Being a collegiette ™ on and around IU Bloomington’s campus is generally an enjoyable, harmless experience. However, after the recent reports of rape, stalking, and the tragic disappearance of Lauren Spierer, nighttime safety for women (and all students, really!) is important now more than ever. Knowing what to do before finding yourself in a sketchy situation is key to getting out of one unharmed. By familiarizing yourself with these six safety guidelines, you can enjoy your nightlife in a safer, smarter way.
1. Utilize campus safety transportation. Finding a trusted ride home is undoubtedly the best way to get around any possibility of campus danger. If you can’t get a ride from a friend, IU offers a great Safety Escort program that is available to all students for free. By calling 812-855-SAFE, you can plan a ride with a trained driver within minutes. On weekends, there are also a variety of campus and Bloomington Transit buses that have “Night Owl” services. Get familiar with the bus schedules and plan ahead to catch a ride!
2. Let someone know where you are. Whether it’s your roommate, your boyfriend, or a family member, letting someone know your location is crucial, especially if anything out the ordinary were to happen. Make sure to give updates on your whereabouts; when you plan to get home and the moment you actually get there.
3. Walk in well-lit areas. Any road or path with streetlights or blue lights is fair game. The 41 blue emergency lights around campus are specifically designed for anyone in an emergency situation to get help quickly. When the button on the station is pressed, IUPD is alerted and rushed to the scene as soon as possible. When on campus, it is smart to keep these stations in sight. If you are walking off-campus, make sure you walk on main roads where there is plenty of light.
4. Have a plan when alcohol is involved. There is no shame in ending the school week with a few drinks at a friend’s or local bar—but for those times that you have a bit too much, you’re going to wish you had a plan. Save yourself trouble and make a solid end-of-the-night plan before you go out. Never walk anywhere alone while intoxicated as alcohol causes a loss of control, making you an easy target.
5. Travel with a group. It seems obvious to make a point of walking with a group of friends whenever you are out at night. However, when it is dark after a late class or a study session at the library, your friends may not be around. Try finding a group of women who are headed in the same direction as you, and walk with them for a while. It may feel awkward, but the saying stands true that there is safety in numbers.
6. Walk with confidence. Confidence is key—even when it comes to campus safety! If you are in control and aware of your surroundings, you are less likely to find yourself in a dangerous situation. Make sure to keep your head up and your eyes on what is in front of you. Keep your phone handy in case of an emergency, but avoid texting or looking down while walking. Lastly, choose a route that you know well, and walk it purposefully.
While our university is constantly working at protecting the well being of its students, your individual safety ultimately rests in your own hands. Taking the time to learn about smart safety decisions now is the easiest, most efficient way to an amazing time the rest of the way through college!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IU chapter.