Keeping safe on campus

Moving to a new town and apartment for vet school can be fun. While this is an exciting event, it can also be a dangerous one. Safety is an important part of campus life, and definitely something to think about if you're starting your studies.

Here are a few basic safety tips you should definitely keep in mind:

Walking somewhere? Unplug.

The college campus is a big place, and walking back and forth can take a long time. Its tempting to put in some earbuds and listen to music, or text away on your phone to pass the time. While this may help entertain you, it also makes you more at risk for injury or attack.

Paying attention to your surroundings can help you avoid getting hit by a car, or attacked by a sexual predator, because you will be more likely to see or hear them coming. Stay safe and keep the tech for your dorm room.

Visit your campus safety office

Your college should have a safety office somewhere on campus. This office is paid for with your tuition, so it only makes sense that you both familiarize yourself with it and make use of its services. Ask the campus safety office what kind of ammenities it has. Some offices have escort services, so that you don't ever have to walk alone anywhere, especially at night. Others offer emergency phones, and campus maps showing the safest areas to walk.

Use privacy settings on social media

The amount of information that people can gain from social media is shocking. While it might seem harmless to put basic information up so your friends can find you, you may also be giving criminals your address, phone number, name, or other personal information.

You might also be giving them information you probably didn't think about—what kind of valuable items you have (in the background of your pictures) and when you're not at home (status updates.) You can help counter this by saving status updates for after you've gone home, and keeping your social media as private as possible.

Learn self defense

Consider taking a martial art class or if available a self defense course. Learning how to defend yourself is extremely important. A well aimed kick or punch may help a perpetrator choose someone a little less dangerous to attack. Even just knowing self defense can help you walk and act more confident, which may deter predators on its own.

Be vigilant around your car

Before getting into your car, check under and in the vehicle to make sure there is no one hiding there, waiting for you. Lock your doors immediately after getting into your car. Keep your doors locked and the alarm set when you are away from your car, even if you only plan to leave for a few minutes.

Colleges are generally safe locations, but crime can and does happen, even in the best neighborhoods. In order to stay safe, follow these tips and tricks so that you can avoid being part of an unpleasant statistic.

 Get more great tips by downloading our free Guide to Vet School