How to Live Off Campus Safely

After living in a college dormitory where security is often handled for you, if you decide to live off campus, there are things you should consider to make the move safely. Especially if this is your first time living in an apartment, you need to make sure that you remember the importance of keeping yourself safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find out how safe the neighborhood is that you are considering moving into. Call the local police department and ask them for the area crime report.
2. Check out the safety of the apartment before signing the lease. Is there an alarm system? Are the outside lights adequate enough to provide safety after dark? Check to see if all of the doors and windows have locks on them. The doors should also have deadbolts.
3. Ask the landlord if there is a fire alarm in the building. Find out if it has been tested recently and if it is working.
4. Join the neighborhood watch program if one is offered in the area that you live.
5. Travel with a friend after dark whenever possible. If you will be living with a roommate, try to schedule evening classes at the same time so you can go to and from campus together after dark.
6. Contact the campus police department at your college. Ask them if they provide an escort service for students living off campus. If your apartment is close enough to campus, they might provide a security escort service for students traveling to and from campus after dark.
7. Always keep the doors to your apartment locked after dark. Make sure you lock all doors when you are leaving home and before you go to bed at night.
8. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor. Never leave it hidden outside of your door.
9. Mark your mail box with the initial of your first name and your last name only. Do not put your full first name on the box. It is also a good idea to put your phone number in the directory the same way.