College can be a crazy and scary new step in every incoming freshman’s life. Whether attending college in your hometown or 6+ hours away, it is important to stay safe on and off campus. A new location and responsibilities can leave you vulnerable. Below are tips that new college kids need to remember on how to be safe during the school year.
Tips:
- Stay aware and travel in groups.
- Save the phone numbers of campus police and town police.
- Be aware of the safety and mental health services provided on campus including rides, hotlines and blue safety lights.
- Join the local/campus safety Facebook for look-outs and warnings.
- Share schedules with friends and roommates.
- Learn about any dangerous parts around town
College is a time for you to meet new people, gain an education and learn new experiences. Have fun and get the most out of your time in college but remember that safety is really important when going out. Most stories you might hear occur when girls are going out in the middle of night. You may also hear stories where people say they had a really an unpleasant feeling before something bad happened. Don’t be afraid to leave if you’re uncomfortable in a situation. Sometimes your gut knows more than you. The best thing you can do is learn from your mistakes and the experiences of others. Below are good tips to remember when going out.
Tips:
- Always have a designated driver or call an Uber/Lift.
- Go out with people that you can trust and will take care of you.
- Never take a drink offered by someone unless you saw them make it.
- Share plans or locations when going out or on a date.
If you are left with one piece of information before you go off to college, it should be:
Be aware, use your common sense, but most importantly go live your life at college!
BIO: Emily Bruchmiller is a Senior at Texas Tech University. She is double majoring in Marketing and Management. She is interning at GradGuard for the summer. She loves to spend time with her friends, hiking, and going to new places in her free time.
