College is about education, but it’s also a time for most students to leave home and start transitioning into adult life. This means not only are students worried about finals and homework assignments, but they must also concern themselves with personal safety, daily housework and chores, as well as financial management.
Protecting against vandalism and theft may not have crossed many new students minds, but knowing the basics of personal security can go a long way. Below is a list of six top security devices college students need in order to stay safe and have fun while earning their degree. From room safes to personal safety buttons, these devices are inexpensive in monetary value, but priceless when it comes to a student’s wellbeing and security.
1. Laptop Lock
Laptop locks are widely available, low-tech, and extremely useful, especially for students who use them often. Like bicycle locks, it works by securing a laptop with an unbreakable cord that is secured to an outlet that can only be released with a four-digit code. This keeps a student’s laptop in one place, even if they leave it unattended for a short while.
2. Room Safe
Dorm rooms are social gathering places, but that doesn’t mean students should leave their valuables out in the open. A room safe is perfect for storing purses, wallets, passports, identifying papers, and laptops. Store a safe under a bed or in a closet out of view. There are even some safes that are pre-installed on dorm furniture.
3. Home or Rental Security
Technology has now made it possible for even lowly dorm rooms to be outfitted with home security packages. You can even decrease your renter’s insurance fees in some apartments by installing a security system. Made up of small wireless cameras that feed information to a website or a smartphone, these options can help students keep track of any unwanted intruders or unexpected visitors. Some even come with personal locks that, when opened by an intruder, can alert authorities of a break in that’s in progress.
4. Personal Safety Buttons or Alarm
A personal safety button is a high-tech device that a student wears. If in danger, you need only press a button and your exact location is transmitted to the local police department, family, and a close circle of friends. Because safety buttons work using Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth connection, which may be spotty on campus, a personal alarm is also a great device. It emits a loud noise that can scare off a potential assailant and alert authorities of a conflict. Many personal safety buttons now come with an alarm installed as well, so browse to see what’s available.
5. Defence Devices
Students also benefit from defence devices, such as pepper spray, mace, or a stun gun. These are small and portable enough that you can keep it in their pocket. If you run into a dangerous situation, these devices can give you enough time to get out of the area and seek help.
6. RFID Holders
College campuses can be a hunting ground for petty thieves. They can use portable digital devices to steal credit card information, or even information off of an ID card or passport. The best way to combat this is to use RFID holders, which are paper devices that block any unwanted signals. There are also wallets that provide the same protection.
College students have enough to worry about without contending with mischievous thieves or those who wish them harm. This short list can keep them and their valuables safe. Don’t leave security up to fate, buy a few of these items for the college student in your life.
Special thanks to Eileen O’Shanassy for providing us with this article. Eileen is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking, and you can find her on Twitter @eileenoshanassy.Â
