Living on-campus means meeting hundreds of new people, making memories, and learning how to adapt to life in a new college environment. Although you’re likely planning for what color bedspread to buy or the art you want to hang on the wall, you should also consider the best ways to protect yourself and your belongings in your dorm room. It is important to ensure you can have fun while staying safe.
In terms of on-campus safety, more goes into it than you might think. Safety can vary from person to person, and some students might feel the need to add extra protection. It is important that on-campus living does not compromise your safety. When living on campus, it is always a good idea to consider what safety precautions you can take to help keep you, your space, and your belongings secure.That is why we have compiled a list of the best strategies you can implement to give you peace of mind in your dorm room.
Personal Safety
When it comes to on-campus neighborhoods, most people think of all the chances there are to meet new people and make lasting friendships. However, it is not a bad idea to be a little cautious when surrounded by hundreds of new people in your new living situation. You should always try your best to be well-equipped for any situation and know the best ways to be safe in your new environment.
A simple practice you can easily implement to increase your safety is to lock your door behind you at all times, no matter how safe you feel your environment can be. Carry your key with you on a key ring or bracelet, and get into the habit of locking your dorm room door every time you leave. Locking the door ensures that no one can get into your room after you leave. This helps ensure no one enters your room without access or permission. Another good rule of thumb is to not make any copies of your key- the only ones with access to your dorm room should be you and your roommates.
Creating boundaries is an additional way you can ensure your personal safety. Keep in mind that boundaries may look different for different people. It is important to establish boundaries so that you don’t feel uncomfortable in any situation. Try figuring out what system will make you personally feel the safest. This could mean establishing some ground rules about borrowing clothes or who can visit at what times. Having these conversations is important for minimizing potentially unsafe situations where you do not feel secure.
Dorm Room Security
As mentioned, a general good habit to get into when living on-campus is checking the locks on your doors. Ensuring your dorm room is safe goes beyond checking door locks. You need to be sure to check the locks on your windows as well. Locking your windows will prevent anyone from using them as a secondary entrance into your room.
This act alone can be an adjustment many find difficult to remember, so set reminders on your phone or post notes around the room. If you find you are having trouble remembering to check the locks, there are several resources you can utilize for additional dorm room safety.You can set up door and window alarms to alert you if there are any intruders. If you have the extra money, you can spring for alarms that are motion-sensored, but otherwise a basic intruder alarm will function just fine.
Securing Your Belongings
When it comes to keeping your valuables in their rightful place, it is better to be safe than sorry. Taking the extra precaution in your dorm room can provide peace of mind and free up time to enjoy your year. This can often eliminate the need to worry about stolen personal items. In a shared space like a dorm room, this can sometimes be a tricky feat. So, what are the best tips for keeping a dorm room safe?
Living in an on-campus community shouldn’t mean you have to be without your valuables or personal belongings, but it does mean you should be extra aware of keeping them safe and secure. There are a few different methods you can use to effectively protect these personal items.
Invest In a Safe
Perhaps your valuables consist of irreplaceable jewelry or expensive technology. Whatever these items are, it is best to know they will be safe at all times. One way to ensure this is by investing in a small safe that only you know the passcode to. This way, when you are out of your room for extended periods of time, these irreplaceable items are almost guaranteed to remain safe and secure.
Utilize Tracking Systems
Because technology is always evolving, there are now numerous ways to keep tabs on your belongings. Using gadgets like the Tile Tracker can help give you peace of mind in knowing where your things are at all times. You can put these tools on your wallet, keys, backpack, or even on things that stay in your dorm room so that you never have to lose something of value to you.
Protect Your Technology
The truth about technology is that it’s expensive and invaluable to our lives. This can also mean that it’s a real pain if you have to replace it. To ensure you do not have to go through the agony of having to replace a laptop or laptop charger, there are a few items you can invest in. A laptop lock allows you to secure your computer during study sessions in the library or even while you’re out of the dorm. Power surge protectors will protect your chargers from frying which is a good “insurance policy” to have.
Living on-campus should be about focusing on academics and establishing life-long friendships. Prioritizing your safety and utilizing some of these strategies from the beginning will help ensure security problems don’t arise. This will also give you the opportunity to focus on what really matters. Contact our experts at Twin City Security if you have any residential safety questions or security needs, for that extra step that will help you sleep better at night.