Campus Confidence: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Safety

Being off on your own at college is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. For families, it can be difficult to let your bird fly from the nest. There is reassurance in knowing a young adult is prepared at whatever college they are attending. Whether you are a new student or a family member looking for safety suggestions while supporting a student from afar, here are key tips for feeling more confident and secure while in college.

1. Familiarize yourself with campus

No matter where you go to school, getting to know your surroundings is one of the first steps to feeling safe and confident. As you walk around, notice how well-lit the pathways are and how frequently traveled. Pay attention to where the emergency call boxes are located. Identify key places like your residence hall, academic buildings, library, workout facilities, health buildings and dining hall.

With a campus that spans over 27,000 acres, Berry College has some incredible opportunities for adventure, which is always better with preparation. Berry's outdoor recreation department can help visitors figure out how to best explore campus safely.

Berry also has a gated Welcome Center and its own police department. Both are excellent spots to get information or to help you find the right campus resource.

2. Sign up for Campus Communication Tools

You may think you don’t want one more text notification or app on your phone. But, be honest; you're going to want to know when class is canceled for a snow day. Download your school’s emergency alert app or register for texts and enable notifications. These systems provide real-time updates on weather alerts, safety incidents and campus closures.

Berry College uses a system known as Berry Alert, and it includes more detailed campus messages than local or national reports. These alerts are also announced on the https://www.berry.edu website for families and visitors.

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3. Find your people

At every college, part of the experience is building a new support network beyond your family. After you have made yourself aware of the major campus safety systems, make sure to save important contacts like campus security, health and student support services, and your resident advisor. Following the school’s official social media accounts can also keep you informed.

At Berry, students are also assigned a faculty and student mentor who are easy to get in touch with. Don’t take for granted being in a place where you are seen and known.

4. Secure belongings

Don’t forget to lock your dorm room even if you're just stepping out. It is also suggested that students use lockable storage for valuables and never leave personal items unattended in study areas. For larger items like laptops or bicycles, it can be smart to record serial numbers and take photos of your belongings as proof. For Berry students, here is a link to further suggested instructions. At Berry, some students only use their vehicles on the weekends. Be sure to check on your vehicle every couple of days, even if you are not driving anywhere.

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Physical items shouldn’t be all you are worried about. Cyber safety can be a new responsibility for college students. It’s important to practice the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Avoid the use of public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like banking or school logins. Visit Berry’s Cybersecurity News & Alerts for updates, and check out this blog on cybersecurity.

5. Take precautions while commuting from place to place

Stay alert when walking around campus or in the community. Avoid wearing headphones in both ears and walking alone at night. Some other Berry-specific things to know:

Safety escorts: Avoid walking alone at night. However, if you find yourself alone, Berry offers a number you can call for a safety escort.
Campus bus: The bus runs Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., with stops from Ford to Morton Lemley. Special pickups from Mountain Campus and Oak Hill are available by request.
Grocery shuttle: Bi-monthly trips to local stores.
Bike-friendly campus: Self-service bike repair stations and full repair with Viking Works are available on campus. Students must register bikes with Campus Police and store bikes in designated bike racks. Summer storage is also available. If you plan to bike both on and off campus, make sure you familiarize yourself with bike laws and wear a helmet.
Share the road: The campus has potential traffic hazards. Be sure to watch out for golf carts, electric scooters, pedestrians and bikers, animals and visitors who may not be familiar with navigating the campus.

6. Reach out for support

College can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the health center, Title IX office or student support services for help with physical, emotional or academic challenges.

And parents, remind your student that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Most campuses offer confidential and free resources.

College is a time for growth, independence and discovery, but being smart about safety should always be a priority.