Protect Yourself Against Off-Campus Crime

For many youths, going away to college or university brings about new responsibilities in their lives. Living away from parents allows certain freedoms, but also exposes young adults to new realities that need to be dealt with on a daily basis. This is particularly true when students take the step to live off campus. Students for the first time in their lives may have to deal with paying bills, rent, and even handling annoyances such as leaky faucets or clogged drains. But it also means that they need to be much more aware of the potential dangers that exist once they leave the comfort and security of on-campus living.

In a study conducted by the US Department of Justice, they found 93% of violent crimes against college students occurred off campus. Many of these attacks take place in open or commercial areas, but a significant number of victims report being in or near their own homes. The senseless, brutal attack and murder of University of Delaware student Linday Bonistall at her off campus apartment in 2005 is a striking example of the dangers that lurk around when we have our guard down. But the PEACE OUTside Campus foundation has been set up in her memory to help educate current and potential students, and to promote peaceful safe living conditions for students off campus. Here are some things to keep in mind to greatly reduce your chances of being a victim:

• Use the peephole to see who is knocking before you open the door. If you still don’t know who it is, talk to them through the door.
• Always lock your doors to your residence, when you are home, alone or with company, asleep or away. Even if only for a short time.
• Know your neighbors and landlords; they might be future allies in an emergency.
• Keep ground level windows closed, use a safety lock.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers close by the phone or on the refrigerator, such as police or the fire department.
• Never leave a key outside, under a mat or in other places accessible to strangers.

These tips are beneficial to students who are living out on their own for the first time, but are also very useful for any everyone to keep in mind; to develop the right habits to help keep you safe. Check out the PEACE OUTside website for more tips and information on safe apartment living.