By Michelle Eigenheer–
When choosing the University of Louisville, a lot of parents worry that their newly collegiate children will not be safe on a campus in the big city.
Many have their minds set at ease when they see the dorms with limited access, the well-lit sidewalks and the abundance of emergency calling posts. In addition to this, the U of L Department of Public safety keeps students and parents informed with RAVE alerts – e-mail and text messages that let readers know information about crimes and inclement weather.
However, U of L administrators can only do so much to keep their student body safe – much is left up to the individuals who live on or around campus. In order to prevent becoming a victim, students must take their safety into their own hands.
“There’s something about college students that makes them more prone to victimization,” said Ted Hughes, Director of U of L’s Southern Police Institute and Associate professor of Justice Administration. These things that make college students easier to victimize include lifestyle choices and accessibility.
Check the door before you open it
Some of the RAVE alerts from the past year have been to tell people about home invasions of tenants being forced to the ground while their stuff is stolen. Don’t answer your door for someone you don’t know. Ask who it is and look through the peep hole. If you don’t think that person has any business in your home, don’t let them in. If they persist, it’s okay to call the police.
Lock up your stuff
Crime experts agree that crimes of opportunity are definitely some of the most common. A burglar is more likely to steal from a car with an unlocked door than bust out the window of a locked one. Lock your doors, close your windows, and don’t keep valuables in plain sight, if at all. Dorm rooms are also a place where things can be stolen. While you might feel that you can trust your roommate, there are other people who can gain access to your room. Lock your door or hide your valuables – even if you’re just taking a quick trip to the bathroom.
Prepare for the night out
Set up a designated driver. If nothing else, save the campus escort’s number in your phone (502-852-6111). Be sure that you go out with people you know and trust – ones who’ll do their best to make sure that no one tries to take advantage of you. The main thing to remember while in college is that, while there are plenty of opportunities to have fun, you must always be responsible.
Use the campus escort service
The escort service provided by DPS is in place as a way to protect students and staff. If you find yourself studying in the library later than expected, take advantage of the service instead of walking across campus alone and unprotected.
Check out the CardSafety App
The CardSafety App is a tool that provides information on what to do in case of an emergency. It covers crises from fires and floods to active shooters and earthquakes. The app also contains an extensive collection of campus maps, tips on how to prevent crime, and links to call for DPS or escort services.
The University of Louisville and the Department of Public Safety work to promote a safe environment for its community, but, ultimately, the individual is most responsible for their own welfare. While going to college is exciting for students fresh out of high school, it’s important to remember that this is the real world now and the big city is a lot different from any hometown.
meigenheer@louisvillecardinal.com
Photo: Caitlin Williams/The Louisville Cardinal
