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As parents and family of students that live off-campus, we know that a concern you may have is the safety of your student. It is important for students to be aware of situations where they could be putting themselves or their belongings in danger, and important for them to have a plan to stay safe.  

Remind your student they are responsible for their personal safety. Whether in an apartment, car, or walking across campus, the best safety measures are the ones that your student takes. Listed here are tips to stay safe and help your student avoid becoming the victim of a crime. Also, remember there are phone numbers for Corps Escorts, UPD, and CARPOOL (among others) on the back of your student’s ID.

Personal Safety

A student’s best weapons are common sense, intellect, and good judgment. For emergencies, encourage your student to call 911 from campus or off-campus phones. Report suspicious activity to the University Police Dispatcher, and report off-campus concerns to the College Station or Bryan Police Departments. Encourage your student to use the following rules for their personal safety:

• Stay alert and always be aware of their surroundings.
• Look to see who’s in front of and behind them.
• Communicate the message that they are calm, confident, and know where they are going.
• Stand tall, walk with purpose, and make eye contact with people around you.
• Trust their instincts. If they feel unsafe, leave or call the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Vehicle Safety

Two common crimes are vehicle burglary and theft. Follow these tips to keep your vehicle safe:

• Never leave keys in a vehicle.
• Always lock doors of the vehicle.
• Remove items (purses, phones, tablets, books, etc.) from the vehicle when possible, or put them in a place that is out of view (the trunk is best).
• Remove GPS systems and “pull-out” style stereos (if equipped).
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Park in garages, driveways, or near your apartment so your vehicle can be viewed periodically.
• Remember: Lock it, Hide it, Keep it.

Apartment Safety

It is also important to encourage your student to take some extra precautions when they are home at their apartment. We want them to feel safe and comfortable in their space, so below are a few things they can do to help increase their safety:

• Keep the doors locked, even when they are home.
• Lock the windows.
• Look outside before opening the door.
• Purchase renter’s insurance or check with your homeowner’s insurance about options for coverage.
• Never let strangers in the door.
  • If it is a repair or service representative, call the property owner or company to ensure they are supposed to be there.
  • Always insist on identification

Our hope is that the above tips can help your student feel more comfortable taking precaution to ensure the safety of themselves and their belongings. Click the red e-mail button above this post to share directly with your student.