It’s that time of year again. College campuses are flooding with students, both new and returning, gearing up for another exciting year. For some, it is the first time out from under the umbrella protection of mom and dad. Knowing how to stay safe on campus and out in public is a vital, life-long skill. Whether it’s your first time out on your own or you’re already independent and self-sufficient, it is best that you incorporate several basic behavioral self-defense skills into your life and simply make them second nature. There are many habits you can form that will help you stay clear of danger that require no prior training, athleticism, or disruption of your daily routine and lifestyle. Everyone can and should adopt the following behaviors because they are the simplest and smallest actions you can take to protect yourself.

Always be aware of yourself and your surroundings. This is the easiest tactic you can employ to keep yourself out of dangerous situations. Simply being aware and knowing who and what is around you helps you to distinguish if something changes or is unusual. Particularly at night, try to travel with a group and circumvent parking lots, streets, and buildings that do not have adequate lighting. As an additional precaution, avoid walking with earbuds or headphones on. These prevent you from hearing what’s going on around you, and music can distract you from focusing on your present situation.

Always walk with a purpose. This is a huge deterrent against crimes of opportunity. Many predators or muggers look for the most vulnerable people they can find, so moving with intention and confidence makes you a much more challenging target. Additionally, looking lost or confused gives people a reason to approach you under the pretense of asking if you’re alright or if you need directions. This technique allows someone potentially threatening to immediately enter your personal space and comfort zone. Even if you are lost, keep moving and act like you know where you’re going.

Always trust your instincts. Odds are, if something doesn’t feel right to you, there’s probably something wrong. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, remain calm and project confidence. Evaluate your options and come up with an exit strategy. For example, if you’re outside, find the nearest well-lit and accessible building, even if that’s not where you’re going. If you’re in an enclosed space, like an elevator or stairwell, get out on the next floor and find another route.

These basic behaviors will help you stay out of potentially dangerous situations. With a little practice, remaining self-aware, moving with confidence, and trusting your instincts are all patterns of behavior that easily integrate into every lifestyle. Taking your own personal safety for granted is ironically one of the most dangerous things you can do, but there are simple and effective ways of preventing yourself from danger before it’s too late.