For college students living on campus for the first time, a few simple precautions can help them navigate unfamiliar surroundings.
As the end of July draws near, young adults across the country are gearing up for college classes to start.
Yet campus life can feel daunting to those new to the experience, and statistics suggest they are right to be a bit anxious.
The National Center for Education Statistics logged approximately 27,300 criminal incidents occurring on campuses nationwide in 2019.
As reported by USA Today, there are a number of products out there that can help students — not to mention their parents — breathe a little easier as they embark on the new academic year.
Alarms
Not only are students three times more likely to be targeted by scammers, an estimated 22 out of 1,000 students will be affected by property crime.
Personal alarm keychains like those designed by KOSIN can serve as an additional layer of safety. Pulling the attached pin triggers a deafening 140-decibel sound. There is also a built-in flashlight, which could always come in handy.
Several sites offer comparisons of the different personal alarm devices available at prices as low as $13.95. Check them out here.
While the next recommended product might not apply depending on campus rules, a video doorbell is an effective way to monitor happenings outside the student’s home.
Not only do video doorbells — like those offered by Ring — alert students if someone breaks in, they can deter potential package thieves.
Ring’s Video Doorbell Wired was highlighted by USA Today for being affordable ($64.99 on Amazon) yet also feature-packed. It boasts a 1080p video resolution and can be switched to “People Only Mode” to avoid unnecessary motion alerts.
Smart speakers are another handy gadget that can broadcast vital safety alerts and make a student’s everyday life easier.
The fourth-generation Amazon Echo was recommended by USA Today due to its design, connectivity options, and sound quality.
When paired with Alexa, it is possible to set important alerts — such as for severe weather — as well as make calls to the authorities by simply saying “Alexa, call the police.”
Accident Prevention
Cycling can be a fast and efficient means of transportation for a student needing to dart back and forth across campus daily.
Riding wisely and wearing safety gear — especially in an unfamiliar environment — can mean the difference between an accident being a minor setback or a life-threatening event.
Wearing a helmet can reduce the chances of a serious head injury in an accident by 60%.
For students that are techies, it might be worth investing in a smart helmet like those offered by Sena, which includes features like Bluetooth functionality, built-in Alexa, and Mesh intercom devices.
Sporting a bright safety vest and installing bike lights are excellent safety measures to ensure visibility during night rides.
According to the market data company Gutnix, approximately 29% of college student deaths are due to accidents, and 4% of these involve getting struck by a vehicle while walking.
For this reason, those walking around campus at night might want to consider getting a flashlight.
USA Today recommends the Olight Baton 3 Premium Edition. It has a conveniently compact design, boasts various light settings, and has an impressive 37.5-hour usage capacity courtesy of its wireless charging case.
Wellness Maintenance
Ultimately, taking care of one’s body is the best way to ensure an optimal college experience.
Staying hydrated is vital for cognitive performance and overall wellness.
To help ensure that students are getting enough water, consider investing in portable and reusable water bottles like the Brita stainless steel filtered bottle. By keeping water cold for up to 24 hours, this product makes it easy to stay hydrated.
On a similar note, humidifiers can help prevent illness and alleviate discomfort caused by nasal congestion. The ideal indoor humidity level to avoid dry sinuses and bloody noses is between 30% and 50%, according to the Mayo Clinic.
USA Today recommends the Levoit Classic 300S as the top pick due to its quiet operation, generous water capacity, and compatibility with smart devices.
This humidifier can run for up to 60 hours, has four different mist settings, and includes a built-in aroma pad for aromatherapy.
A recent survey conducted by Student Voice found that 56% of student respondents reported experiencing chronic stress. Aromatherapy is one of many ways to cope with anxiety, as recently covered in The Dallas Express.
Finally, when sicknesses or accidents strike, having a first-aid kit on hand could make a huge difference to a student constantly on the run.
Protect Life’s 100-Piece kit is a comprehensive yet portable option, according to USA Today. It contains adhesive bandages, antiseptic toilettes, a bottle of eye wash, a CPR mask, a tourniquet, and more.