If you're heading off to college next fall, then you might already be thinking about how things are going to be different than back home.
And while there are all of the usual things to consider, like making new friends and being sure to go to classes every day, sometimes college freshmen forget to think about one of the most important factors of living somewhere new: learning how to stay safe no matter the hour.
For those college students heading off to cities or towns much larger than where they grew up, their home security and general safety needs are going to be a lot different than back in a small town where they are originally from.
While it might be acceptable to dilly dally while looking for keys in front of your rural farmhouse, things are considerably different if you're living in a dorm at Boston University or an apartment in Brooklyn.
Learning street smarts can be a little bit difficult, but it's an essential part of doing well when you head off to school.
And if you spend time thinking about how to take better care of yourself rather than just assuming it's perfectly alright to hang out in a public park at eleven at night with your new friends, you will be a lot less likely to be a victim of crime or violence your first year off at college.
The first step towards better safety and home security starts in your dorm or apartment.
Whether you're living on-campus or off-campus, sitting down with your roommates and working out some basic ground rules doesn't make you a nerd, it makes you responsible and intelligent.
Be sure to make sure that the last person out of the room or house always locks the door, that there aren't guests over for parties who no one knows, and keep your own personal valuables hidden away someplace safe.
Whether you're living in a gigantic house with a bunch of friends or a dorm room with only strangers, these are crucial steps towards staying safe and sane that can be applied for years to come.
Aside from learning how to deal with housemates or roommates, home security and safety for college students also extends to common areas or the immediate area around your residence.
If you're planning on taking night classes, find out if your school offers a shuttle back to your side of campus.
Likewise, certain schools will provide taxi vouchers to get off-campus dwellers home safely if they've been studying all evening.
Try to take advantage of services like these, as you are already paying for them with your tuition.
And more importantly, if you are a young college student in a larger city or town that you don't quite know, nothing is as bad of an idea as wandering around late at night, obviously lost.
Allow your school to help you, and don't be afraid to ask campus security for a bit of help, too.
Likewise, being responsible and safe also extends to how you choose to spend your spare time when you aren't studying or in class.
If you're going to a party with friends, try to not get lost and end up alone, if only because you are a lot safer in an unfamiliar setting if you stick with your friends.
Otherwise, it is also important to not drink too much if you don't know where the alcohol is coming from, and try to not accept drinks that you didn't pour for yourself, or see poured personally.
It might feel a little bit sensational, but the truth is that there are a lot of people out there who have malicious intentions, and that drinking too much or taking an unsafe drink at a party can lead to serious problems later on in the evening.