College is exciting, mostly because it means you won’t have to live by your parent’s rules anymore. You can go anywhere you want when you want. Going to college is a step towards independence. But, regardless of how exciting it sounds, with independence comes a lot of responsibilities, like personal safety. It doesn’t matter how big or small your college town is, things happen. It might not happen to you, but being prepared for those situations is key to staying safe in college. I’m lucky enough to say I have never gone through a situation where I felt unsafe while in college, but I’ve definitely heard some bad stories, from sexual assault to robberies and other things in between.
Make a Plan When Going Out
We all know that college = parties + alcohol. Partying is part of the whole college experience. But there are a lot of things that should be considered regarding safety.
Talk with your friends about the party you’re going to. How are you going to get there? How are you going to go home? Will you stop for food? Are you pregaming first? Make sure you and your friends are on the same page and leave no one behind.
Also, let your friends know (while they’re still sober) what you’d consent to at the party. Let them know if you want to hook up with someone even if you’re drunk or tell them not to let you drink more once you’re already drunk. Or tell them to keep drunk you from doing stupid things.
Trust Your Gut
If you find yourself in a situation that feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to remove yourself or call for help.
Have a Designated Sober Friend
This might not work every time you go out. But having a sober friend who can take care of you and all your drunk friends is very helpful. It’s basically like having a designated driver who also babysits at the party. This friend can keep you safe while you’re drunk and also prevent drunk you from doing things sober you would never do.
Stay Together
This goes without saying. When you go out, go out with a group of friends and stay with them. At a party full of people, it’s hard to keep an eye on your drunk friends or for them to keep an eye on you, so even if the group gets separated, stay with a friend or two.
Make Sure your Phone is Charged
My phone is always dying on me, so I always make sure to carry a portable charger, especially when I’m going out. The last thing you want to happen is to realize your phone is dead when you need to text a friend or get an Uber.
I have a funny story from my freshman year where I got dropped off at my sorority house by a campus police car. I went to a fraternity party and at some point, I wanted to go home, but my friends didn’t, so I left alone. My phone was dead and I thought I knew the way. But, I got lost. It was 3 am and I was walking down the street, without any idea of how to get home, there were no cars or people around but I managed to find a hospital. I walked in and asked them to please help me out, so they called campus security and luckily, I was safely dropped off at home. However, things could have gone in so many different ways that night. So, please be safe and keep your phone charged.
Always Have Cash on You
I don’t know about you, but I heavily rely on Apple Pay for everything. However, what if your phone dies? Cash is always king. So make sure to always have at least $10 or $20 on you for emergencies.
Watch Your Drink at All Times
You’d be surprised to know how easy it can be to put something on your drink without you realizing it. So, please be careful. Before you drink anything, see them pour the drink in front of you. And watch your drink at all times.
Limit Alcohol Intake
It goes without saying but it is important to pace yourself when drinking alcohol. Never feel pressured to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. And have a plan for getting home safely.
Meet in a Public Place
Almost everyone has a profile on at least one dating app. Even though it might not seem dangerous to go an a date with someone you’ve met on those dating sites, you truly never know. So make sure to meet them in a public place first.
Check Your Dates on Social Media
Stalk them on social media… if it’s for your own safety is it still considered stalking? I don’t think so… so scroll away!
I feel like it’s important to check that person’s social media profiles for the following reasons: he could be a catfish or he could be a serial killer (I’m kidding).
Let Your Friends Know Where You’re Going
Whenever I go on a date with someone I’ve met online, I always tell someone, whether it’s my roommate, my sister, or a friend. I let them know where I’ll be and who I’ll be with. I even share my location with them, just to be safe. This way, they’ll know if I’m safe and if something goes wrong, and also, they’ll be able to get me out of a bad date.
Consider Taking a Self-Defense Class
Consider taking self-defense classes to boost your confidence and learn basic techniques. Look for classes that fit your style and comfort level, with qualified instructors. Most college do offer free self-defense classes.
Take Advantage of Your School’s Resources
Colleges offer a variety of services regarding safety. For example, there might be a shuttle service that takes you home late at night, security guards everywhere 24/7, and “HELP” stations located all around campus. Know what your school offers–I’m sure most of those are mentioned during orientation.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night
Most incidents are likely to happen at night when it’s dark. So, if you happen to find yourself walking alone at night to either your dorm or the library, walk fast and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing headphones and looking at your phone, as you might not notice if someone is following you
I personally avoid walking alone too late at night, especially since I live in New York and it can be somewhat sketchy depending on the neighborhood. So, I have a personal rule: always take an Uber when it’s past 10:30 pm.
Consider Carrying Pepper Spray
Chances are, you might never use that pepper spray and people might even make fun of you for carrying that cute pink pepper spray, but better be prepared than sorry.
It could also be beneficial to carry a personal alarm. But unless you truly feel unsafe I don’t think it is necessary. You can always call the police with your phone. Pepper sprays are legal throughout the 50 states but there are some size restrictions in some states like New York.
Always Lock the Door
This is an obvious tip, but it is also something we sometimes forget to do. Perhaps, thinking that it isn’t a big deal and that nothing will happen. And while that may be true, there’s always a slim chance, so it’s better to play it safe.
During my freshman year, a close friend of mine was almost sexually assaulted in her dorm room. She and her roommate had left the door unlocked overnight and some guy that lived down the hall got into her room. He was drunk. Luckily, people heard her scream and intervened. So, yeah, please always lock your doors to stay safe in college.
