Living off campus can be an amazing opportunity filled with freedom and responsibility, but at times it can also be overwhelming. Luckily, Beyond the Diag has you covered with advice on safety and making the most of your off-campus living experience.
Tip #1: Meet your neighbors
When you move off campus, it may be into an unfamiliar neighborhood or an apartment of strangers. While this unfamiliarity can initially be stressful, making the effort to initiate healthy relationships with the people around you is a good way to feel more connected and acclimated to your new home. Say hello! Try to remember names.
Tip #2: Lights on
Porch lights and other interior lights are recognizable indicators that a home is occupied. Though you should still be mindful of electricity conservation, keeping a light source on is a smart way to appear home and deter burglars. Additionally, maintaining a well-lit neighborhood can create a safer environment for everyone in the area.
Tip #3: When in doubt, lock it
Locks are one of the easiest ways to keep you and your belongings safe. Be sure to lock your car, house, bike, and even your technology. At, or away, lock up!
Tip #4: Know your numbers
It’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers on and around campus. Being prepared is always the best way to feel more secure off campus. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) at (734) 763-1131. For more information about DPSS, check out their website.
Tip #5: Plan to act
The start of the school year is a smart time to create a plan of action to prepare for a potential crisis. Whether it is defining a clear fire escape route or reviewing how to report a robbery, constructing a strategy for how you will navigate a dangerous encounter is always a wise move. Talk with your roomates about how you can work together to stay safe.
Tip #6: Know your tools
When it comes to staying safe off campus, one of the handiest tools at your fingertips is your cell phone. Keeping a charged phone, especially when you are out alone, is a convenient way to keep in touch with friends, family, and the authorities. Aside from your cell phone, personal devices like pepper spray, personal alarms, and flashlights for self-defense are tools that can offer protection and peace of mind.
Tip #7: Tell your friends
If you are going out or commuting around campus at night, it never hurts to let a trusted friend know where you are going, who you are going with, and when you will be returning home.
Contributed by – Neighbhorhood Ambassador