A University Student’s Guide to Staying Safe

Students walking around a college campus.
Whether you’re planning to study in Tunbridge Wells itself or you’re heading further afield to complete your course, you’ll need to take the issue of safety seriously. As a new student, it’s easy to let your newfound freedom go to your head and, if you do, you could end up putting your well-being at risk. To ensure you don’t fall into this trap, take a look at this guide to staying safe.
University students on campus

 

Don’t get caught in the moment: protect your sexual health

University’s a great place to meet potential partners, but it’s important to take a responsible approach to sexual health. If you don’t plan ahead, you could find that you get caught in the moment and end up risking unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are lots of different types of contraception to choose from, including condoms, diaphragms, patches, injections, implants, the combined pill, and the progesterone-only ‘mini’ pill. You can find out more about your options online by visiting websites such as https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com or by speaking to your doctor.

Bear in mind that the only type of contraception that can protect you from STIs is a condom, so it’s always useful to have some of these on standby. If you ever think you may have contracted an infection, book a test at your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as possible.

Know your limits on nights out

Students aren’t known for shying away from alcohol, and nights out in pubs, bars, and clubs can be a great way to get to know people and relax. To stay safe though, you’ve got to be aware of your limits and exercise some self-restraint. If you drink too much, you could end up making yourself potentially seriously ill. To enjoy a good night out without wrecking your health in the process, make sure you pace your drinking and don’t try to keep up with the biggest boozers. Also, it’s important to stay in a group when you’re out at night and never be tempted to walk home alone.

Protect your possessions

From your laptop or tablet to your mobile and MP3 player, you might have a whole range of valuables with you at uni. Unfortunately, students aren’t always the most sense when it comes to protecting their possessions, and this makes them a prime target for thieves. To minimize the risk that your things will be stolen, make sure you always lock the doors and windows in your accommodation. Also, don’t leave valuables lying around in public places like libraries and pubs. Even if you only leave your possessions unattended for a matter of seconds, this can give an opportunistic thief enough time to take them.

What are some general tips for staying safe on campus?

Know where the security station is located at your school and always keep your student ID handy in case you need to prove your identity or in emergency situations. Whenever coming home from the library or parties late at night, do not travel alone; try to walk with another student or take an Uber / taxi home instead. Lastly, when available, utilize the dorm security systems so your dorm room is locked and secure; this also helps identify any non-residents that trespass around campus. College campuses are full of student resources such as security stations, student IDs and dorm security systems that can all help ensure student safety on campus.

What should I do if I feel unsafe walking around campus at night?

If you find yourself feeling unsafe while walking around campus late at night, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety. It’s best to travel around campus with a friend or within student housing (the dorms). Don’t forget student safety resources provided by the college – most schools have an online student/campus advisor where you can ask questions and get advice on student safety. Finally, it may also be beneficial to look into self-defense classes or other courses that teach student safety.

What are some things to keep in mind if I’m going to be partying off-campus?

When partying off-campus as a student, it’s important to prioritize safety and responsibility. Make sure there are multiple designated drivers, or plan on calling an Uber or taxi if you can’t secure a ride. It might also be worth bringing some student IDs and setting the expectation that you will be staying together for the whole night if partying in multiple groups. Also be aware of your surroundings; leaving campus for social gatherings may come with potential dangers, so being careful about yourself and your friends is key.

What are some steps I can take to prevent my dorm room from being broken into?

One of the most important steps is to always keep your door locked and make sure it’s close properly even if you only leave for a few minutes. If available, investing in an additional lock or security bar may be beneficial too. Additionally, get to know your neighbors and student center staff so they are aware if something seems out of place on the college campus. Lastly, make sure to register any valuable items with the student center which may aid in recovery if stolen. Taking these precautions can go a long way towards protecting you and your belongings while living in dorms away from home.

A university student's guide to staying safe on campus.

As long as you follow suggestions like these, you should be able to make the most of student life without putting your safety at risk.

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