Be Observant & Trust Your Instincts. Make sure that you are aware of your environment. It is advisable that you familiarize yourself with buildings and landmarks on/off campus. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave the area.
Lock your vehicle and residence doors, even when you are at home. When possible, take your valuables with you or secure them out of sight in a locked compartment or trunk. Laptops, computers, purses, briefcases, wallets, cell phones and other small electronics are easy and popular targets for thieves.
Do not prop exterior doors to residence halls open. Access to residence halls is restricted to only students that reside in their prospective hall.
Learn the emergency evacuation plan and routes for your residence and classrooms. Pay attention to any announcements or emergency notifications that could occur.
Keep your friends and family informed about where you are and who you are with. It is important that you know and trust the people you will be living with. Get acquainted with your roommate(s) and exchange phone numbers, and also let them know who your emergency contacts are.
Always carry a charged cell phone or a way to contact someone in case of emergencies. Know whom to call. Preprogram the University Police Department’s phone number into your phone.