Filed under College Living on June 13th, 2008:
Safety Tips for the New College Student
Whether you’re moving to Orlando to take advantage of the many programs at the University of Central Florida or another school in the area, campus safety should be a big concern. While most college campuses across the country are deemed safe, bad things sometimes happen. The more knowledge you arm yourself with, the better.
To make sure your years in Orlando are happy, productive and safe, try following these tips at school, while you’re in your Orlando apartment and even when you’re on the road:
Staying safe at home
Overall, Orlando is a pretty safe city to live in. This, however, does not mean you should ever let your guard down. To make sure your apartment is safe, remember to lock doors and windows, keep valuables out of plain view and always find out who is at the door before answering. If possible, consider hooking up an alarm system in your apartment, too. A college student just can’t be too safe. Use good judgment when entering and exiting your apartment or car, too. Know your surroundings, who belongs there and be wary of people who are out of place. You can never be too careful about home safety.
Campus safety
Daytime students tend to have it a little easier, but if you take classes at night or show up for extracurricular activities after the sun goes down, commonsense rules apply. Make sure you are careful about exiting buildings and making your way to your car. If you are concerned, call campus security for an escort. That’s what they’re there for.
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Staying safe at parties
Of all the safety tips college students tend to overlook, the ones in this category seem to stand out. It is imperative to use good sense during parties. Never take drinks from strangers, don’t go home with someone you do not know and always appoint a designated driver. Doing these things can keep you safe and might even save your life.
Road trip safety
Road trips and college tend to go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s a spring break trip to Daytona or a trip home to see Mom and Dad, the above rules of the road for parking lot and general surrounding safety apply. Also, make sure your vehicle is in good working order before you leave and carry a cell phone with you for emergencies.
College students can do a lot to help protect themselves and others from harm. When the the right safety tips are followed and common sense is applied, avoiding the unthinkable is often possible.