How to Stay Safe on a College Campus

Going to college is an exciting time for young adults, but with the recent murder of Yale student Annie Le, it's crucial for every college student to practice campus safety tips.

The average student has enough to worry about including exams, tests, papers and presentations, but in this day and age, students must follow safety precautions as crime rates are on the rise. Consider following these tips to stay protected while on campus.

Instructions

1. Attend a self-defense class. You will be taught what parts of the body to aim kicks and punches at to fight off an attacker. Many campuses also have seminars to attend such as date rape prevention.

2. Learn the locations of the emergency phones. Most colleges have phones throughout campus which are directly linked to security. Take a look around campus and know where the phones are located on your most traveled route.

3. Walk on well-lit paths. Take the most traveled route to and from classes. Avoid deserted parts of campus. Walk with others if possible especially at night.

4. Use campus escorts. If you do need to walk alone at night many campuses have volunteer escorts who can accompany you. Escorts are screened in advance.

5. Keep doors locked. Lock the door to your room as you leave and when you are home. Do not prop open any doors to the dorm to allow friends to enter.

6. Know the emergency exits out of your dorm. Be sure there are working smoke detectors. Locate the fire extinguishers.

7. Go easy on the alcohol. Approximately 1700 students die from alcohol-related injuries each year. Alcohol often plays a role in date rape. Drinking too much may impair your judgment and make you less aware of your surroundings.

8. Try to avoid ATMS at night. If you must use the ATM after hours, make sure to be aware of your surroundings and take a friend along. Keep your ATM in your pocket and once you receive your cash, keep it in a safe place.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the college newspaper and check emails regularly. They may alert students to problems on campus.

• Join or start a Campus Watch Program. It is a crime prevention program similar to neighborhood watch.

• If you see something suspicious don't hesitate to call campus security.

• If you're a female walking in a parking lot, it's good practice to hold your keys while you walk to your car as it can double as a weapon.

• Don't forget what you learned in the past. The same rules apply while living away from home. Don't drink and drive and don't accept a ride from someone you don't know.