Going to college for the first time — whether you’re straight out of high school or you’re a non-trad — can be an incredibly exciting time. Whether this is your first time away from home, or you’re no stranger to independence, college can offer a bounty of novel experiences and fun opportunities for you to learn and grow.
However, despite widespread efforts to help keep our campus safe, there are a few risks that you do need to be aware of as a college student. By educating yourself about these potential dangers and taking measures to avoid them, you can help ensure that you have an amazing, enriching experience while studying here at NYU.
Lock Your Door
Living on campus can easily start to feel like you’re part of an intimate, tight-knit community. While we do like to foster friendships and kindness here, it’s important to remember that not all students will uphold those same values. Petty theft does occasionally happen, but it can be prevented.
By locking your door when you head out, you can help minimize your risk of being targeted for theft. If possible, you may want to consider a small safe to keep inside your room for your valuables. This can help safeguard your belongings from potential thieves.
Don’t Lend Out Your ID or Key
It can be tempting to give your new college best friend your key or ID, especially if they seem to have misplaced their own. However, your ID card is your passport on campus, so to speak. By sharing it, you can put yourself at risk of someone taking advantage of you.
For instance, if someone has access to your key, they could easily break into your room and take off with your belongings. They can also use your ID card to run through your meal plan in our dining hall, leaving you with a growling stomach and an unwanted debt. To avoid being a victim, keep your ID and key on you at all times.
Travel in Packs
No matter if you’re a young woman or man, it’s always smarter to travel in groups while both on and off our campus. Unscrupulous people tend to target those who travel alone, and by going solo, you may increase your risk of being a victim of an assault.
Whether you’re going to one of our city’s clubs or you’re just taking a walk across campus after dark, use the buddy system at all times. Having a friend with you can help ensure that you stay safe during your time here with us and decrease the risk of someone attacking you.
Practice Safer Sex
Campus life is a time for learning not only about the major that you’re studying here, but also about yourself. Many people forge lasting personal relationships during their tenure here, but you also want to make sure you take measures to keep yourself safe from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Using safer sex practices, such as condoms, can help minimize your risk of exposure to STDs. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STD, however, you can use a discreet, at home STD test to determine if you have one. Our on-campus student health center can provide you with treatment options, as well.
Stay Smart on Social Media
If it’s your first time on your own, it’s perfectly understandable to want to stay in touch with your friends and family through social media. Nevertheless, you still want to make sure you are using smart social media practices to help keep yourself safe while using social media apps.
For instance, be sure to turn off geotagging and location services, and never give away your location online. Don’t reveal when you’re going to be by yourself, either. You may want to limit access to your social media to just friends and family, too. Finally, make sure you log out of your accounts when using a public computer.
Making the Most Out of NYU
Going to school here at NYU is a fantastic chance for you to attain the education you need to help you to succeed in life. You’re going to meet new people, experience new cultures, and learn so many things. While here, you may even make friendships that will last you a lifetime.
All in all, these four years that you spend on campus may be some of the best years of your life. And by taking these steps to help ensure your safety while learning here, you can help make sure your time here is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable one overall!
