Safety Tips on Campus

College life is great. It's filled with fun, friends, and parties. It's a step towards fulfilling your goals and aspirations in life - career wise. It's a step away from being called a 'professional'. But over the years, Americans have seen the many dangers that college students can face. Here are some safety measures that any student can take to breeze through campus life unharmed.

Create a buddy system by sharing your class schedule with friends. Don't travel alone, especially at night. Walk in well-lighted and heavily traveled area in the campus and stay away from shrubs, dark hallways, and alleys. And if you decide to go out at night, be sure to tell your buddy where you are going, who you will be with and when you plan to go back. Remember, the shortest route does not always mean the safest one.

When you walk around campus especially after sun-down, keep your hands free and have your keys and phone (if you have one) ready. If you think you are being followed, cross the street or run to the nearest crowded area. If all else fail, don't hesitate to scream as loud as you can. Don't worry, you won't get into trouble if you're screaming for a reason. "False alarms' are way better than actual trouble.

Organize emergency telephone numbers like the campus police hotline, the student's help desk, your parents, your 3 closest and most reliable friends. If you have a cell phone, put the numbers in speed dial and memorize them. It's best to also jot them down and post it in your room (near the phone). Check where the emergency telephones are all over the campus so you know where to run in case you need them.

In dorm rooms, doors and windows should be equipped with quality locks and doors should have peepholes so you can check who's knocking before opening the door. Remember, even if it sounds like you know who is knocking, it's still safe to check through the peephole.

While in your car, keep your windows up and doors locked. Only park in well-lighted areas and travel on well-lighted streets. Never pick up hitchhikers. You humane side may disagree to this, but it's really best not to.

Do not let you photo or personal information be published for any distribution in the campus community. Keep your identification cards, credit cars, checkbooks, wallets, cameras, and class schedule away from open view.

Most importantly, always be on your guard. Do not, under any circumstance, leave your drink unattended if you're on a date or in a party. Do not drink more than your limit. Most incidents happen when alcohol (and the abuse thereof) is involved.