Moving into college or university is an exciting new experience for many students and higher education faculty has an important role in helping them make a safe transition. Along with the anticipation of living on campus, learning new skills, and making new friends, students may also feel anxious about leaving home for the first time and overwhelmed with the increase in personal responsibilities.
As students prepare for the move into university life, it is vital for them to be equipped with the knowledge of personal safety. Statistically, young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 are more susceptible to crime such as theft and burglary. Experts surmise that students are targeted in theft due to the accessibility of valuables in student housing, as more valuables are found under one roof than in a standard one family household. Students are also considered an easy target because they are typically newly independent and may not take steps to ensure their personal security out of naivety.
There are many precautions that students can take to help ensure their personal security and safety. Students should also be made aware of actions they can take if they do fall victim to theft. Backed by research, Compare the Market Limited put forth a comprehensive guide to help students take charge of their personal security.
Students and their guardians must make an informed choice for student housing. Security should be the highest priority when considering accommodations. Unfortunately, universities do not commonly make campus crime statistics publicly available; many student bodies across the globe have called for this data to be made accessible so that individuals can make informed decisions regarding campus life.
Lower classmen typically live in dormitory halls on campus and there are simple precautions they can take to help ensure their safety and security. Students should carefully evaluate what valuable items they decide to bring to campus, and remember to secure their belongings and lock their doors whenever leaving the premises. If students are concerned about the behavior of roommates, they should report their suspicions to the appropriate authority.
Higher education institutions are implementing digital services to increase communication between students and campus security. Some universities even have apps that students can download to alert authorities of a threat to security. Especially for students living on campus, it is crucial for students to know how to contact their university’s security team in the case of an emergency.
Living off campus brings its own set of challenges, as personal responsibility and independence increases dramatically. Students should research the crime rates in their desired housing area to help inform their decision. Many students may feel pressured to pursue housing in higher crime areas due to lower rent costs and shorter commute times, but safety considerations should be a part of the house hunting process.
Students may also find their safety compromised due to their lifestyle or living situation. House parties and large social gatherings put students at risk for burglary and theft. Students should make efforts to keep their valuables out of common areas. Especially if illicit drugs and alcohol are involved, students need to take every precaution to ensure that their space and their belongings are secured.
Just as students need to take their personal security seriously, higher education institutions must also make efforts to ensure student safety. Coordinating with campus security and local law enforcement to speak with freshmen during freshman seminar or orientation can help empower students to make informed decisions regarding their safety. Students should also be made aware of insurance policies available to them to protect their valuables and belongings. Students deserve to feel safe as they attend university and pursue their academic goals, informed of ways to help ensure their personal security, and empowered to take action when needed.