As students head back to school each fall and spring there’s a flurry of thoughts running through their heads including what classes to take, whether or not to get a part time job, if that student loan is going to come through, what to major in, and on and on it goes. One thing that doesn’t always cross the minds of students though is safety and unfortunately trouble can occur on any campus at any time. The good news is there are some simple precautions students can take to stay safe while at school.
1. Be aware of your surroundings. It’s all too easy to get so caught up in messing with your smart phone that you forget to keep an eye on your belongings and to make sure that you’re in a safe environment.
2. Never walk alone at night. This tip goes for guys just as much as it does girls because regardless of your sex a person walking alone at night is always an easier target than groups of two or more.
3. Mind your alcohol intake. Don’t drink and drive and even if you do have a designated driver always be careful not to drink too much. Also be sure to keep an eye on your drink. Don’t allow a stranger to refill your cup and don’t leave your drink alone.
4. Keep emergency cash on you. You never know when you will be in a dire situation where you need to pay for something, but your credit card doesn’t work. However, don’t flash this cash around. Also, if you do find yourself needing an ATM stick to ones in well lit areas, try to avoid visiting them at night and never count your cash in public.
5. Learn your campus layout and find out where their emergency call boxes are. Most colleges have emergency phones scattered across campus. In Tampa, Florida where Carver Concierge is based these boxes are yellow and have a large blue flashing light affixed on top of them.
6. Don’t bring valuables to campus and always lock your doors to your car and your dorm room. Easy access increases the likelihood of theft.
7. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious people and activities. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Have a tip we didn’t include here? Leave your best safety advice in a comment below!
