In Your College Student Prepared for the Experience

The thought of college is a very exciting time in a young teen’s life. A brand new set of experiences are just ahead and the thought of independence and separation from parental rules is appealing to any teen. College life teaches important lessons about life which may turn out more important than those they learn in the classrooms. College dorm living can also be a learning experience; however it can be a dangerous one, especially for young women. Women need to be aware that their college checklist includes the knowledge and awareness of campus living and the potential threats associated with it.


Media coverage about college living has taught us that student safety is a nationwide concern. Kidnappings, rape, and violent assaults occur daily on college campuses daily. Student safety and personal defense should be the first thought for any student venturing into the college life.

Education, awareness and common sense can be one of the biggest steps in preventing a student from becoming a victim of crime while experiencing college life. Some of the basics steps of prevention should include, always keeping your dorm room secure and never let a stranger into your dorm or apartment building. The addition of a door alarm for your room will decrease the chances of an intruder entering your dorm with the intention of committing a crime.

Statistics have shown that criminals are not opposed to the commission of crimes in secluded areas of college campuses. Crimes are frequently encountered in populated and well traveled areas.

Some simple practices every student should consider include, utilize well lit, well travelled areas when walking to and from destinations on campus. Walk with friends, especially at night. Finally, invest in you safety by adding a non-lethal personal defense weapon to you daily tools. Tasers, stun guns, and pepper spray are just a few effective quality protective products with a history of successful uses on assailants.

Tasers utilize a 30 second cycle of 50,000 volt to incapacitate attackers threatening bodily harm. Capable of being deployed from a distance of up to 15 feet, Tasers are designed to be left behind by the victim allowing then to retreat to safety and are backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee by the manufacturer.

Stun guns are a good non-lethal self defense alternative proven to be very effective in fighting off a potential attacker. Utilizing high voltage, stun guns momentarily render attackers defenseless "stunning" them and giving the victim a chance to get away. While stun guns are another good, non-lethal self-defense method, they are not allowed in all states.

Pepper spray products are a cost effective tool when used properly. Keep in mind that some states have some restrictions on pepper spray so be sure to check with your local law enforcement before you carry pepper spray. When buying pepper spray, look for the OC rating. They range from 10 percent to 18 percent OC.