If you are planning on going away to school and living on a college campus or near campus, here are some safety tips to remember.  

1. Roommates – Know your roommate’s schedule and know who their friends are. Communicate with your roommate and have a safety plan in place for your room. Know who you will and will not allow in your room. Keep your door locked at all times and identify anyone who comes to your door. Have a plan for when you will be back in the room for your safety. If something changes, communicate and let your roommate know the new time you will be coming in. Have your family’s phone numbers available for emergency reasons.

2. Car & Travel – Refuse to accept rides or strangers in your car. Do not feel obligated to drop anyone off that you don’t know. Also, remember to keep your car locked and park in a well-lighted area. Always check your backseat area before getting into your car. Notice your tires for any punctures as you are approaching your vehicle. Once you are safely in your car, lock the doors and be aware of your surroundings.

3. Working late hours – If you have a job and will be coming in after hours, travel with a friend or someone you trust. Walking to your dorm room or apartment late at night can be unsafe. Use the campus police as an escort or phone your roommate to wait for you as you get close to the dorm or apartment. There is safety in numbers.

4. Parties – If you are planning on going to a party with friends, remember to come back with the same friends. Be careful drinking beverages and accepting drinks from people you do not know. Do not travel alone or get isolated. You or your friends need to have a place to meet and a way to keep in touch while out at a party. Safety first!

5. Communicate – Remember to keep in communication with family and friends at home. Letting your family know that you are safe, happy, and healthy will remove the worries from your family. Use video conferencing, Facetime, or telephone to keep in touch with friends and family. Invite them to come and visit if you are feeling lonely or missing them. It’s good to always keep the lines of communication open. You may be surprised that they miss you as much as you miss them! 

Going away to college can be a great experience. Remember to follow safety steps to keep you and your friends safe. For more information on safety, please go to your campus for safety procedures. Remember to dial 911 if you ever feel threatened or in danger. 

https://www.joyceblackbooks.com

Joyce Ann Black is an author and award-winning ghostwriter. She is an avid reader and has helped to edit documents and manuscripts for other writers. As a child, her imagination would allow her to visualize stories and begin stories of her own. Her love for stories, writing and reading has helped her to encourage others to get their writing projects completed. Her work background is in retail management for the previous 10 years. She also has 16 plus years in banking. Joyce has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). She also helps as a Business Admin Assistant with evening online classes in Digital Marketing, Writing, and Publishing.

To set up an appointment with Joyce, go to: https://calendly.com/jablack5331