In the past years, there has been a noticeable rise in criminal cases against college going students all over the country. No college, whether big or small, has been left untouched by the dirt of all kinds of crime. College students undergo a sudden transition into adulthood, which comes with a load of responsibility. Often, the students are not able to handle this changing phase of their lives, and fall prey to evil.
 

Students joining college for the first time are completely responsible for their own safety as well as of all their belongings. Hence it is imperative upon the parents to make their child aware of the safety norms that must be followed. Young adults are inexperienced but have a lot of enthusiasm to experiment new things, so it is important that must know that they are vulnerable to all kinds of crime. Awareness about the dangers that await them can make them well prepared and reduce the risk of them being victims of crime considerably. Here are a few invaluable tips for the same:

• Make yourself familiar : as soon as you get admission to your desired college, know about the crimes committed on the campus in the past. This information is readily available from the safety office or college police department. Make you known to other people. Acquaintances might help in knowing about the troublesome places on college campus. Also, never miss the student orientation programme conducted by the college management.
  
  
   
• Observing your surroundings : the key to stay away from trouble is to always keenly observe the people around you, their activities and the events going on. Look for exit routes and safe places, as these might come in handy in emergencies.
   
• Keeping yourself prepared : having an extra room key, an extra cell phone battery and some money for returning back to your place is surely going to benefit.
   
• Planning : as you are new to the place, never wander alone, especially at night. Plan in advance, and avoid going out late till you become familiar with the place. At least one trustworthy person should know about your whereabouts if you are alone.
   
• Acting confident : it is pretty obvious that people who look scared or shaky are soft targets to trouble makers. Even if you might have lost track, or are alone, always be attentive and keep your distance from strangers. Do not disclose personal information to strangers instantly.
   
• Maintaining your dorm : while leaving your room, always make sure that all your valuables are hidden safely or locked in a secure place. Ensure that all the doors and windows have been secured. In addition, do not wear heavy jewellery if you are to travel alone at night, and do not carry loose backpacks, that can be easily snatched away.
   
• Do not act under peer pressure : at this age, it is normal to party and have alcohol. But one must set personal limits. If any party or group study session is making you feel uncomfortable, get your things and make a move right away.
   
• Maintain copies of all your important documents : all important papers, IDs and credit card copies must be kept in some place secure, or handed over to an elder. In case you are robbed, these documents will still be safe.
   
• If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, inform the happening immediately to the police to take the right action.
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