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Hundreds and thousands of students from America as well as from many countries across the world come to study in American colleges every year. Most of the students and parents are quite concerned about the safety aspect in the campuses fuelled by incidents of theft, attacks, rape and even murder.

We often come across stray incidents in various university campuses across America on local newspapers and television channels. When it happens far away, we do not realize the implications and seriousness of the situation and fail to take sufficient precautions.

For a university student, especially those who are just joining their courses, there are many different things to be worried about without having to be constantly apprehensive regarding the security of themselves and their belongings. Whether the student lives on or off campus, it is important to take certain steps to ensure safety and security.

The intensity and level of crimes committed in campuses often reflect the crime rates in the surrounding areas. Before you even join the university, it is possible to gauge the extent of crime rate in that particular area and this will give you an idea of the security measures you must take. You can also check the Federal law website which has statistics of the crime rate in various universities whether rural or urban.

Today, with a drastic increase in crime rate, institutions are very careful and have all security measures in place. However, it is up to you to be careful and ensure maximum personal safety. It is also the duty of institutions to educate students on how to prevent crime.

If you are a student, local or international, joining a university in America, here are a few tips you could follow to ensure safety:Keep always on your person both non-emergency and emergency numbers including local police department as well as campus security office.

Ensure you attend discussions and seminars on crime prevention in educational institutes. Usually these programs are conducted by the institutes.

If you are going from one part of the campus to another especially early in the mornings or late at night, be sure to opt for the evening escort services or campus patrol programs.

Be aware of the location of emergency telephones on the campus

Always keep your friends and parents informed about your schedule so they are aware of your activities at all times

Keep away from vacant lots or alley shortcuts. Ensure you walk around if necessary only in well lit areas at night.

As far as possible go our only with a friend or group of friends.

Carry various personal protection tools such as a small pocket knife, pepper spray and whistle.

Go for your daily exercise during the day time and ensure you are aware of your surroundings by not using earphones.

If you cannot identify the visitor, don’t open the door. It is a good idea keeping your room and car doors locked at all times.