6 Dorm and Apartment Safety Tips
08 21 2024
Starting college is an exciting time, and finding a place to call your own—whether it's a dorm room or an apartment—is a big part of that experience. While you're busy settling in and making your new space feel like home, you also want to make sure you feel safe. Taking extra steps to make sure your new space is secure can make all the difference in your peace of mind and overall well-being.
1. Lock Your Doors
It may seem simple, but it’s often forgotten. Even when you’re stepping outside for a quick second, always bring your key and make sure your door is locked. In dorms, avoid propping open the door to your hall. You never know who could be walking by.
2. Fortify Your Door
Take locking your door a step further and add an extra level of protection. The Door Stop Alarm and the Portable Door Lock are simple but effective ways to keep unwanted visitors out. Both tools are compact, easy to use, and renter-friendly!
3. Think Before You Post
When you post on social media, make sure you don’t include photos that show the outside of your apartment or location tag your new apartment complex. If you’re living alone or not going to be home, keep this information offline.
4. Meet Your Neighbors
When you move to a new place, meeting your neighbors can be a great way to make friends. Before you let your guard down completely, remember that they are strangers. Make them earn your trust before you share too much. Once the trust is established, you can also look out for one another and let each other know if something looks suspicious.
Photo: Priscilla Du Preez | Unsplash
5. Keep an Eye on Your Stuff in Shared Spaces
If you have a favorite shirt or pair of jeans, you don’t want them to go missing in the shared laundry room. Bring a book or your laptop to the laundry area, so your clothes aren't left unattended. When you’re studying at the library or in the campus gym, don’t leave your stuff out in the open.
Stay updated with current events occurring in your neighborhood or on campus. Keep an eye on campus security alerts and check with your RA, neighbors, or friends to see if there are updates on suspicious activity.