When you’re away at college, you may start to feel more independent and less likely to rely on others for help.

After all, living on your own and being responsible for your wants and needs basically means you can take care of yourself, right?

Well, think again.

Just because you’re on your own doesn’t mean that you can do everything. Sometimes you have to rely on others, especially when you’re in need of help or protection.

But, if you’re in a situation where you’re unable to get help from someone else, you’ll need to know some basic tips on how to be safe on and off campus. 

If you’re walking home and it’s late—whether you just got out of class or you’re coming home from hanging out with friends—there’s a few different ways to ensure your safety as you make the trek back to your dorm or apartment. 

Use Well-Lit, Highly Visible Areas 

Staying in a well-lit, high-traffic area is an easy thing to do that can keep you safe.

If other people are able to see you, and you’re able to see them, you can stay aware of your surroundings as you keep moving. Try to avoid any patches of campus or the surrounding area where there are no street lights or sidewalks.

Staying in an area designed for pedestrians ensures that others will likely be around. 

Focus Your Eyes And Ears

Going along with this, try to avoid listening to music or checking your phone while walking.

Not only does this impede you from being aware of your surroundings, but it means that others may not be able to react in time if you cross their path.

Bicyclists and motorists can’t stop or change direction as easily as someone can on foot, so if you’re walking, be sure to keep an eye out for these potential hazards.

If you need to check a message while walking, try to step off to the side near a light so you can see and be seen.

If you’re talking on the phone instead of texting, that may help you to be more safe because you’ll have another person aware of your whereabouts.

Still, try and keep an eye on the surrounding areas though—talking to someone may distract you from what’s going on nearby.  

Communicate

When you’ve made it home, be sure to text your friends that you’ve arrived safely.

They’ll appreciate it, and your parents will, too, if you text them what’s going on.

This applies whether you’re walking, driving, or biking to your apartment. Keeping others in the loop ensures that you stay safe while traveling alone.

But, if you’re in a situation where no one is going to be able to check on you, leaving you entirely to your own devices, traveling by car rather than on foot is the best way to stay safe. When you’re driving, you’re isolated from others and less vulnerable than if you were walking somewhere. 

While these may seem relatively simple and straightforward, it’s good to be reminded every once in a while that being safe while on campus is easier than you’d think!

Remember: if you’re ever in a situation where you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to contact the police. There’s always help available when you need it!