Living on campus is an incredibly crazy time to say the least. There are so many new faces, new places and new experiences that come with dorm life, and it’s easy to feel safe with the watch of RA’s and security persons, but sometimes a situation arises that you may not know how to handle. Perhaps a nice fellow starts a conversation and doesn’t let you finish it. Maybe you and a friend are invited to a party and you don’t know how to handle it. The best tip is to trust your gut and stick close to your group. For everything else, here are these quick tips on staying safe on campus from the eyes of a student.

10. Group Life

The best tip that goes with this lesson is: know your surroundings. If you notice a strange person trying to get to you during a concert or party, talk to those around you. Tell them that you might need help. You will be amazed at the people who will help you. Stay with a group when moments like these happen.

9. Don’t Pet the Puppy

It’s a lesson my mother taught me as a young girl: don’t encourage conversations with people you don’t want to or shouldn’t. The lesson has proven right time and time again as friends and myself have gotten ourselves sucked into time consuming and awkward encounters. Don’t worry about seeming like a “bitch” or being rude. If you’re not into it, don’t feel like you are obligated to.

8. Leave No One Behind

Sometimes you’re at an event or party and your one friend gets sick and wanders off. You let them because you are enjoying yourself. Don’t let that happen. If you are in a group, stay with them until you guys are able to talk about splitting up, but make sure no one is left alone.

7. Don’t Go Alone

If you are like me, you trust that people around you have a kind heart and good intentions, and that isn’t always the case. If there's a party you want to go to but your friends turn in for the night, don’t go. You might miss out on some fun snaps, but in the end if you're alone you probably won’t enjoy yourself and if things turn ugly, you don’t have backup.

6. Always Have a Mama (or Father) Bear in the Group

If you and your squad are heading out to a party it’s best to always have a sober friend. That way the group stays together, and you know you won’t be left out the wolves. #Imthemamabear

5. Location, Location

Always let someone you trust know where you are. Tell a friend you are going out and what time you expect to be back. For worst case scenario’s sake your friends will know when something is up right away.

4. It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint.

College students believe it’s a race to see who can reach their limit, and that’s not a good plan. Most kids don’t even make it to the parties they planned to because they get too sick to move. Some may even require medical attention. Don’t use alcohol as the main event, use it as a side piece. Your liver will thank you.

3. Water is amazing

For every illness, drink water.

2. Don’t Mix and Match

Every safe drinking source will tell you not to mix alcohol and energy drinks, and that’s for good reason. It’s dangerous and could land you in the ER.

1.Trust Yourself

You know what’s comfortable and what’s new. You know what you can handle and what you can’t. If something feels off get out, find your group and get home.