Safest Colleges

Students heading off to college or trying to choose a college must consider many factors. While educational excellence, atmosphere, programs, and more, often come to mind when making college decisions, it is equally important that students choose a safe college. Safe colleges have not only low crime rates, but also college safety programs in place. Furthermore, students should go off to college with an awareness of how to keep themselves safe, so some college safety tips can help provide the student with a safe, fun, and educational college experience.


Crime Rates and Colleges

The US government maintains records on campus crime, and those statistics may be accessed online at http://ope.ed.gov/security/. This information can help parents and students understand the potential for crime on a given college campus and work to choose a safe college. That said, the statistics might not be entirely accurate, as campuses self report, so may categorize crimes differently. Statistics are provided by both police and college security forces, so may include both convicted and alleged crimes. Further information and crime reporting may be found at http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/campus.html. These statistics can help parents and students learn which colleges are the safest, and which crimes are the most likely on a given campus. It is often the responsibility of both the police and campus security to help maintain a safe college. College safety can include both on and off campus housing, Greek houses, the party atmosphere at a given school, as well as college safety programs.

It can also be helpful when visiting a campus to see if the campus security offers a record of crime statistics, or if the campus paper publishes such a record on a weekly basis. This will allow both parents and students to see if the campus police or security personnel are spending their time breaking up loud parties or investigating serious criminal charges. A look at the local paper may help provide information about off campus safety as well. A school committed to creating a safe college should willingly encourage students and parents to explore this issue.


College Safety Programs

One way colleges can help create a safe college experience and a secure campus is by implementing effective college safety programs. Alcohol and drug education, and sexual awareness education can both play a part in creating a safe college atmosphere. Students may be safer in on campus housing than off, as regulations often prevent drug and alcohol abuse, and the general supervision may prevent potential assaults. Other college safety programs may include regularly placed call boxes around campus, shuttles that run into the evenings to allow students to cross campus without walking at night, well-lit paths, and programs to reduce the likelihood of drunk driving.

More and more colleges are also including an introduction to healthy and safe college life as a part of incoming students coursework to assist in creating a safe college experience. These courses offer students a helpful introduction to college life and college safety, as well as informing them of any available college safety programs. Typically, such courses may be completed online, in person, or via phone.


College Safety Tips

While some aspects of personal college safety cannot be easily controlled, others can be. Personal safety is an important consideration for young people as they move out and into adulthood. Some colleges offer such tips to incoming students; however, they are applicable to any student, on any campus. Some simple college safety tips can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, whether property related or personal.

In terms of avoiding property related crime, simply avoiding leaving unattended property can help. Carry bags, computers, or other gear with you, if you leave your seat at the library or when dining. Do not leave valuables unattended. Lock dorm room or apartment doors, vehicles, and lock up bicycles appropriately to prevent property theft. Avoid sharing personal information, including lock combinations and PIN numbers.

Avoiding assault, injury, or sexual assault may be somewhat more difficult, but some college safety tips are pertinent and helpful. Many cases of assault, particularly sexual assault, involve some component of drug or alcohol use. Avoiding intoxicants and highly intoxicated individuals can be a helpful college safety tip. Students should be careful to drink only drinks they prepare themselves, and keep drinks with them at all times to reduce any risk of tampering. Choose well-lit paths, and go out with friends when possible, as opposed to alone. Students, but especially young women, should be cautious to always follow their instincts about individuals and situations.


College Safety and You: What to Remember

Parents and students making college selections should investigate the resources provided by the government regarding college safety. They should ask about and seek out available college safety programs. These college safety tips, as well as any the individual campus provides, can help provide the student with a safe college experience. College should be a time of learning, personal growth, and fun. College safety is an important consideration, but certainly not the only one when choosing the right school.



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