you" and he took her bags. The female student assumed he must live in the complex. They proceeded to her apartment, where he brought her groceries inside, and then he raped her.
It is important for students to know what dangers exist and never let their guard down. Here are some college safety tips:
1. Lock your apartment door. This will help prevent theft and sexual assault. I had a roommate who refused to lock the door. If this happens to you, install a keyed lock on your bedroom door. Also, you can buy a door alarm with a keypad that you can program with a code. Then, if someone enters your apartment and doesn't immediately enter the code, the alarm will sound and alert you. It certainly should not be your first line of defense, but it may scare an attacker off and awaken you so you can call the police. Inexpensive door alarms are available at Walmart, hardware stores, or on Amazon.com. Search for "door alarm" or "door alarm with keypad." I use the GE door alarm.2. Don't prop open your dorm door. It may seem inconvenient at times, but keep your door shut and locked when you are asleep, alone, or away from your room, even if it is just to go to the bathroom.
3. Don't help intruders inside. Many dorms require you to swipe your ID badge to enter. If someone tries to follow you inside, without swiping their card, and you hold the door for them -- you may have just helped an intruder. You can read about some of these incidences here. Get to know your neighbors and report suspicious people right away. Never give your key to others to borrow.
4. Close your blinds/drapes when changing your clothes. Even from inside an upper floor, people can see you from below or from a building across the way. Do a test at night. Have your roommate walk around in the room with the lights on and the blinds shut, while you go outside and look in. Adjust the blinds with the slats up and then down. Notice how directing the blinds can prevent you from seeing in. Also observe whether you can see through the drapes. Consider using both blinds and drapes for added privacy.
5. Secure your windows. When the windows are closed, use a dowel, bar, brace, or lock to prevent them from being opened. Window alarms are also helpful. When you want your windows open, window locks and alarms can also be used.
6. Protect your items and your identity. Keep your backpack zipped closed during class and at the library. Do not keep your phone, laptop, books, backpack, or money in plain site in your car. Always take them with you or put them in your trunk, if you must. Don't put your name on your dorm room door or mailbox. Don't use public WiFi to access online banking. Report your missing keys or ID badge immediately. Make sure to keep a record of your bike's serial number and use a heavy-duty U-lock. Install tracking software and use a lock on your phone and laptop. Keep records of the serial numbers for your electronics.
7. Be safe on campus. Know where the emergency phones are located. Use the buddy system, especially at night. Walk with purpose and use eye contact. Keep the phone number for campus security in your cell phone. Use the campus security escort service at night. Remove your headphones and ear buds so that you can hear your surroundings. Do not accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. Do not enter an elevator alone with a stranger. (You can always pretend you forgot something and get off or walk away.) Have your keys ready and in your hand when approaching your car or your room.
8. Be aware at parties. Don't drink anything that someone else prepared for you. Only drink from a can or bottle that you opened yourself or which you watched someone pour. Keep an eye on your drink, as someone may try to add drugs or other substances to it. If you leave your drink unattended, get another one. Specific information about date rape drugs can be found here. Also, remember that alcohol interferes with your judgement and you may not notice dangerous situations or people before it's too late.
9. Communicate. Make sure your family, friends, or roommates know your schedule. Leave a note or tell someone where you are going and who you are with. Let someone know if you are going to be on a date, at a party, hiking, jogging, or out alone. Make sure there is someone you can call if you need help.
10. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe about a person or a situation -- get away and get help. Remember that anyone can visit a college campus. Never assume that a stranger is a student, faulty member, or resident. Immediately report any abuse, crime, peeping tom, obscene or threatening phone calls, etc. Do not feel ashamed. Do not minimize or try to justify what happened. It is not uncommon for people to feel unsure about reporting an incident, but you should always report it.
Be safe out there!
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