Sexual assault, robbery, and unwanted advances are an unfortunate reality for a lot of college students today. Not to mention: binge drinking, unmonitored drug intakes, and other types of typical college behavior can make a college campus dangerous from time to time. Instead of hoping you’re never a victim, there are preventative measures you can take to ensure you are always safe.

Here are 5 important campus safety recommendations:

1. Locate the emergency lights:
   Whether they are light posts, buttons, or call boxes, most campus have a “blue light” system on campus. If you know where all of these locations are, you can identify the closest one to you when you need to ring it for help.
2. Travel in packs:

If you’re a female, we highly recommend traveling in packs of people during late hours. You’re much less likely to be targeted if you’re with 5 other people than if you’re walking home all alone.

3. Lock up:

A lot of people get careless in college and assume they don’t need to lock their dorm rooms. They couldn’t be more wrong. There are plenty of people looking to steal iPhones, laptops, and other valuables out of your dorm when you head out for the night.

4. Social media privacy:

A lot of people are able to track individuals at college because they post where they are going to be. Be more incognito with your whereabouts. Try not to post on Facebook exactly what party you’re heading to.

5. Know the crime laws:
   Not every campus and city has the same crime laws. Get a copy of the campus manual and familiarize yourself with what is and is not considered a serious offense.

With the proper precautionary steps, you can remain safe at all times at college.