College students should make personal safety a priority — here’s how

Sara Morell

Submitted photo/C2 Tactical

Situational awareness remains one of the most effective safety tools available. Keeping your head up, limiting distractions from phones and headphones, and being aware of your surroundings can help you recognize and avoid potential problems before they develop.”

OPINION — Every August, thousands of students pack up their cars, unload boxes into dorm rooms and apartments and begin a new chapter of life. For many, it’s the first time living away from home. That independence is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities. As a safety instructor, I often remind people that personal safety isn’t about being fearful, it’s about being prepared.

College campuses are vibrant communities, but students are also navigating unfamiliar surroundings, new routines and situations they may have never encountered before. A little planning before move-in day can go a long way toward keeping students safe throughout the year.

Stay alert amid the move-in day chaos

Move-in day is often hectic. Students, parents, movers and volunteers are constantly coming and going. During all the excitement, it’s easy to let your guard down.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is leaving valuables unattended while carrying items into a dorm or apartment. Phones, wallets, purses, laptops and backpacks can disappear in a matter of seconds when left alone in a hallway or vehicle. Keep valuables with you or have someone you trust watch them during the move.

Students should also remember to lock their vehicles whenever they’re unloading. Many people assume they will only be away from the car for a minute, but thefts often happen during those brief moments. It’s also important to be mindful of strangers offering assistance. Most people genuinely want to help, but students should still remain aware of who is entering their room or handling their belongings.

Before unpacking everything, take a few minutes to identify building exits, stairwells and evacuation routes. Knowing this information before an emergency occurs is far more effective than trying to learn it while under stress.

Build a basic emergency kit

Every college student should have a few essential safety items in their dorm room or apartment.

A quality flashlight with extra batteries is one of the simplest and most overlooked tools. Power outages happen, especially during Arizona’s monsoon season, and students shouldn’t rely solely on their phone flashlight.

A basic first-aid kit can help manage minor injuries until professional medical care is available. Portable phone chargers are another must-have. During an emergency, your phone is your connection to family, friends and first responders.

Students should also understand what personal safety tools are allowed where they live. Depending on campus rules and local laws, pepper spray and other non-lethal self-defense tools may be legal options. Before purchasing anything, students should verify campus policies and understand how to use the device properly.

Preparedness isn’t about filling a room with gear. It’s about having a few practical tools available when needed most.

Get to know your new surroundings

One of the best things students can do during their first week on campus is to simply learn the area.

Walk commonly used routes during daylight hours before relying on them at night. Identify emergency call boxes, campus security offices and safe places to go if help is needed. Save campus police and emergency numbers in your phone so you do not waste valuable time searching for them during a stressful situation.

When exploring a new campus or neighborhood, use the buddy system whenever possible. Walking with friends not only makes navigating easier, it also adds another layer of security.

Most importantly, pay attention. Situational awareness remains one of the most effective safety tools available. Keeping your head up, limiting distractions from phones and headphones, and being aware of your surroundings can help you recognize and avoid potential problems before they develop.

Confidence comes from preparation

The start of college should be exciting. Taking a few simple steps before classes begin can help ensure students are ready not only for the classroom but for the responsibilities that come with independence.

Safety isn’t about assuming something will go wrong. It’s about making sure you’re ready if it does.

Sara Morrell has worked in self-defense for 26 years and is a senior master instructor of TASER self-defense. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.