Stay Safe on Campus

College campuses big and small, rural and urban are not immune to crime, so it's important that you use your common sense to stay safe on campus.

Familiarize yourself with college security programs to help ease on-campus crime and take advantage of evening security escort services, if offered.

We've compiled some additional tips to help you stay safe on campus:

Walk in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings—don't walk in unlit areas at night and avoid those seldom-traveled shortcuts.
Don't prop open entrances of residence halls.
Keep your dorm room door locked while you're sleeping.
Use door peepholes.
Vary your route if walking everyday.
If you're at a party, never let a stranger get a drink for you and never leave a drink unattended.
Don't accept rides from people you don't know.
Be aware of people loitering in hallways.
Never loan your keys or identification to anyone.
Don't leave your backpack and personal belongings unattended.
Make sure someone knows your whereabouts and when you expect to return.
Consider carrying a personal alarm device, like a whistle. Pepper spray isn't recommended; it could easily be taken away and used against you.

If you have a “gut-feeling” about a stranger, a fellow student, or a situation you find yourself in, trust your gut and remove yourself from that situation as soon as possible.

You should also know what crime prevention education programs are available on campus, what the crime reporting procedure is, and who to call to report a crime.

Get an Edge Over the Competition

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), new college graduates looking for a job may have an edge over the competition if they've participated in an internship program. Ninety-five percent of employers responding to NACE's Job Outlook 2009 survey indicated they prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience and that many employers look first to their own intern pool when they have job openings.

This is a great reason to actively pursue an internship during college. Not only does an internship give you concrete and relevant work experience to include on your resume, it also provides valuable contacts that may be able to help you land your first job.

Protect Yourself Against Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis, also known as bacterial meningitis, is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and surrounding the brain. About 3,000 cases—including 300 fatalities—are reported annually in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bacterial meningitis is contagious and is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with infected persons (e.g., coughing, kissing, sneezing, sharing utensils, etc). College students living in dorms are considered at high risk for the infection, which annually strikes about 125 students.

The symptoms of meningitis vary depending on age and the type of bacterium or virus that's involved. Typically, you have flu-like symptoms, a little headache, an upset stomach, a stiff neck and sensitivity to light. A purplish rash quickly spreads over the entire body. Some early symptoms can easily be overlooked but quick diagnosis is critical to successful treatment.

The good news is there's a vaccine that is highly effective in preventing four of the five strains of bacterial meningitis. Thirty-seven states have one or more meningitis-related laws to protect college students; 22 states require college students to get the vaccination or sign a waiver that says they've read about the disease.

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