Campus Safety
Self-defense strategies for college students
Staying Safe During Your College Years
By Tim Mousel
College campuses offer incredible opportunities for growth and learning, but they also present unique safety challenges. This guide will help you navigate campus life with greater awareness and confidence.
The Reality of Campus Safety
According to statistics, college-aged women (18-24) are at an elevated risk for certain types of crime. While campuses implement various security measures, your personal safety awareness and strategies are your most reliable protection.
Dorm & Housing Safety
Securing Your Living Space
Don't:
- Prop open dorm doors or bypass security
- Share access codes with non-residents
- Leave windows unlocked on ground floors
Do:
- Always lock your door, even for quick trips
- Know your roommates' schedules
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Roommate Safety Agreement:
At the beginning of each semester, establish clear safety protocols with your roommates. Agree on locking procedures, guest policies, and how to handle situations when someone is locked out. This simple conversation can prevent dangerous security lapses.
Handling Visitors & Guests
-
Never let strangers "tailgate" into secure buildings
If someone you don't recognize tries to follow you in, direct them to the proper check-in procedure.
-
Be careful about who you invite to your room
Meet new acquaintances in public areas before inviting them to your private space.
-
Trust your instincts about people
If someone makes you uncomfortable, you don't need to justify asking them to leave.
Campus Navigation Safety
Moving Safely Around Campus
-
Plan your route before you leave
Especially at night, know exactly where you're going and the safest path to get there.
-
Use university escort services
Most campuses offer security escorts for students traveling at night—use them!
-
Stick to well-lit, populated paths
Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas, especially after dark.
-
Know the locations of emergency phones
Campus emergency blue-light phones provide direct access to campus security.
Smartphone Safety
The Phone Dilemma:
While smartphones provide a sense of security, being absorbed in your phone can actually increase your vulnerability by reducing your awareness. Find the right balance between using your phone as a safety tool and maintaining awareness.
-
Download your campus safety app
Most universities have dedicated safety apps with emergency features.
-
Use location sharing with trusted friends
Apps like Find My Friends or Life360 allow friends to check on each other's whereabouts.
-
Keep your head up and be aware
Avoid walking while staring at your screen—it makes you an easy target.
Social Settings & Party Safety
Protecting Yourself at Social Events
-
Use the buddy system
Arrive together, check in regularly, and leave together. Watch out for each other throughout the event.
-
Control your own drinks
Get your own drinks, watch them being prepared, and never leave them unattended.
-
Plan your transportation in advance
Know how you'll get home safely before you go out. Have rideshare apps ready or campus shuttle schedules available.
-
Trust your instincts about uncomfortable situations
If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Have an exit strategy and don't worry about seeming rude.
Develop Safety Signals With Friends
Create Code Words or Signals:
Establish verbal or text codes with friends that signal when you need help. For example, texting "Where's the library?" could mean "I need help but can't say so directly." Practice these scenarios so responses become automatic when needed.
Dating Safety on Campus
Safe Dating Practices
-
Meet in public places for first dates
Choose busy, public locations for initial meetings, and avoid isolated areas until you've established trust.
-
Tell a friend your plans
Share your date's name, where you're going, and when you expect to return with a trusted friend.
-
Arrange your own transportation
Maintain control over how you get to and from your date to ensure you can leave if needed.
-
Clearly communicate your boundaries
Be direct about your comfort levels and expectations. A respectful person will honor your boundaries.
Know Your Campus Resources
Campus Safety Services
Most campuses provide extensive safety resources, but many students don't know about them until they need them. Before an emergency, familiarize yourself with:
-
Campus police/security contact information
Save both emergency and non-emergency numbers in your phone. Know their office location.
-
Health center and counseling services
Most campuses offer 24/7 health services and confidential counseling.
-
Title IX office
Understand what resources are available if you experience harassment or assault.
-
Safety escort services
Know how to request an escort, operating hours, and coverage areas.
Self-Defense Classes
Many universities offer free or low-cost self-defense classes specifically designed for students. These courses teach practical physical techniques as well as awareness and prevention strategies. Check with your campus recreation center or women's center for offerings.
Campus Safety Checklist
- Program campus security into your phone
- Download your campus safety app
- Identify emergency phones along your routes
- Keep your dorm room door locked at all times
- Establish an emergency contact system with friends
Campus Security Red Flags
Someone pressuring you to let them into a secure building
A person who won't take "no" for an answer in social settings
Someone trying to isolate you from your friends at parties
Unusual attention or surveillance from someone you don't know well
About the Author
Tim Mousel
Tim has conducted specialized campus safety training at numerous universities across the country. His programs combine practical self-defense with specific strategies for navigating the unique environments and situations that college students face daily.
From a Student's Perspective
Hear from students who've applied these strategies on campus
"I used to walk back to my dorm alone after late-night study sessions, completely absorbed in my phone. After taking Tim's campus safety workshop, I realized how vulnerable I was making myself. Now I use the campus escort service, stay aware of my surroundings, and actually feel more confident. The buddy system and code words we created have already helped us get out of a couple uncomfortable situations at parties."
Madison T.
Junior, Rice University
Key Student Takeaways
Use campus resources
Many students don't realize how many safety services their tuition already pays for. Escort services, emergency transportation, and 24/7 security are typically available but underutilized.
Digital distraction danger
Students consistently report that reducing phone distraction while walking significantly increases their awareness and feeling of safety on campus.
Friend system effectiveness
Having a coordinated plan with friends—including check-ins and code words—is consistently cited as the most effective strategy for navigating social situations safely.
Take Control of Your Campus Safety
Our self-defense training includes specific techniques for the unique challenges college students face. Learn how to protect yourself in dorms, at parties, and everywhere on campus.
Related Articles
Expand your knowledge with these additional safety resources
Verbal De-escalation Techniques
Learn how to use your voice as a powerful self-defense tool to defuse dangerous situations before they turn physical.
Read More
Safety Tips for Young Women
Essential advice specifically for young women on staying safe in social situations and everyday life.
Read More
Self-Defense for Travelers
Essential safety strategies for traveling alone domestically or internationally. Stay secure away from home.
Read More