Staying Safe: A Student's Guide
As you think about your student's needs at school, staying safe is one of the top concerns. In order to help him be safe while also being a responsible member of his community, you can remind him of the following:

Your Room

• Always lock your door, especially when you're inside sleeping or when you go out
• Don't let strangers into your room. Look through a peephole, ask for ID or meet in the hall.
• Don't post notes on your memo board, IM or voicemail, saying where you are or providing personal info.
• Don't keep valuables in plain sight. And don't have too many valuables there with you in the first place!
• Don't give out your room key/card.

Your Apartment
In addition to the room tips:

• Ask local police to do a free safety check of your place.
• Don't put your full name or phone # on your mailbox.

Parking Lots

• Have your car key in hand ready to put in the lock as you're walking toward your car.
• Walk out to your car with someone you know and trust, especially when it's dark.
• Look in the back seat before entering the car to make sure no one is hiding back there.
• Always keep your car locked, whether you're in it or not.
• Park as close as you can to your destination. If that's impossible, ask public safety for an escort.
• If you're sitting in your car in the parking lot, talking on the phone or whatever, lock the doors so no one can take you by surprise.

Isolated Areas

• If you have to work in an isolated lab, practice room or study lounge, tell someone or ask someone to come with you.

Date Rape & Sexual Assault

• Don't be alone with someone you just met.
• Clearly communicate your intentions — say "No" and mean it.
• Keep a level head. Alcohol or other drugs compromise your safety by lowering inhibitions and clouding your judgment.
• Be aware of date rape drugs that can be slipped into your drink.
• If you go somewhere with friends, make sure that everyone is accounted for before leaving.
• Trust your gut – your instincts say a lot.

Keep Your Stuff Safe

• Install a safety lock or tracker on your laptop.
• Don't leave your book bag unattended. Use a gym locker or carry it around the library with you.
• Always lock up your bike.
• Don't leave a large amount of cash in your room, even if it's "hidden" in your sock drawer.
• Keep your blinds pulled at night and when you're out so potential thieves can't see what's "available" to them.
• If there's a campus engraving program, register your big-ticket items like laptops, TVs, DVRs, bikes and more.

Keep Yourself Safe

• Make it tough for someone to take you by surprise – don't wear ear buds or headphones when walking, running or studying alone.
• Head toward crowds, lights and buildings if you're being followed.
• Don't walk alone, especially after dark. Call the campus escort system or walk with friends. Stay on populated, well-lit paths.
• If someone is stalking you, report it to public safety immediately. A restraining order or some other action may need to be taken to keep you safe.
• Don't engage an unknown caller in conversation or give away any personal details. Keep track of when calls are made and what is said. Save voicemail messages, too. Turn everything over to staff members who can help.

Lost Room Keys/Cards
Report a lost room key/card to the appropriate staff immediately! Someone can use it to gain entrance to your room, apartment or car to hurt you or your belongings. Plus, when you share a space with a roommate(s), not reporting a lost key/card can end up causing them harm, too.