Night Safety Tips for College Students

When attending college, avoiding being out late at night is nearly impossible. Protect yourself with Protection 1�s campus safety tips for evening students.

Between work, family life, class availability and the general hectic, busy schedule of most college students, many end up taking evening classes. While night classes are mandatory for many, or are simply taken for convenience purposes, they do create an added danger that students must take seriously. Every day, assault, theft and other crimes are reported on college campuses across the country. While crimes occur at all times of the day, nighttime adds an extra degree of risk that requires added precaution. Use the following night safety ideas and tips to protect yourself when you are on campus.

Campus Resources

Every student should be aware of the safety resources available on their campus. Remember that your tuition pays for many free services that your campus wants you to utilize. Use campus escorts, shuttles and campus police to walk or drive you to your car or dorm at night.

Know emergency campus phone numbers and the locations of safety departments in case of emergencies.

Many campuses offer free fitness memberships. Research self-defense class offerings and learn how to defend yourself.

Be Prepared

Always let someone know where you are going, your expected travel time, and how long you plan on being in that location.

If you know you will be out late, try to wear reflective or bright clothing to not only make yourself more visible to drivers but to also help someone spot you faster in case of an assault.

Carry yourself with confidence. Assailants target those that appear weak.

Plan your travel route ahead of time before you leave. By knowing exactly where you are going you will reduce your travel time and will appear more confident which ultimately lowers your chances of becoming a crime victim.

Invest in pepper spray and carry it with you at all times. Also add a small flashlight to your keychain to use in case of an emergency. While they may not be the most stylish key chains to have, they can definitely help keep you safe.

Always have your keys in your hand to allow quick entry into your dorm or car.

Walking

Always have someone, or a group of people that you trust to travel with at night. There truly is safety in numbers, especially at night.

Always walk in well-lit, highly visible areas.

Stay in familiar areas and avoid shortcuts when possible.

Cars on Campus

Never leave valuable items in your car in open view.

Park in well-lit areas. This is an important step to remember throughout the day. It is easy to forget to park in unsafe areas during the day, but always try to see if the area will be safe for you to return to at night.

Always make note of where you park so that you can easily locate your car.

Cell Phones

Always be aware of your surroundings. One big distraction to avoid is using your cell phone. Using electronics diminish awareness, making you more vulnerable. Using electronic devices also attracts thieves due to their popularity and valuable nature. If you must use an electronic device, try to keep it out of plain site and make use of Bluetooth devices and headphones to keep your hands as free as possible.

While using your cell phone when you are traveling alone at night on campus can be a distraction, having a cell phone with you at all times is definitely a night safety measure that you should adhere to. Before traveling, always be sure that your phone is well charged so that you can easily contact the authorities if an emergency occurs.

Remember, it is your personal responsibility to do everything in your power to keep yourself safe. College campuses are safe places for students, but you must take the proper precautions to protect yourself. By being prepared and aware of your personal safety, you can reduce your risk when you are on campus at night.