myUsearch blog

Campus crimes are on the rise. These crimes, for the most part, include theft, sexual assault and aggravated assault. Ninety percent of these crimes involve drinking, a popular past-time for college students. Here are some simple tips to stay safe on campus.

1. Avoid walking alone at night on campus. If you go to the library to study, go with a friend or a group. Look for well-lit routes or routes with security cameras in place.
2. If you are traveling around campus at night and you are by yourself, use public transportation: buses, taxis or campus shuttles.
3. When around campus, vary the routes you take. Taking the same route at the same time every day is something that could be noticed.
4. Protect yourself. Although carrying weapons may be prohibited on your college campus, look into their rules on mace or pepper spray. (If allowed, keep these items in an easily accessible place, not at the bottom of a backpack or purse. Also, keep them out of sight so they can’t be used as a weapon against you.) Carrying a whistle has become a regular practice for women as well. Consider taking a karate class or maybe just a course in self defense.
5. If you notice someone hanging around your residence building (or “lurking”), let a housing manager know.
6. Be careful what you put online. This could mean the info you make available on your personal blog or even on Facebook. Avoid posting your address, phone number, what campus residence you live in, etc. On Facebook, take advantage of the option to only allow your friends to see any photos you post.
7. When at campus parties, always watch your drink or mix it yourself. If you left your drink unattended for any amount of time, do not drink it.
8. Most students carry a cell phone now, but students who don’t, should look into getting one. Program emergency numbers into your phone so you can reach them on speed dial if you need to.
9. Never give out financial information (credit card numbers, bank PIN numbers, etc.) to anyone, even friends, girlfriends or boyfriends. You might not even see them in two or three years- but they’ll still know how to access your bank account. Don’t even give out your email password as emails sometimes contain personal info.
10. Never lend out your room card/key. If you lose your room card/key or you suspect it was stolen, tell your housing manager immediately so your lock can be changed.
11. Although stealing a PC from a dorm room would be a bit difficult, stealing a laptop is simple. Invest in a laptop lock. You can find these at most computer stores and are relatively inexpensive.
12. Never leave valuables in plain sight. These items might include a wallet, electronics, jewelry, etc.

For more information on campus safety, please visit Security On Campus and Safer Campus.

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