It's a topic that is always instilled into us, yet we don't think about it as much as we should: safety. From walking back to your dorm after a night class, to going to a party, it is important to always to be and feel safe while you are on your college campus.
Recently, I was put into a situation on a college campus where I felt extremely uncomfortable and that could have turned out to have an unsafe ending. After being through it, I realized that instead of just standing there and letting it happen, I should have taken action in order to protect myself as well as others around me.
We can all work harder in order for everyone to feel safer on campus. Here are some tips to remember in case of a time of crisis.
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
From being a new student on campus to being a fifth year senior, you are guaranteed not to know where everything on campus is. Make sure you are aware of where campus emergency call boxes are placed as well as where campus police is located.
2. Have campus police's phone number in your contacts.
It is better to have the number and not use it at all than to need it and not have it.
3. If you feel uncomfortable, don't be afraid to call.
Even if you are not sure of the situation, call campus police. That is what they are there for: to ensure you are safe while on campus. On a college campus, you are guaranteed not to know everyone who goes to your school. If someone is acting strange, call. Nowadays you never know what is going to happen.
4. Use safety apps.
There are many apps you can install on your smartphone that you can use whenever you feel that you may be in harm's way. These apps can help ensure that if something happens, you can get help.
5. Men can be put in danger too.
It is a common stereotype that only women are in danger when it comes to walking alone on campus or being raped at a party. It can happen to men too. Be aware of it and take action.
6. Even if it is not you who is in danger, don't be afraid to take action.
Whether it's a friend in one of your classes or a complete stranger, some people don't know how to be safe on campus so it is important that, if you see someone who looks like they are in danger, get help. You will regret it if something happens to that person and you could have stopped it, but chose not to.
7. If you don't feel safe walking home from a night class, call your campus's safe rides.
If your campus is like mine, there is a school cab that will pick you up from anywhere on campus and take you to another spot on campus. It may take longer for you to wait for the cab than to walk by yourself to your dorm, but it is worth it.
8. You are never alone.
Whether you are walking by yourself with no one in sight or you are with a bunch of strangers, you are never alone. Help is either a phone call away; you can even get help by a complete stranger.
Think of all the stories you have heard about students being in danger on their college campuses. Don't let that next person be you or a friend. Stay informed and stay safe.
