Crime is a major issue around the country, especially in the dorms. Often, this is due to the lack of knowledge or that college freshman are exhibiting risky behavior that could get them in trouble. More and more college campuses are taking note of the increase in crime and strongly address the issue with advanced training for campus security, mobile applications to identify crime hot spots, and more. Here is more to consider before embarking on your Freshmen year.
Safety Basics
Every college Freshman should know some safety basics. For example, it’s important to keep doors and windows to the dorm room closed and locked. It’s also important to lock car doors. An unlocked dorm room is an open invitation to a campus crime. Unlocked car doors are also an attractive target to criminals. Students should avoid walking in dark areas alone at night. Learn to buddy up, if you must walk around campus at night. Don’t go out partying until late at night, and come home alone. Once again, it’s important to use the buddy system to avoid crime.
Get Familiar with Security
Every campus includes a security office and campus police. Visit them and ask for any handouts or brochures they might offer on campus security for freshmen. Make sure you are aware of the campus security hotline. Memorize the number or add the number to your mobile phone. Make sure you know the location of telephones around campus. Think about installing a home security package or app that are offered by your campus security or locally. Certainly, this extra layer of security protection is well worth the extra effort.
Watch Your Belongings
Surprisingly, some college freshmen are just too trusting. They wrongly assume every person they meet on campus is a student. Think again. Criminals invade college campuses posing as students. The criminals might work in teams, looking for vulnerable students. They look for an opportunity to snatch your belongings while you are distracted. For example, eating a meal, reading a book, chatting with friends, studying at the library, or texting. Don’t leave your mobile phone, laptop, or bags unwatched. Don’t ask strangers to watch your belongings. Take them with you.
Stay Alert
The fact is, a large number of crimes happen to college freshmen because they are not aware of their surroundings. It’s important to stay alert to your surroundings. Notice people around you and take note of any suspicious looking characters. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, go to another area with friends or college security. Criminals always look for college kids that are distracted. For example, busily texting, chatting on the phone, listening to music. Avoid those distractions in public areas.
Off Campus
Sooner or later, every college freshman is going to leave campus and visit their college town. Make sure the door to your dorm room is locked securely. Lock all the windows. If you drive, look in the backseat before driving off. It’s also a good idea to identify the dangerous areas in the town or the areas to avoid. It is also important to avoid drinking and driving too.
Clearly, it is important to follow the suggestions included here to avoid placing yourself in danger on campus during your freshman year and all through your college years.
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