Chapter 5
Practice safe habits in your new community
While the majority of college sexual assaults are committed by someone the person knows, it is important to incorporate the following tips into your everyday life to ensure you and your fellow students have a safe experience.
Lock the doors to your apartment, home or dorm room -- especially when you leave or are asleep. It is always important to follow residence hall security policies. Never prop open the entrance doors or allow people you don't know to enter.
At night, walk with a friend that you know well or use the safe walk service if there's one on your campus. Walk on well lit paths and be aware of your surroundings.
Always carry your cell phone and pre-program a number for a local taxi, the campus safe walk service, and 911.
Penn State Safe Walk Service at University Park
There is a safe walk service at the University Park campus. The service is staffed by Penn State's Auxiliary Police, a uniformed student division of the University Police. The officers walk with students to locations on and nearby the campus. The service is available daily from dusk to dawn.
Is it safe to use Safe Walk if I've been drinking?
Yes, it is better to be safe. You won’t get in trouble if you use Safe Walk and have been drinking.