Personal Security: Especially for College Students

Enhancing your personal security as a college student is not much different than it is for non-students. Any list of generic personal security tips applies equally to you. The biggest difference between you and them is that you probably have not thought much about it until now. This may be the first time you are away from home and on your own. Things that your parents did for you, or reminded you about, just a short time ago are now your responsibility.

I am a professor in a small college town in rural Idaho where my oldest daughter just graduated with her degree. I have seen, firsthand, how casually students treat their personal security. They just do not believe anything will happen to them – especially in a small town like this one. The sad truth is that there is a lot of crime perpetrated against college students. Campus crime statistics from all over the United States show that the three most common offenses are burglary, vehicle theft, and assault. You can reduce the chance that it will happen to you. Most of what you can do is very simple; you just need to remember to do them

Burglary

As a group, college students have more expensive computer and electronic equipment than the general population. These items are valuable, easy to sell, and very portable. Because students spend a lot of time socializing in each other’s apartments and dorm rooms, nobody regards it as suspicious when they see people they do not know coming and going. An unlocked apartment is “easy pickings.” Always lock your door – even if you will only be across the hall for a few minutes.

Vehicle Theft

You can usually tell which cars belong to students, and which ones belong to faculty at my university. Students drive the expensive ones. They are the ones most likely to be stolen. But, even more common than losing your car, is having your belongings taken from it. Students tend to keep a lot of valuables in their cars. Make sure they are out of sight. Locking them in the trunk is even better. Always lock you car with the windows up – even on blistering hot days.

Maybe you ride a bike instead. Bicycles are also popular targets for thieves. They can be very expensive and are often easy to steal. When a thief rides away on your bike, everyone will just think he owns it. Always lock up your bike with a good cable or frame lock – and take the front wheel with you if possible.

Assault

Your security after dark is of special concern, because this is when most assaults occur. Assault is bad enough, but sexual assault is even worse. It can scar you for life, so women should be particularly careful. There is safety in numbers. If you must be out after dark, go with a friend. If you cannot find another student you know to go with you, use a security escort. Many college campuses provide this as a free service for students traveling back to their dorms from the library or late night classes. You simply call campus security and some escorts will come to walk you home. Always walk with a friend or security escort after dark – even if it is just across campus.

Dating can also result in sexual assault. One of the best things you can do on a date to reduce the likelihood of this is to refrain from alcohol. Insist that your date does too. Drinking reduces your reaction time and increases the chances of being involved in an automobile accident. It also impairs your judgment, and weakens your inhibitions. Some men, sadly, hope it will make their date more receptive to sexual activity. Because alcohol makes some people aggressive, he might not take “no” for an answer. Aside from any moral issues you may have with sex, your date may have Herpes of HIV. There is no known cure for either of these diseases. Do not let your guard down. Always avoid alcohol during a date – it could save your life.