Campus is your home. It’s the place you can go where you know you’ll be among friends.
No matter what, there’s always something eerie about being alone in the dark—especially on a wide open quad.
If you’re leaving class or an event late, and it’s already dark (curse you, daylight savings!), then it’s imperative to stay aware of your surroundings when choosing an apartment location.
Here are six helpful tips to be safe when getting to and from campus!
1. Call a Friend
When you’re walking home from that 9 p.m. conference or class, it’s going to be pitch black. Whip out your phone and call a friend, parent, or significant other. Having someone on the phone with you is like being with someone, so someone knows where you are and that you’re safe in transit.
2. Tell Someone Where You’re Going and When You Arrive
If calling isn’t an option, shoot a text to your roommate to let them know you’re headed out and that they should expect to hear from you within a certain amount of time.
If you haven’t told them that you’ve arrived, then they should be alert to that and able to contact you and ask what’s going on and if you’re okay.
Having a system in place is helpful to make sure you’re safe.
3. Take A Buddy
If you can, walk wherever you can with a friend, even if it’s just to get Subway at 10 p.m. It reduces risk because there is truly safety in numbers!
If you can’t take someone with you, that’s when it may be helpful to make a call or send a text to someone close to you so they can be “with you” in a different sense.
4. Drive (If Possible)
If you can, drive to your destination rather than walk. It helps to protect you from other people that may be out because you’ll be safe in your locked car.
If you can’t drive yourself, consider asking a friend for a ride. They should be understanding, and they may even offer you one if they know you have a long way to go.
Bonus: Keep your door locked whenever you're in a vehicle to prevent some rando opening your door.
5. Stay In A Well-Lit Area
When walking after dark, make sure you don’t go off the beaten path, and stay in a well-lit, public area. If you can see, then that means others can see you, as well.
Don’t walk in areas where visibility is poor if you can avoid it.
6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
This means no earbuds, no Facebook, no Twitter. You need to be able to see, hear, and be mindful of your surroundings in order to stay safe. You may want to listen to music or a podcast as you walk home, but the truth is you shouldn’t because it distracts you from what’s going on around you. Whether that be traffic, bicyclists, or other pedestrians, you should be aware of what’s going on so no accidents happen.
Staying safe is easy if you’re mindful and follow a few precautions. While it should be second nature, it’s nice to get a reminder and be refreshed on some ways you can be careful while out and about after dark!
