College is a great time to meet new people, and even possibly find your soul mate. It’s important that you make smart decisions that will help you stay safe while dating in college. Use these simple dating safety tips.
- Let a trusted friend or family member know where you will be, who you will be with, and the time that you are estimated to return from your date. Be sure to call and check in with that person once you get home.
- Learn self-defense techniques so that you are better prepared to protect yourself in case of an attack. Check to see if there are any free self-defense courses that are offered on your campus.
- Know the locations and phone numbers of your local emergency stations so that you can quickly find help if you are in a dangerous situation.
- Always keep your cell phone fully charged and close by when you are out on a date.
- Never share your personal information with someone you do not trust. Keep your address and financial information private until you truly know the person you are dating.
- Only go on dates in areas that you feel safe and comfortable in.
- Utilize group or double dates if you are going out with someone for the first time. Group dates are the perfect way to get to know someone better while being in a safe and comfortable situation.
- Always keep an eye on your drinks and food. Stay alert, and never leave your food or drinks unattended.
- Never invite anyone into your home that you do not trust or know.
College is a great time to learn not only skills that will help you further your career, but dating in college can also help you form social and dating skills that will help you live a more fulfilling life.
Safety Apps That Students Can Download to Their Phones
Today’s college students are more connected to their mobile devices than ever. According to an eMarketer report, by 2016 91 percent of students will have a smartphone. While many students utilize their smartphones for texting, surfing the web, and entertainment purposes, it is important that students realize the personal safety assistance that smartphone safety apps can offer as well.
Why should students care?
Consider the statistics:
- More than 1 in 4 college women are sexually assaulted.
- 1 of every 22 college students will experience a crime during their time at school.
While the statistics are alarming, there are things students can do to keep themselves safe, such as utilizing smartphone safety apps. Smartphone apps are great tools for students because they are easily accessible and put useful, typically free, resources right at their fingertips.
Reduce your risk and have constant security and assistance with the following student safety apps.
“A free safety app that prevents violence before it happens”
Available for iPhone & Android
This student app allows users to create a group (circle) of six contacts of their choice. If you lose track of your friends, are traveling alone, or want to alert someone that you are in a dangerous situation, this app will send a message with a map and GPS location of where you are to your circle and the local emergency units.
“The fastest way to connect to authorities, family & friends, when you need help.”
Available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry & Windows Phone
This safety app provides real-time emergency incident monitoring and communication. It acts as an instant two-way communication with safety groups, local authorities and nearby security. One special feature that this student app offers is that it allows you to set up specific types of emergency situations such as allergy emergencies or traveling alone situations as well as accompanying contacts to be notified for each type of incident.
“Turns your cellphone into the ultimate safety app.”
Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry (beta)
This safety app is a mobile-based safety alarm. Upon downloading the app, a red button will appear on the phone screen. When the red button is pressed, a siren will go off, a video recording will start, and the emergency contacts that you chose (which can include 911), will be alerted with a message of your GPS location and the recorded video.
Safety fast.” Available for iPhone & Android
Similar to the bSafe app, this student app also tracks your location, alerts police and your previously selected contacts, and secretly records your attacker. This app differs in that it can be activated through tapping and also shaking the phone. It also continues to track your location so that if you leave the original scene, emergency authorities will know your current location.
“Never walk alone.”
Available for iPhone, Android & Blackberry
This safety app acts as a personal safety service that connects you to a live security team that instantly starts communicating with you, recording and tracking your activity, and contacting local emergency services.
“The award-winning personal safety app for college students.”
Available for iPhone & Android
This safety app was created specifically for college students. It offers six customizable alert options that allow you to notify friends, family, local police or 911 via text, email, phone call or Facebook. This app also offers a “watch my back” service that allows you to set a timer for a certain amount of time. When the allotted time is up, if you do not turn off the timer, your chosen contacts will be alerted of your GPS location.
Travel Safety Tips for Students on Leave for Spring Break
It’s finally that time of the year when students all over the country have an entire week of freedom. While some choose to stay in their college town to study or work, and some go back to their hometown for the week, millions opt to take the more traditional route by traveling to a popular travel destination for spring break.
Traveling can definitely be a great experience, but it does require more responsibility and research so that you are prepared and know what precautions to take to keep yourself safe.
Before Your Trip – Taking the proper precautions to keep yourself safe while you travel actually starts before you leave.
- Research the area you are traveling to and locate emergency stations. Be sure to write down all local emergency numbers and store them in your cell phone.
- Become familiar with the local laws and customs. Remember: even though you are just visiting, you are still expected to follow the laws.
- Do not pack expensive items. Extravagant items and jewelry make you an easy target for thieves.
- Give your family members the address where you will be staying and the contact information of anyone you will be traveling with. Also, give your travel buddies your emergency contact information as well.
- Make copies of your itinerary, license, passport and credit cards to bring with you on your trip. Having copies will make it easier for you to get replacements in case anything is stolen or lost.
- Put your name and telephone number on your luggage in case it gets misplaced.
During Your Trip - Whether traveling abroad or taking a quick trip within the country, you should use the following travel safety tips to keep yourself and your friends safe once you reach your destination.
- Utilize the buddy system, especially at night.
- Only travel or go out with people you know and trust.
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut and avoid areas that may potentially be dangerous.
- Never leave personal items or electronics unattended.
- According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. While it is OK to have an alcoholic beverage, be sure to drink responsibly, especially when you are in a foreign place.
- Never accept food or drinks from strangers.
Once you educate yourself and learn what precautions and spring break safety measure to take, you can have the memorable break you always wanted. Happy travels!
Night Safety Tips for College 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.