6 Must-Know College Safety Tips for Students and Parents on Move-In Day

By Robyn Sandoval, A Girl & A Gun

Heading off to college is one of life’s biggest milestones. The thrill of decorating your dorm, meeting new people, and embracing independence is unforgettable. But as exciting as this chapter is, your personal safety should be part of your back-to-school checklist.

Whether you’re a college freshman or a parent sending your teen into a new environment, here are college safety tips that can make a real difference.

 

1. Be Smart About Social Media

That adorable dorm decor pic? It might be giving away more than you think. Before you post:

• Are you revealing your dorm room number or floor layout?
• Can someone tell if you live alone or how many people live with you?
• Is your view or background easily recognizable?
• Are you sharing too much personal information about yourself, your interests, or your location?
• Are there campus registration programs for your bike and your laptop, so that if they are stolen reporting and recovery is more likely?

Even if your profile is private, screenshots travel fast. Crop identifying details, wait to post, and skip location tags. Brag all you want, but don’t give strangers a roadmap to your front door.

2. Know Campus Safety Zones and Emergency Exits

Walk through your safety plan before you need it.

Emergencies happen from fire drills to lockdowns to weather threats. Don’t wait until chaos strikes. Take time during your first week to locate:

• Find out if your school has an emergency alert system and sign up for it.
• Emergency exits in your dorm, classroom buildings, dining hall, and gym
• Tornado shelters (typically windowless interior hallways or basements)
• Lockdown locations that secure from the inside with minimal glass
• Assembly points for evacuation and emergency meetups

Practice walking the routes with friends so your body knows what to do even if your brain freezes. In a crisis, muscle memory can save your life.

 

3. Don’t Be Predictable

Mix up your routines to reduce vulnerability.

It’s tempting to use the same shortcut every day, but patterns can make you a target. Instead:

• Vary your walking routes and class commute times
• Stick with friends, especially after dark
• Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas
• Keep one earbud in, eyes up, and your phone in your pocket

Your routines should empower you not expose you. Be aware, stay unpredictable, and move with confidence.

4. Party Smart: Stay Safe While Having Fun

Enjoy the social scene with these safety strategies.

College is full of social events, but a fun night can quickly turn risky. Protect yourself with these tips:

• Never leave your drink unattended. Toss it if you set it down
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers or communal punch bowls
• Use the buddy system: arrive together, leave together
• Watch out for red flags. If someone is pushy, isolates you, or dismisses your boundaries, get away
• Always have an exit plan and don’t hesitate to call a rideshare or campus safety
• Check for programs that offer safe rides at night to students, or apps to alert authorities if you don’t reach your destination

It’s not dramatic to set boundaries; it’s smart. Your safety always comes first.

 

5. Take a Personal Safety Seminar

Build real-world skills that last a lifetime.

Gather your friends and look for self-defense and awareness classes on campus or in your community. A quality safety seminar should cover:

• Situational awareness and how to spot potential threats
• Non-lethal defense tools like pepper spray and tactical flashlights
• Basic self-defense techniques you can actually use
• Confidence-building exercises through role-play and discussion

At A Girl & A Gun, we offer programs that support women in learning these skills from Girls Getaways and Book Club to local chapter training. You’ll gain confidence, sharpen your instincts, and feel empowered not paranoid.

 

6. Build a Culture of Safety with Your Circle

Make safety a shared value with your roommates and friends.

Talk openly about expectations and routines so everyone’s on the same page. Here are smart habits to establish:

• Use the buddy system after dark, even on campus.
• Lock your doors always.
• Set boundaries around alcohol, parties, and rideshares.
• Share your location with a trusted friend during nights out.

These aren’t just “rules from home;” they’re real-world strategies to help you thrive safely.

 

Safety Is Strength

Heading to college is a huge step into independence. Taking control of your personal safety is part of that growth. You’re not just a student; you’re a strong, capable adult building your future. Unpack your books, make new friends, and post that perfect dorm while also taking your safety seriously. At A Girl & A Gun, we’re proud to be your resource for strength, skill, and sisterhood every step of the way.

 

Originally posted by Robyn Sandoval on agirlandagun.org