Going off to college is an exciting experience, but if you’re new to campus, you should be aware of some of the potential hazards that you could run into in your new environment. Risky behavior can make it more likely that you might run into problems, but taking the time to create plans that will minimize risks will let you enjoy more of your college experience with less worry.
Protect Yourself at Night
Unfortunately, there are people in the world who might like to mug you or hurt you in some other way. While you’re fine most of the time, you need to be ready for that small fraction of time that someone might want something from you at night. You should also walk in groups after classes. Once you’ve made some friends, you might even decide that immediately after class is a great time to go back to your dorm room or apartment and quickly review notes together.
Wear Reflective Gear at Night
There’s always the potential to be hit by a car when you’re walking or riding your bike, but if you plan on sharing the roads with drivers when you’re on foot or your bike, reflective gear at night can help you minimize the risks. You might also want to know of a personal injury attorney that you trust just in case you happen to get hit by a driver when you commute back to your apartment at night. Wear reflective gear when playing games and on your backpack during winter months that get dark before classes get out.
Play Sports and Games Safely
It’s common for people to pull out the frisbee for a game of ultimate frisbee or go to the sports center to play basketball, but make sure that you’re playing games in a safe manner. Sports and other types of physical activities can be great ways to let off some steam, and they can help you with your mental wellbeing, but injuries are always a possibility. Make sure that you’re observing good game etiquette, and be aware of your surroundings if you play outside.
Be Aware of Who You Spend Social Time With
There are many ways to have a good time when you’re a college student, so don’t think that going out to parties is the only way to have fun. Having a couple of drinks at a bar is okay if you’re of legal age, but you should be aware of who you’re hanging out with. Also, be sure to guard your drink by placing your hand over the top so that it’s difficult to slip you anything. And, as always, make sure that you don’t drink too much and that you always have a safe way home.
Arrive on Campus Early
If you’re a commuter student and drive, make sure that you arrive on campus plenty early so that you can find a parking space. You don’t want to have to hurry, which can make it more likely that you could hurt someone else.
College can be a great experience, but it’s always more fun and productive when you do things safely. Make a list of some of the ways that you can implement immediately to be safer this semester.
Author information: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys tennis and spending time with her family.
