For young adults, the college years tend to mark a new era of independence — with many students living away from home for the first time. Although college campuses have come a long way in terms of safety and security over the years, the reality is that no school exists in a bubble.
To ensure they know exactly how to stay safe in college, students preparing to embark on this educational journey are encouraged to refresh their understanding of personal safety and take time to research their chosen school’s policies and procedures.
The Importance of Campus Safety
College students deserve to learn in a place where they feel safe, and schools have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to prevent crime and other adverse events.
Why Campus Safety Matters
Students who feel safe in their college communities may enjoy a better sense of belonging as well as the peace of mind they need to confidently attend school events. Studies have even suggested that students who feel safe in the classroom may enjoy improved learning performance (including better grades) than learners who feel unsafe.
Overview of Common Campus Risks
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), among the most commonly reported crimes on college campuses in 2021 were:
- Forcible sex crimes (44%)
- Burglaries (28%)
- Motor vehicle thefts (15%)
- Aggravated assaults (9%)
- Robberies (2%)
While millions of students attend college each day without incident, incoming learners should still be aware of the types of crimes most likely to occur on campus.
Know Your Campus and Policies
So, what can you do to protect yourself while at school? Part of how to stay safe in college begins with knowing your school’s specific policies and procedures.
Understand the Clery Act and Annual Security Reports
The Clery Act of 1990 “requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety.” Under this act, all colleges must publish annual reports that detail campus crime statistics for public access.
You may search for reports by year or filter by school at the StudentAid.gov website.
Familiarize Yourself With Campus Emergency Alerts and Notifications
Under the Clery Act, all institutions are also required to have some kind of campus emergency alert and notification system in place. Take time to research the option(s) your school has available. Some (like text message alerts) may require you to opt in, so make sure to complete all the steps necessary.
Locate Key Safety Infrastructure
Many schools have safety resources on campus, too, such as telephones that are illuminated with blue lights and will contact campus police if needed. In addition to protection against crime, campus buildings may have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for students to use in the event of a medical emergency.
Personal Awareness and Protective Habits
As you prepare to head off to college, this is also an optimal time to adopt basic habits that could better protect you on a busy campus.
Trust Your Instincts
Have you ever heard people advise, “If something feels off, it probably is”?
There is merit to that idea, in fact, as many experts believe that those “gut instincts” are actually an evolutionary adaptation designed to keep us safe. When in doubt, trust your instincts, and if a situation does not feel right, take steps to keep yourself safe.
Stay Aware of Surroundings
Whenever you are on campus, stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. This is especially essential if traveling alone on campus. As tempting as it may be to have your headphones on or be buried in your phone while walking from your residence hall to your next class, it is a better safety practice to stay distraction-free.
Travel Smart
Whether during the day or at night, follow some basic safety practices when traveling on campus. This might mean using clearly marked paths that are well-lit at night, as well as walking with a buddy whenever possible.
Secure Living Spaces and Belongings
No matter if you live on campus or plan to commute, the following are additional tips worth considering when it comes to how to stay safe in college.
Lock Doors, Do Not “Piggyback,” and Secure Windows
For students living in residence halls, get into the habit of locking doors (and windows) behind you every time you leave. Residence hall buildings typically have exterior doors that lock automatically when closed, so always keep your keys on you and do not “piggyback” or prop doors open for others.
Keep Belongings Safe
Avoid falling victim to theft by keeping your personal items with you at all times. For instance, if you are in the library studying and decide to head to the vending machine for a snack, take your laptop and other personal items with you. Even if you are only gone for a few moments, it is better to err on the side of caution.
Vehicle and Bike Safety
If you commute or have a car/bike on campus, use common-sense safety tips like parking in well-lit areas and consistently locking your vehicle (or using a lock on your bike).
Use Campus Safety Resources
Now is also a good time to familiarize yourself with the various resources your institution has on campus to promote student safety.
Safety Escort Programs
Many schools offer safety escort programs, where students may call a service to request a fellow student or member of public safety to walk them to their class, residence hall, car, or anywhere else on campus.
Blue Light Emergency Phones and Campus Police Contacts
Does your campus have phone booths that illuminate with blue lights at night? These are campus safety phones, and picking one up will automatically connect you with campus police. Even if your school does not offer these (as may be the case on smaller campuses), have the campus police department’s contact number saved in your phone in order to reach them quickly for a non-emergency if needed. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.
Self-Defense and Bystander Training
If you are interested in learning basic self-defense, check to see if your school might offer training classes on campus. More specifically, Green Dot training helps you learn how to become an “active bystander” and do your part to prevent violence in communities.
Smart Social and Party Behaviors
Attending social gatherings is a highlight of many students’ experiences, but it is important to socialize responsibly.
Stay Connected
Whenever you are going somewhere on or off campus, be sure to share your plans with a trusted contact like a friend, roommate, or family member. If possible, you may also want to share your GPS location on your phone and give your contact a general idea of what time you should be back at your residence hall or elsewhere.
Party Safely
When attending parties, take measures to party safely. This means never leaving any drinks unattended and avoiding overindulgence that could impair your decision-making. Some universities even offer free or affordable rideshare programs available for students to ensure they make it home safely.
Red Zone Awareness
According to the Center for Women and Families, “The Red Zone is a period of time from the beginning of fall semester to Thanksgiving break when sexual assaults on U.S. college campuses spike.” During this time, it is especially crucial for students to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others. This entails being a good bystander by remaining cognizant of your surroundings, checking on your friends, and speaking up if necessary.
Digital and Online Safety
Even online students need to understand how to stay safe in college and protect themselves, particularly when it comes to avoiding scams and other dangerous situations.
Manage Online Privacy
As a general rule, it is wise to maintain your privacy online and limit the amount of personal information you share publicly. This includes locking down your social media accounts to ensure that only people you know, and trust are able to see your profile and posts.
Avoid Scams
Phishing schemes and fraud are common ways for online criminals to steal your personal information, which could then be used for identity theft or financial crimes against you. To avoid these kinds of scams, never open a link or file from an unfamiliar source — and never give out sensitive information (such as credit card numbers) over the phone.
Emergency Protocols and Response
Even though you hopefully will not be the victim of a crime on campus, it is still best to be prepared.
Know Emergency Action Plans
Take time to research and understand your school’s action plans and recommendations on what to do in the event of an emergency. In a lockdown situation, for example, many schools now recommend that students follow the “run, hide, fight” protocol. By knowing specifically what you would do in an emergency, you are better prepared in the unlikely event that an incident does occur.
Report Suspicious Behavior
You may be familiar with the phrase, “If you see something, say something.”
This is especially key on a college campus, where large groups of students come and go on a daily basis. If you notice anything suspicious at any time, reach out to your campus police department and provide a description so officers may investigate promptly.
Building a Safety-First Community
At the end of the day, campus safety relies on a community effort. So, what can you do to cultivate a culture of safety among fellow students?
Engage in Bystander Intervention Programs
If your school offers bystander intervention programs, self-defense training, or any similar opportunities, take advantage. The more you know, the better prepared you may be to protect yourself.
Collaborate for Support
Working with others is another great way to improve campus safety. Consider collaborating with roommates, friends, or other campus groups for mutual support and to propose safety initiatives to your campus police or public safety department.
Action Steps for Safety
With countless considerations to keep in mind regarding your safety on campus, here are a few key takeaways.
Simple Daily Habits to Improve Safety
As you leave for classes each day, remember:
- Always lock your doors and windows when away from your residence hall.
- Use clear and well-lit paths when traveling anywhere on campus.
- Do not leave your belongings unattended for any amount of time.
- Know the locations of emergency phones on campus.
- Trust your instincts — and if you see something suspicious, report it.
Stay Informed and Proactive
In addition to signing up for campus emergency alerts, find other ways to stay up to date on campus safety. This might include attending public safety events or meetings that are open to the student population, as well as following your campus police department on social media channels.
Encourage Peers to Join Safety Initiatives
There is greater safety in numbers! Talk to your friends and peers about being proactive about their own safety and encourage them to join initiatives (like traveling in groups or speaking out at public safety meetings). When it comes to campus safety, every student has a voice.
Still Looking for a School?
Today’s college campuses have ample resources and safeguards in place to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. Still, students should know how to stay safe in college, leveraging practical tips — many of which may extend to other contexts and scenarios (including online learning).
As a school where your safety and well-being are at the forefront, Post University makes student safety a priority through our campus’s emergency alert system and other crime prevention programs. Questions? Get in touch with our team today.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.