Welcome to college, where pizza is a legit breakfast option, and your body is 60% coffee! The first week of college will be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also be chaotic. To stay safe at college, especially in the first week, there are some tips to follow…
Of course, college safety is probably the last thing on your mind when you are stressed out about moving far away from home, meeting so many new people, and going to your first classes. Still, learning more about safety for freshman folks can prevent some dangerous situations and make your college experience unforgettable, but in a good way.
So, if you want your first college week to go as smoothly as a cheap beer at college parties, follow these tips!
The Night Owls’ Guide to Help You Stay Safe at College
Late-night study sessions are a rite of passage for any college student. If you have never studied in the middle of the night because you procrastinated the whole day, did you even go to college?
But late-night studying can also be dangerous if you aren’t careful enough. For example, you certainly don’t want to get lost in that dusty library! Or, the night can get really creepy if you decide to study alone in some secluded area far away from your dorm room.
For some peace of mind, share your study location with friends. Consider carrying a personal alarm in case of a threat (or to wake you up in case you fall asleep). Finally, if you don’t want to feel like a protagonist of some bad 90s horror slasher movie, you can always try campus escort services when walking back to your room.
The Party Animal’s Guide to Responsible Reveling
College is a great way to learn new things and build your future professional network. But let’s be real; parties are an equally important part of the college experience. Still, to stay safe at college, even when partying, there are some guidelines to follow.
We know that you want to prove to your new friends that you can drink a lot and party like there is no tomorrow. Still, staying safe is much more important than impressing someone by chugging a whole six-pack in under 10 minutes.
Drink slowly, and don’t push your limits. If there are any snacks around, eat them. Never leave your drink out of your sight. Try to party with people you can trust. If you don’t know anyone well enough, be friendly, have fun, but also watch your back.
Be an Adventure Seeker & Stay Safe at College
If you belong to the majority of college students that had to move to a whole new town for college, you are probably eager to leave the campus area and explore its surroundings. After all, you can’t live in a bubble just to stay safe at college.
But before you venture off into the unknown, take some precautions. Bring your personal alarm, just in case you get yourself into a dangerous situation. If you stay in the town after dark, make sure to have a flashlight app on your phone, just in case your way back to campus isn’t well-lit.
Of course, since every phone has maps now, it is fairly easy to find your way back. Still, don’t rely on online maps. Download an offline map just in case your Internet connection is bad.
Also, try to remember some “landmarks” on your way. Is there some church nearby or a large retail store? Or maybe some funny-looking tree? Remembering all these things can help you go back to campus even without using maps.
The Roommate’s Guide to Domestic Bliss
Roommates are like a lottery. With some, you will feel like you won a jackpot, while others will make you crazy. However, it is all normal and part of the college experience. Once you find good roommates, they might even become your friends for life.
But having roommates is much more than just sharing a room. You also have shared safety and other responsibilities. If someone is irresponsible, that affects everyone in the space. This is why you should establish some safety rules, such as locking doors and windows.
You should also share your schedules with each other for safety checks. In case someone doesn’t come back to the room when they were supposed to, the others can react swiftly and alarm the persons in charge. Letting trusted people know about your plans is crucial to stay safe at college.
The Late Night Snacker’s Guide to Midnight Munchies
With late studies and partying, there come midnight munchies. Apart from making you gain a pound or two, late-night snacks can become dangerous if you leave your food on the stove unattended or if you forget to turn off the stoves.
After all, it is easy to forget such things when you are half asleep. These situations can lead to fires, which is why you should be careful to avoid them. Also, getting a mini fire extinguisher is another smart idea.
Finally, don’t forget to safely store food leftovers once you are done eating. Everything that’s perishable should go into the fridge to avoid spoiling. This way, you also prevent potential food poisoning if someone wants to nibble on those leftovers.
The Tech Guru’s Guide to Cyber Safety
It is hardly surprising that internet access and digital devices have become staples in education. It is almost impossible to study and have access to all resources without a laptop and email address.
However, you probably know that not everything is perfect in the digital world, and there are many dangers lurking just around the corner. Phishing emails, unsecured WiFi networks, cyberstalking, the list goes on.
This is why you should use strong passwords (not the same password for everything) and have updated antivirus software on your laptop. Also, be careful not to click suspicious links, and don’t overshare your information with strangers.
The Fitness Fanatic’s Guide to Safe Exercise
Chances are, if you are a college freshman, you are the skinniest and fittest you will ever be. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a rule, but most people gain weight and become less fit in the following years.
However, if you want to stay fit and at a healthy weight for many years to come, you are probably considering going to the gym. But don’t be that person that just goes to the gym to take selfies!
Jokes aside, be aware of the danger behind improper workout techniques and equipment misuse. If you don’t follow the correct techniques, you might not get the desired results at best, or you might even get hurt at worst.
To avoid that, you should either follow the instructions from the trainer or go with a friend. This way, you can get feedback and valuable advice on how to improve your form. Also, if your idea of exercise involves outside activities, don’t go alone. If you practice these activities at night, make sure to wear some reflective gear!
Stay Safe at College and Have Fun
The first week of college can be chaotic and exciting, and you will probably feel swamped with everything you need and want to do. However, as much as this might sound boring, you should always try to stay safe at college in every situation.
The purpose of this article is not to scare you but to warn you about some dangerous situations that can ruin your college experience. You can still have fun while taking some safety precautions. Trust us; your college life will be much safer and more enjoyable!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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