10 important college safety tips

All colleges go to great lengths to keep their students safe on campus. However, that doesn’t mean you should get complacent when it comes to your own safety. When it comes to staying safe, you’ll find that most safety tips are simple and easy to follow. And they work!

By staying mindful and proactive, you can protect yourself and still enjoy all that college life has to offer. Follow these 10 college safety tips to help you feel more confident on campus and make the most of your time.

10 college safety tips

Did you know 82% of college students are concerned about their personal safety and 97% consider their personal safety while on campus? It's clear that safety is top of mind for most students—and for good reason.

When people think of safety, physical safety often comes to mind first. However, staying safe in college also means protecting yourself online. Familiarize yourself with the 10 tips below so you can be prepared, aware, and confident in any situation.

1. Familiarize yourself with campus security resources

Every college has a campus security office, which is responsible for all things related to student safety on campus. It’s essential to understand the available resources and how to access them effectively. Start with these steps:

• Look up contact details and office hours on your college website.
• Ask if there are any emergency phone stations around campus and get their locations.
• Find out the safest routes for the times when you will be walking back to your dorm late at night.
• Save campus emergency numbers in your phone so you can reach them quickly if needed.

2. Exercise caution after dark

Campuses look safe during the day with hundreds of students out and about. However, the very same place can feel very different at night—quieter, darker, and sometimes less safe. Unfortunately, you can’t always avoid staying out after dark, as you may be walking back from a late class, your job, or the library. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to stay alert and take a few extra precautions:

• Walk confidently and with purpose. Avoid looking nervous or afraid.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Skip using headphones or talking on the phone until you are back home.
• Keep your phone handy in case you need to make an emergency call.
• Stick to well-lit, busy paths. You’ll want to steer clear of dark or isolated pathways, even if they are shorter routes.
• If you can, arrange a time to walk with a friend. This minimizes risks and can help you feel more reassured walking home.

3. Be alert getting into your car

As a rule of thumb, always try to park in a well-lit parking lot and lock your car after you get out. You may not have anything worth stealing in your car, but leaving the door unlocked is an invitation to potential predators.

If you’re getting into your vehicle after dark, make sure that you aren’t distracted by your phone, you are constantly assessing your surroundings, and you always have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door as soon as you reach the car. You do not want to be fumbling around looking for the keys if a stranger approaches you.

4. Carry pepper spray

Having a form of personal protection like pepper spray can give you added peace of mind. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but just knowing that you have it can make you feel more confident. If you do carry pepper spray, make sure to keep it handy and learn how to use it correctly.

In some states, it may be illegal or restricted to carry pepper spray. Before purchasing, research your local laws and find out which safety items you can carry legally for personal defense.

5. Have a plan when going out

No one expects you to stay within the confines of your dorm room or apartment every single night. If you make plans with friends to go somewhere, just make sure you:

• Know exactly where you’re going. Whether it's a concert, a friend's house, or a restaurant in town, it's important that you know the exact address.
• Have a plan for getting there and back home. Are you driving yourself, taking an Uber, or riding with a friend? It is critical that you always have reliable transportation in place before you go anywhere.
• Share your plans and location with someone you trust. Before you head out, let your roommate, best friend, or family member know where you are going and what time you plan on being back. For extra measures, share your location so you both have peace of mind.

While this might seem “extra” to some, taking these precautions isn’t because you’re paranoid—it’s to give you the freedom to relax and enjoy your time with friends!

6. Trust your instincts

Trusting your instincts isn’t overreacting—it’s being smart. If something feels off, then it probably is. Whether you meet someone who gives off a weird vibe or unusual behavior is happening around you, it is more than okay to remove yourself from a situation. You are never in the wrong to prioritize your own safety.

7. Never leave your laptop lying around in a public place

Almost all spaces around campus are shared by many students at a time. Whether you’re studying in the library or sitting in the cafeteria, know that your belongings are never truly out of sight. Leaving your laptop open and unattended, even for just a quick break, gives anyone around you an invitation to access your private information.

To protect yourself:

• Use a password-protected lock screen.
• Do not share your password with anyone.
• Ask a trusted friend to watch your things if you need to step away.

8. Use strong passwords for all of your accounts

Choosing strong passwords is key to keeping your accounts safe. Gone are the days when using your dog’s name or your birthday was good enough. Today, hackers can crack those obvious passwords within minutes. To keep your accounts secure, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You’ll also want to avoid reusing the same passwords for all of your accounts. This limits the risks if one of your accounts is compromised.

9. Don’t overshare on social media

Social media is truly a dual-edged sword. While it helps you stay in touch with friends and family, it also gives strangers a window into your personal life. The more you share, the more you reveal about your routines, whereabouts, and even your home life. Be smart about what and how you share on social media by following these precautions:

• Set your social media profiles to private or limit who can see your posts This gives you control over who sees what.
• Disable your location services and avoid geotagging your photos in real time. It might seem harmless to tag your favorite coffee shop while you’re there. However, this tells people exactly where you are. If you want to tag the coffee shop, tag them once you are back home.
• Always be aware of how many personal details you are sharing, especially about where you live or when you’re alone. Avoid posting small details about your life, like your dorm’s name or apartment complex.

10. Watch out for phishing scams

Phishing scams have become very common, and they’re not always as obvious as you may think. You may receive an email or text informing you that there has been suspicious activity on an account and that you need to click a link or provide your password to “fix” it.

When you provide personal details or click links in phishing emails, this allows the scammer access to information they can use in any way they want. As a rule, never click any links or reply to emails from unknown senders. If you’re not sure whether the email is actually from who it says it’s from, reach out to them directly.

Research your college’s safety ratings before you go

If you are still searching for the perfect college and safety is a concern, you can research the safety information on each of the schools on your list. All you have to do is search your college in the search bar of collegeraptor.com. Just click the "safety" tab on the school page and you can view stats for the last three years.

It does help to keep these safety tips in mind during your years in college and beyond. When it comes to your personal safety, you can never be too careful. Many college safety tips are quite simple, but don’t underestimate their impact. Sometimes it’s the simplest measures that are the most effective. These safety tips are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee personal safety. Following these recommendations may help reduce risk, but no precaution can eliminate all potential dangers. Always use your best judgment and consult campus security or local authorities for specific concerns. Remember, your safety is always worth the effort.

Your future campus should feel like a good fit—and a safe one. Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to discover schools that check all your boxes.