Going off to college is an exciting time. For the first time, you’re free to do as you please, but with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility to protect yourself. Adhering to some simple apartment safety tips will help you enjoy the freedom college presents, while remaining safe in your new environment.
Students, who live on campus, tend to feel safe and that’s good. College dorms are typically safe environments, but just like anywhere else, a dose of awareness and prevention is worth the time to ensure your safety.
When renting an off-campus apartment, it’s important that you choose a location that makes you feel safe. Good lighting in the parking lot, secure entrances, security cameras and on-site security may be available in some college apartment complexes. This can lead to a false sense of security, so no matter where you live, follow these tips to keep yourself safe:
Apartment Safety
- Know your surroundings. Before you exit your car, look around and see who is in the area. If there are any suspicious characters, stay in your car. If your complex has security, call for an escort to your apartment.
- As you head toward your apartment, have your keys available. You don’t want to be fumbling with your keys at your front door.
- Keep your arms free as much as possible. Don’t make a habit of carrying two heavy loads of groceries in your arms. Make several trips to your car if needed, but keep at least one hand free.
- Don’t ever leave your apartment door unlocked. When you’re home, keep the door locked. Do not leave your door unlocked even when you make a quick trip to the laundry room.
These are just some safety tips to keep in mind when you live in off-campus housing. Do you have additional apartment safety tips? Let us know about them in the comment section below.
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Good post. One other way that you can keep your student apartment safe is by making sure that all of the windows have coverings. By not covering your windows, you’re making it easy for a potential intruder to see what is valuable inside your home.
ALWAYS CHECK POLICE AND CRIME REPORTS BEFORE SIGNING!! I once almost signed at a place off campus that seemed too good to be true but I noticed what looked like BULELT HOLES in the paneling of one of the buildings. the guy touring us brushed it off but I looked it up and found out there had been an armed robbery there! a girl was held up at her car and then forced her into her apartment and robbed her and her roommates at gunpoint!! there were tons of car break-ins there, too. don’t just trust what leasing agents tell you-do your homework!
I like knowing that I have a Security Patrol at my college rental – I would recommend finding an apartment that provides on-site security. It definitely makes my roommates and I feel safer living off campus knowing there is somebody looking out for us!
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