Many students view college life as a time when they stretch their boundaries in their university, connect with new people, and experience freedom for the first time. In many cases, this will involve attending parties and going out with friends.
These depictions of carefree nights out minimize the risks associated with parties. A Friday night out can be detrimental to your mental and physical health if you don’t establish your limits and take precautions.
Despite not always anticipating danger, you should always be ready in case something should happen. Despite feeling like you know everyone on your college campus, you don’t always know who you can trust.
Safety Tips For College Freshman
From 2005 to 2019, percent of college students who reported criminal offenses declined by 48%, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Even so, students shouldn’t let their guard down.
Nearly 35,000 crimes were reported on campus nationwide in 2019. Taking a few precautionary steps can increase your chances of being safe in university while having a memorable time.
Don’t hesitate to leave uncomfortable conditions early if you feel unsafe. Talk to your friends about unpleasant situations that may require a safety plan. To take responsibility for your safety, you can take the following steps:
Choose Your Friends Carefully
Those who are true to you will never intentionally put you at risk or ask you to do anything dangerous or reckless. In many ways, toxic people pose a threat to your safety. When someone has your best interest at heart, they will not put you in place or risk getting harmed and will always keep your safety in mind.
Be Careful When Drinking At Parties
Students aged 18-24 suffer approximately 1,800 alcohol poisoning deaths, 700,000 assaults, and 100,000 sexual assaults each year due to alcohol-related incidents, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Most date rape drugs have no smell, color, or taste. Your drink could be tampered with if you leave it unattended. It’s best to keep your drink nearby so you don’t ingest a foreign substance.
Drink plenty of water and prepare meal plans before going out. In addition to giving you the energy you need, it will also reduce the effects of alcohol afterward.
Always Keep Your Phone Charged
Add the campus safety phone number to your contacts list and keep your phone fully charged. The phone will be charged, so you can quickly call for help in an emergency.
Utilize On-Campus Resources
Students experiencing difficulties in college can get help from therapy groups or sessions with student volunteers. Several universities also offer educational programs, facilities, and mentors to help students deal with university-related issues.
This will help you establish a network in your campus community that you can rely on in times of need.
Always Carry The Essentials
Make sure you have your ID, phone, keys, and any cash or credit cards that will fit conveniently in your pocket when going out. Having enough money or a way to contact help is important in case you get stuck somewhere.
One of the most rewarding experiences in life is attending college. Keep your awareness and stay safe as you adjust to independence, learning, and new friends.
The tips listed here protect not only you but also help others. The best action is to take action if you see something potentially dangerous, whether speaking up or seeking help.
Daisy is the engine behind Be-Safe.org — from content production to product reviews and more. What drives her is the passion to make home security information easily available.
