One of the biggest concerns many people have when heading off to college is how safe they will be. It’s important to take some precautions to ensure your safety while living in a new city or on a college campus especially if you’re doing a cross country move. Even if you aren’t moving far from home, there are still unique safety issues that college students will need to be aware of. Staying safe as a college student can be a challenge, but following some basic advice can help protect yourself and avoid dangerous situations. Keep reading for a guide on how to stay safe when you move to college.
What can you do to stay safe before arriving on campus?
You can use college admissions counselling services to get a better idea of what to expect at each of the schools that you want to apply to and which one is likely to be the best fit. A good college admissions counselor can help you put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and can give you advice on everything from which schools to apply to, to how to write strong essays. They can even address your safety concerns. Don’t forget to ask your college counselor for their advice on what type of housing is provided and whether or not the dorms are located in a safe area before you make the decision to apply to a particular college or university.
You should consider using a person lookup service to find out more about your potential roommates or professors prior to your arrival. One thing many people have started to do is perform a background check on their potential roommate before moving in, which could reveal potential criminal records. This will help to avoid any potential problems in the future. You could even reach out to discuss the idea of a public records report for everyone living in your room, and start your living experience off in an honest place. While it’s admirable to believe the best of people you meet, it’s always better to be safe.
How can you protect yourself during the school year?
There are a few things to keep in mind while attending college in order to stay safe. First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings and who you are talking to. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation. Additionally, it is necessary to be aware of your alcohol intake, as alcohol can often lead to risky situations and serious health problems. If you’re feeling unsafe, or if you see something that makes you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people around who are more than happy to help out a fellow student
You should also familiarize yourself with your new environment. Walk around campus, get to know your neighbors, and find out where the police and fire stations are. Make sure to keep your door locked and to never leave your belongings unguarded. When you need to go out at night, try to stick to well-lit, populated areas. It’s true that peer pressure can make you feel like you need to participate in certain activities you may not feel safe participating in, but you should rely on your instincts and leave if you don’t feel safe.
As a college student, you need to be aware of your surroundings and conscious of your safety. No matter how prepared you are or where you happen to live, there is an element of risk. The important thing is that you take all the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe when you’re in college. Always remember that your safety should take priority over your studies. This is just a basic overview of some of the common safety issues that college students deal with, you can contact your counselor or campus security to ask any other questions you have about protecting yourself while you’re at school.
