Staying Safe in College

Staying safe during a party in college or while walking alone during the day from a class is not a thought that many students think too much about. You have probably had your parent warn you time and time again to be careful and stay alert but that is most likely in the back of your head, especially on a friendly campus where it seems like everybody else in the world is in their twenty somethings and harmless. However, the reality is that you have to stay alert and vigilant, whether you are male or female, under the influence or not. Unfortunately, you cannot always avoid crime, harassment or a tragedy, but you can prevent it and know how to stay alert.

1. Be Vigilant: This is number one. You should always try to have an idea of who is around you and know the street names, bus routes and stores in your area. Staying alert can potentially put you a step ahead of someone that may try to do you harm. You most likely see a few hundred people pass by you a day and noticing something that does not seem right can save you from a potentially rough situation. This might mean not texting while walking home from a class or listening to loud music while you are out, especially during the later hours. If someone is out to do no good, they will usually go for an easy target: someone who does not even notice that they are there is perfect to a person who might want to do harm, so try and keep an open ear and a good set of eyes.

2. Speak Up: If you are the victim of an attack, robbery, harassment or anything that puts you or anyone around you at risk, you have to speak up and notify the proper authorities or your campus police. A lot of times this might seem frightening or intimidating, but the only way to ensure that you get justice and that something like this does not happen to someone else is if you speak up. The sooner you report a crime or suspicious activity, the easier it will be to receive help and find whoever has done the wrong doing.

3. Know How to Defend Yourself: A martial arts or self defense class at your campus gym might not be a bad idea, and a lot of the time they are fun and free. If you are in a situation where you are being restrained, grabbed or attacked, the only way out may be to use self defense. There are many other ways to defend yourself such as using pepper spray or a rape whistle if you are being attacked. It may sound silly now, but the more noise you make and the stranger and more frantic the noise sounds can get you out of a dangerous situation fast. Not only can it throw off an attacker but it can alert people that may be around you.

4. If You Can, Use the Buddy System: The buddy system isn’t just for fourth graders on field trips. If you’re going out to a party/bar/club at night, go with friends and make sure you are all on the same page with the buddy system, especially when there is drinking involved. The buddy system can really save or help a friend out of a situation they don’t want to be in/or are unaware that they are in.

College is a fun and once in a lifetime experience. Stay happy, healthy and safe. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and if you still need help dealing with whatever happened, you can visit your doctor or your campus health or wellness center.