Now that classes have started at most colleges and universities, many students find themselves away from home for the first time. Back at home, their parents are concerned for their children’s safety both on and off campus.

        “If students haven’t been taught safety tips before now, the early part of the school year would be a good time to do so,” said Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson. “Up until now, the child has been under the protection of the parents. But once they leave for college, the child must become responsible for his or her own safety.”

        Although there are numerous positive aspects to college life, Edmondson said students must use caution and make smart decisions to avoid becoming victims of crime.

        “There is no need for a student to live in fear during the next four years of college, but it is important that parents convey to their children the possibility of crime and how to avoid becoming a victim,” Edmondson said.

        Edmondson shared these suggestions for students living away from home:

Personal Safety

• Trust your instincts. If someone gives you a bad vibe, don’t be left alone with him/her.
• Program all local emergency numbers, including the police department, parents, roommates and friends, into your cell phone’s speed dial.
• If someone threatens you, tell someone immediately—a professor, a resident adviser (RA), a member of campus security or some other person of authority.
• When you go out, let your roommate know what time to expect you back.

Walking on campus

• Be aware of the location of emergency phones and safe places on campus.
• Never walk alone, especially at night. If no friends are around, ask security to walk with you. Many campuses offer shuttle services after dark.
• Walk in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
• If you feel that you are being followed, go into a store or some other populated place and ask for help.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on your cell phone while walking on campus. You need to hear what’s going on around you.

In residence halls

• Always lock your door when leaving your room. Theft from dorm rooms is quite common because many students leave their doors unlocked when they go to the shower or down the hallway.
• Don’t let strangers into your room.
• Make sure outside doors securely close behind you.
• Get to know your resident adviser (RA); contact your RA or a security guard if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not loan your room key to anyone.
• Have your locks changed if you lose your key.

Parking lot safety

• Always lock your car.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially not on the seat or in the floorboard where they are visible.
• Have your keys in hand as you approach your car. You don’t need to spend time looking for them while standing in a parking lot.
• Check your backseat before you get in the car.

Money matters

• A back pocket may not be the safest place to carry a wallet. Secure wallets with a chain or strap.
• Hold on to your purse at all times while in public.
• Take a friend with you to the ATM or use ATMs inside dorms or a store. Avoid stand-alone ATM machines.
• Do not give your PIN to anyone.
• Get your ATM card out before you get to the machine.
• Stand directly in front of the machine, so no one can see you type in your PIN.
• Put your cash in a safe place as soon as possible.
• Don’t let anyone use your credit or debit card.
• Report lost or stolen debit or credit cards immediately.

Drinking alcohol

• Do not drink and drive or ride with someone who does. It is against the law and has severe penalties. Most importantly, it puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Those convicted of a first-time DUI offense face from 48 hours to 30 days in jail, a $200 to $500 fine, and a suspended driver’s license for up to 120 days. If aggravating circumstances exist, such as speed, high concentration of alcohol or having children in the vehicle, jail time could be mandatory.
• For those under age 21, possessing alcohol is illegal. Kentucky law also prohibits minors from using false forms of identification to purchase alcohol. The use of a fake ID to purchase alcohol is punishable by a fine of $250 for the first offense. Any subsequent offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $500. In addition, having another person purchase alcohol for a minor is considered a violation, and is punishable by a $250 fine. If an adult purchases, sells or gives alcohol to a minor, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Be careful at bars and parties. Drinking so much that you lose your inhibitions or pass out can put you in danger. Statistics show that 80 percent of students age 21 and older drink to extreme, which for men means consuming 12 or more drinks in one drinking session and for women means drinking 9 or more.
• Keep your drink in your hand at all times. If your drink is unattended at any time, pour it out and get a new one. Do not accept drinks from others. Date rape drugs could be slipped into an unattended drink.

        “The college years are intended to be a time of growth and learning—a way a preparing for the life ahead,” Edmondson said. “Making wise decisions and taking safety precautions are an important part of that process.”