by Kaitlyn Wolodkewitsch

As students go off to college, they head into an unfamiliar area, so it is best to know what to do to stay safe. There is no way to ensure safety, but there are precautions that can be taken to greatly increase your safety.

1. Remain alert. Some advise keeping music turned down and keep one ear bud out. If the music is loud, you will be unable to hear someone coming up on you. You want to be able to use all of your senses to know if something is off or seems unsafe. Academicinfo.net says, “Robbers and other predators look for people in a dream world or those wearing earphones or otherwise preoccupied.” So look around and keep your head up so you know what is going on around you. Hercampus.com suggests spending little time stopping or lingering and avoid looking distracted.
2. Go out in groups. It is good to go out in a group because there is more of a defense if something were to happen. This is especially important at night. It may cause a predator to stop and rethink approaching you. Hercampus.com suggests making a plan with your friends before going out so that you are keeping an eye on your friends as they are keeping an eye on you.
3. Keep security supplies easily accessible. Mace is a good option to keep on hand in case of an emergency and is still allowed on many campuses. Keep the supplies easily accessible. If it takes too long to get to your supplies, then they are useless.
4. Know emergency phone numbers. The emergency phone number for NSU police is 757-823-9000. The nonemergency phone number for the NSU police is 757-823-8102. The anonymous phone number for NSU police is 757-823-2148. These are good numbers to keep saved in your phone in case of emergencies. Emergency numbers can be programmed into your phone to avoid looking for the number.
5. Know where help is. Knowing how far you are from help lets you know where to go if there is an issue. There are “blue light” emergency call boxes located throughout the NSU campus, which connect to the NSU Police Department. The NSU police station is located on Corprew Ave and is near the Scott Dozier Dining Hall.
6. Know which areas are unsafe. If the area is unsafe, then you know that you should not go that way. You are able to go around an unsafe area to lower the risk of being in a risky situation. Downloading the LiveSafe app will help because it will keep you updated on crime and issues on or near campus so you can remain vigilant and avoid areas that have recently had issues.
7. Lock your doors. The NSU police website says that this can be the easiest way to keep from being a victim as the criminal will want to take the path with the least amount of obstacles. Keeping your doors locked helps keep intruders out. Keeping doors locked at all times makes it harder for someone to get in. Do not unlock your door for strangers. Locking your doors when you leave, sleep or are alone is vital.
8. Keep your phone charged. Keeping your phone charged ensures that you are able to make a call if there is an emergency. This also lets you keep in touch with friends throughout the night to make sure they are safe.
9. Keep cash on hand. Keeping cash on hand is important because it lets you call a cab if necessary. It also keeps you from having to stay around if you run into an issue and your card is not working or your card has been lost.
10. Maintain privacy on social media.com suggests disabling the location features on your social media accounts so that strangers do not know where you are. They also suggest keeping your accounts private so that strangers cannot access your account information.

College campuses are not to be avoided, but there are steps to take to help ensure your safety.  These steps are just the basics and can be applied to everyday life once you leave the college campus. Safety is important and implementing these steps will help you feel safer.