College brings new freedom, unfamiliar routines, and a campus full of places you do not know yet. A few practical habits can help you feel more confident without making you afraid of every new situation. The U.S. Department of Education’s campus security resources can also help students and families review safety information and campus crime statistics.
1. Explore your new surroundings and learn your way around
Before you start classes, consider getting a campus tour. Visiting your new campus allows you to navigate the campus better, may teach you a few tricks, and can enable you to identify essential locations such as the campus police. It will also show you where the dining halls, residence halls and library are so you can make a beeline for them instead of fumbling your way around or looking at a map. Also consider "walking your schedule" to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings before school starts. Walk around school as if you are in class to know where to go to get to your next class and how long the walk will take. This will help you become more prepared rather than scrambling and getting lost on your way to class and arriving late.
2. Know your campus safety procedures and how to access help
It's crucial that you become familiar with your school's safety protocols to prevent problems from occurring. The safety procedures are there for a reason. Know what to expect from your college safety procedures so that you keep yourself out of danger.
3. Lock your doors and windows to keep your dorm room safe
Whenever you leave your dorm room, make sure that you have your key with you. Be sure to lock your door and remember what you did with the key. Locking your door is not only crucial for safety, and the safety of others in your dorm, but also essential to protect your items from being stolen. Make sure that you put your key in a safe place. If it gets lost or stolen, make sure to report it immediately and ask about best safety practices if this happens.
4. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
If you're walking alone or with others, stay alert. Do not look distracted by being on your phone and making yourself a target. Walk as though you have a purpose and make sure to always observe your surroundings. If you have to leave at night, try not to walk alone. Walk with a friend. Or call campus police for an escort if the distance is out of your comfort zone. If you're alone, make sure you tell someone like your roommate where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Or, better yet, take your school's transportation like the bus rather than walking alone. Share your location on your phone with a roommate or close friend for added protection and peace of mind.
5. Always trust your gut
If you don't feel safe in a situation and you get that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach, trust it and excuse yourself. Also, if you experience an uncomfortable situation, it's imperative to report it immediately to campus security. If you feel like it might not be anything, report it anyway. You could be keeping yourself and others safe from harm.
6. Save campus maps and safety numbers to your phone
Save campus maps and transportation routes to a special album on your photo app. Put all college safety phone numbers in your contacts so you can reach help quickly without searching when you need it most.
7. Be cautious about what you post
College is fun and a great new experience. It makes sense that you would want to post and share all the new things you're doing and the fun times you're having at school. Remember, though, to be careful about what you post. For example, don't give out your exact location on social media because it can lead to unwanted situations.
When you're away from home, avoid posting your location on social media. Instead, consider posting once you've returned home safely.
Build Safety Into Your College Routine
Safety habits work best when they become automatic: lock the door, keep your phone charged, tell a friend when plans change, and learn how to ask for help. Pair these habits with the broader routines in our first-year college tips so safety, organization, and rest support each other.
Dorm Deck gives college students 52 practical prompts for navigating dorm life, managing responsibilities, and building independence. Keep it on your list for a college care package, graduation gift, or a practical send-off before move-in day.
You cannot control every situation, but preparation gives you more choices. Learn the campus, save the right numbers, stay connected to people you trust, and speak up whenever something feels wrong.
