Many people agree that their college years are some of the best of their lives.

Full of new friends, fun experiences, enlightening assignments and all-night cram sessions before exams, this period of life is typically hard to forget. However, while getting immersed in all that time on campus offers, it’s essential to stay safe. Many predators target college students and believe they’re easy victims. Some predators are even peers.

Walking alone at night can be particularly dangerous, even if you don’t have far to travel.

Fortunately, many developers have created apps you can download to help you enjoy greater protection when walking around by yourself. Here are six of them:

1. bSafe

This app features numerous geolocation-powered features that tell people where you are and even let you record what happens — the footage even includes timestamps. An alarm function emits an audible distress signal and informs others how to find you. Also, a timer alerts your friends if you aren’t home at a certain time.

Plus, your pals can watch your progress on a map as you walk home and get additional alerts once you arrive. Feeling stuck at a Tinder date that’s going badly? The Fake Call function has you covered. It lets you pretend you got an urgent phone call and have to leave.

2. SafeZone

Because this is a university-specific app, you can only use it on particular campuses. However, there’s an ever-growing list of where it’s available, and a sizeable number of the places are outside of the United States, which could be helpful when studying abroad.

Use the red Emergency Alert button after getting robbed, injured or otherwise finding yourself in need of quick assistance. The app broadcasts your location to emergency responders, helping them find you faster. Furthermore, a dedicated First Aid feature lets you call for help regarding health-related needs. It connects you with first responders and helps them determine whether to call an ambulance.

There are also check-in features that tell your friends where you are. You can activate them manually or let your phone trigger the function on your behalf.

3. Rave Guardian

If your campus is known for being a safe environment, you may start feeling too comfortable. However, college students become victims more often than many people realize. In 2015 alone, universities reported over 36,000 criminal offenses. Sexual assault, robbery and burglary were some of the most common identified crimes.

The Rave Guardian app works on the principle that your designated group of friends — or “guardians” — help keep you safe, and you return the favor. You can add guardians to a specified group or talk to them just like your regular contacts. There are also features that facilitate swift communications with law enforcement officials or campus safety personnel if you see something suspicious.

4. Shake 2 Safety

Using your phone to call or text for help through normal methods may not be feasible during a dangerous situation. If a perpetrator sees you tapping your phone’s screen, he or she might become angry.

The Shake 2 Safety app allows sending an emergency text message or phone call to an emergency contact by shaking your phone or pressing the power button four times. You can also set the app’s sensitivity level to avoid sending unintentional communications.

5. SafeTrek

Like some people, you may find yourself feeling like your safety is at risk, then later find out there was nothing to fear. However, listening to your gut instinct could save your life, while ignoring it could prevent you from seeking safety.

The SafeTrek app has a touch-sensitive thumb pad you can press when feeling unsafe. Once the perceived danger has passed, take your finger off the phone’s screen. You also have to confirm your safety by entering a four-digit PIN. If you don’t take that step, police will automatically come to your location.

A counter on the app’s website indicates users walked over 25,000 miles safely in the past 30 days thanks to the built-in technology. It’s indispensable if you’re characteristically very aware of your surroundings and don’t like taking chances.

6. Companion

There’s safety in numbers, but you may not always find someone to walk with you. During those situations, the Companion app could save the day — and your life. Get started by entering your destination. Or, choose the Wander mode when you don’t have one in mind. Your chosen companions can watch your movements through live updates. If you need help, the app sends messages to them.

Similar to SafeTrek, Companion has an “I Feel Nervous” button you can press.

When you do, Companion sends a message to your contacts. It also does so automatically within 15 seconds if you press it accidentally and don’t clarify you’re okay by pressing a button on the app interface.

Think of these safety apps as being just as important as your textbooks, laptop and dorm building access card while getting geared up for campus life.

Even if you never need to use one of them, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing it’s on your phone just in case.