Top Ten Safety Tips for College Students

Make the call. Program the Department of Campus Safety into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus. If you see a crime in progress or even something suspicious, don't hesitate, make the call. Campus Safety: 503.943.7161

Empower yourself. Enroll in a self-defense course. Sign up with a friend for the Green Dot training course and empower yourself. These courses are designed to give you the tools that may help keep yourself and your community safe.

Don't walk alone. Take advantage of campus safety's escort services or walk with friends or classmates.

Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended — even if it's just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.

Report solicitors. Magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages, and "earn money now" schemes are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitors' scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying campus safety. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information.

Be alert on public transportation. Stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver. If someone's harassing you, don't hesitate; tell the driver or call 911.

Secure your vehicle. College parking lots and structures are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.

Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. Don't keep your social security card in your wallet. Don't give personal information to solicitors.

Keep your dorm locked. Even if you're going next door to a friend's room, always grab your keys and lock the door. A propped open door is a perfect target for would-be thieves and allows them quick and easy access to your belongings. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well.

Protect your bike. If you ride a bike, register it with campus safety. Registering your bike helps improve the likelihood of recovery if stolen. Always use a high-quality, hardened steel "U" lock. For optimum security, lock both the front and frame to the bike rack.

*Based on IACLEA's Top Ten Safety Tips for College Students in 2012