The summer days are coming to an end, and the excitement of a new school year is quickly approaching. It’s time to get back into our routines with classes, late-night study sessions, and club meetings. But even with our busy new schedules coming up, let’s not forget about how we can keep ourselves safe and healthy.
Although campuses offer plenty of health and safety-conscious resources, you may not be aware of what is available to you. But don’t worry––we are here to keep you in the loop regarding what your campus has to offer.
Check for your campus safety features!
Many campuses have safety features available if you need immediate assistance or want to stay informed about important campus updates.
Here are some of these features:
Emergency Phones and Towers— Most campuses have emergency phones or blue-light emergency towers on almost every corner. If you feel unsafe or can’t reach your phone, use one of these towers to get immediate help from campus security.
Police Escorts— Feeling a little uneasy about walking alone at night? Save your campus police number in your phone for free escort services to ensure a safe ride to your next destination. Your campus police information should be located on your university’s website.
Campus Alerts—Be sure to sign up for your campus alert system to stay informed about potential threats and important updates and stay up to date on important campus matters. It’s important to be aware of what is going on around your campus!
Get involved in classes and workshops.
Campuses may also offer free safety workshops, classes, or seminars geared toward personal safety and awareness. Some of these may include:
- Self Defense
- Weapon Safety
- De-escalation practices
- CPR certifications
- Emergency Preparedness
Not only are these valuable, but they can also be a lot of fun! Knowing how to defend yourself and be more aware in situations of need can be a confidence booster. With these new skills, you can also inform friends and peers how to protect themselves from danger.
Important health and wellness services
We all know how important it is to keep tabs on our mental and physical health. Here are two important services to be aware of.
Free Sexual Health Services— Have any questions regarding your sexual health and wellness? Campuses often provide a variety of free sexual health resources at your disposal. There are also women’s health clinics with no-cost services near many college campuses. Find one near you with our search engine. Some common offerings include:
- Contraceptives and condoms: You may find these in your wellness center or even in some of the bathrooms around your campus. Are you curious about what kind of birth control is right for you? Read our blog to find out!
- Sexual health education: Workshops, seminars, and informational brochures are often available to educate you about sexual health, consent, healthy relationships, and safe sex practices.
- STI testing and treatment: Campus health centers frequently offer free or low-cost testing for STI/STDs. If you’re sexually active, getting tested for STI/STDs is essential.
Counseling— College can be stressful, and so can being in new environments. It is important to check and take advantage of as many free mental health programs as possible. Many campuses also provide free or discounted counseling and therapy sessions.
Always remember: Safety first!
Staying safe on campus is all about being prepared and taking advantage of the resources available to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors or advisors if you have any questions regarding health and campus safety measures. They are also there to help if you are in need of anything! If you are in immediate danger, please contact your local authorities by dialing 911 or calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Remember, your well-being is a priority, and utilizing these resources can make your college experience both safe and enjoyable.
