20 Tips To Stay Safe In College As A Girl
Hi friends! After 3 years of college, I’ve learned a thing or two about avoiding sketchy situations. I’ve been to college in two cities- one that’s in a super safe small town and one that’s in a not-so-safe city. College is a CRAZY time and trust me, you don’t want to let scary situations ruin your fun.
It’s so hard being a girl in college sometimes because it seems like the targets of most bad situations are always girls. You can’t predict or control the actions of others, but you can definitely take steps to protect yourself from scary things that go on. Remember no fun or spontaneous moment is worth risking your life for!
Top Safety Tips
- Always carry a weapon- a taser, pepper spray, pocket knife, or whatever else you feel comfortable using. Teach yourself how to use it, and take it with you each time you leave your room
- Tell people where you’re going and share your location with friends!! Make sure you let them you’ve shared your location!
- Turn off your snap maps on Snapchat. In college, people add strangers left and right. What you don’t need is all those strangers you’ve added knowing where you live and where you’re always at
- If you have a roommate, always let them know if you’re going somewhere out of the ordinary
- When running errands off-campus, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots. Try to park by the front of the building you’re going into, especially at night
- I know it’s hard sometimes, but always try to avoid walking home alone at night!
- If you can’t find someone to walk with you, talk to someone on the phone until you get home. Or pretend you’re talking on the phone to someone.
- Many colleges have a escort system where security or a student sober drivers can take you home if you need. Keep their number in your phone and don’t be afraid to use it- that’s what they’re there for!
- Lock. Your. Door. I know SO many people who hardly locked their dorm room because they swore “nothing’s going to happen”. Don’t be that person- it’s literally the easiest thing to do that can save you from a world of trouble
- Also lock your windows if you live on the bottom floors- this is something people forget to do but you’re literally giving access into your room if you don’t!
- Don’t let random people you don’t recongize into your dorm room after you. If they’re right behind you and you feel awkard not letting them in, pretend you forgot something and turn back around. If they have a reason to be there, they’ll swipe in themselves or have the person they’re meeting come get them. This is literally how one of my friends in all girls dorm was stalked by an ex. You do NOT want to be that person who lets a stalker into your dorm
- Always keep your phone charged when you leave your dorm. You never want to be stuck without the ability to call for help if you need it
- Never tell someone you just met where you live. People will ask you that all the time, but you don’t have to tell them. Instead of giving away your dorm name, or the apartments you live on, say something vague. You can literally say “oh I live off-campus” or “oh I live by the library”. You can even lie and tell them you live in another dorm. Then quickly change the subject so they don’t pry
- Watch. your. cups. Don’t drink anything out of a sketchy water bottle that a random guy gives you. Don’t let your friends drink something out of a sketchy water bottle a random guy gives them
- If something feels off about a person, trust your gut feeling and the vibes you’re getting
- Don’t do nice things for others that can put you in danger. If someone asks you to help them with something that doesn’t make you feel safe, refuse. That’s literally how Ted Bundy lured some of his victims.
- Refuse to give rides to a guy or guys you just met if you don’t have friends with you. Being alone in a car with boys you literally don’t know is NOT safe
- Drive separately to first dates, so they don’t know where you live. Or have a friend drop you off!
- When taking a Uber or Lyft, check the license plate and confirm your driver’s name when getting in. Especially at night! So many cars can look similar if you’re not paying close attention.
- Only go on first dates in public locations.
Okay ladies those are all my tips! If you’re going off to college soon, I hope you have the BEST time while staying safe! Remember nobody or nothing is worth jeopardizing your life for!
Sincerely,
Solen xxx