Safety Tips for Living in College Apartments

Living off campus in college apartments is a great way to gain independence, save money and prepare for life after graduation. Making the transition can often be intimidating, and looking out for your personal safety is a must. As you prepare to shift to college apartment life, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

Start Before Signing Lease

Becoming a safety conscious tenant should start before you sign a lease. Before you move in, try to talk to a previous tenant, talk to your potential neighbors and take a walk around the entire property to see if there is anything suspicious. Note: Don’t walk around the property by yourself at night, while it’s a good idea to check out the property at night, make sure you have friends or family accompany you.

Secure your Apartment

Keeping your front door locked is critical, but locking your windows and sliding doors is equally important. It’s tempting to prop doors open, especially when waiting for roommates or friends, but keep in mind how accessible your apartment is when it’s not secure. Use your peepholes and door sliders. Don’t be afraid to ask any repair technicians for identification, or, better yet, ask your apartment manager for verification before allowing anyone entry.

Remember your Valuables

Keep your valuables out of sight and locked up, when possible. Holidays and school breaks are common break-in times, so bring your valuables with you. Take the time to inventory your high value items. Include serial numbers and other identifying information. Renters insurance is a great investment and can be purchased relatively inexpensively.

Prepare for Emergencies

Keep a list of emergency numbers handy and don’t be afraid to use it. Know where your fire exits, extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are and make sure they are tested on a regular basis.

Be Safety Conscious

Identifying information should never be placed on your doors. It’s also a good idea to list only your first initial on directories. Never list your address on social media profiles and don’t post information on your whereabouts or travel plans. Bring a friend when you utilize common areas like laundry rooms, pools and fitness centers. Park in well-lit areas and let your apartment manager know if you’ve noticed safety concerns, like overgrown shrubbery or broken locks.

Your college years should be a time to learn, meet new people and have fun. Make the most out of college apartment life by living well and staying safe.

What safety tips do you have? Share them with us in the comment section below.