College Safety Checklist: 8 Smart Moves Every Parent Should Talk Through with Their Student

That moment you watch your child walk into their dorm for the first time? It’s equal parts pride, excitement and yes, a little anxiety.

College is a giant leap into independence. And while it’s one of the most exciting chapters in a young adult’s life, it also comes with real-world responsibilities, including personal safety. As families prepare to send their children to college, it’s crucial to focus on safety and preparedness to ensure peace of mind for everyone involved.

As a parent, your job shifts from protector to partner. You can’t be there every minute, but you can prepare them with the tools, mindset, and habits they’ll need to stay safe and confident on campus. Establishing a family communication plan and offering ongoing support can make a significant difference in your student’s college safety.

At BrickHouse Security, we’ve helped thousands of families do just that. So whether your student is heading to a massive state university or a small private college.

Introduction to Campus Safety

When it comes to college life, campus safety should always be top of mind. Colleges and universities work hard to create secure environments, but it’s up to each student to stay aware and prepared for whatever might come their way. Understanding the potential risks and knowing how to handle emergency situations can make all the difference in keeping students safe and focused on their studies.

Being prepared isn’t just about reacting to incidents, it’s about preventing them. That means learning about campus safety resources, knowing what to do in an emergency, and carrying the right items to handle unexpected events. Whether it’s a power outage, a medical emergency, or something more serious, having a plan and the right tools can help students stay safe and confident.

In this article, we’ll walk through the essential safety items every student should have on hand. By taking these simple steps, students can minimize risks, handle emergencies with confidence, and make the most of their college experience. Remember: staying safe on campus starts with being aware, prepared, and ready for anything.

1. Know What Safety Resources Already Exist on Campus

Most students never use campus safety services until they have to.

Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Sit down together and explore your student’s school safety offerings:

• Does the school have 24/7 campus police or a security escort service available during the day and night?
• Where are the emergency blue light phones located, and what are the locations of other important safety resources on campus?
• Is there an emergency alert system students should subscribe to for receiving safety alerts and emergency updates?

Campus police and safety services are available to help students at all hours, including during the day and night. Make sure your student gathers important safety information, such as emergency contacts and campus policies, and keeps it accessible. Encourage them to understand and follow campus safety rules and policies to stay safe.

Better yet, take a walk around campus during move-in and show them key places for safety and support, including where to go, who to call, and how to get help fast.

According to NCES, over 23,400 campus crimes were reported in 2021 alone. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

2. Essential Safety Tools Every Student Should Have

Every student should head to campus with a few key safety tools in their backpack or dorm room, think of it as your personal safety net for those “just in case” moments. Here’s what every college student should pack to be ready for emergencies:

• First Aid Kit: A basic aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can be a lifesaver for minor injuries or illnesses. Keep it handy in your dorm room or backpack so you’re always prepared.
• Flashlight: Power outages can happen, especially in older dorm buildings. A small, reliable flashlight ensures you’re never left in the dark, whether you’re heading down the hall at night or need to find your way during an emergency.
• Pepper Spray: While we hope you’ll never need it, pepper spray is a simple, effective way to protect yourself if you ever feel threatened. Make sure you know how to use it and that it’s allowed on your campus.
• Key Ring Alarm: A key ring alarm is a compact device that emits a loud sound to draw attention if you’re in trouble. Clip it to your key ring or backpack for quick access, sometimes, making noise is the best way to deter a potential threat.
• Fire Extinguisher: Fires can start quickly in dorm rooms or shared kitchens. Having a small fire extinguisher nearby (and knowing how to use it) can help you act fast in case of a fire emergency.
• Buddy System: The buddy system is one of the simplest and most effective safety strategies. Whether you’re walking across campus at night or heading to a party, having a friend with you means someone’s always looking out for your safety.

By carrying these essential items and staying aware of your surroundings, you’ll be better prepared for any emergency situations that might arise on campus. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with campus safety resources like campus police, emergency call boxes, and safety escort services. Being prepared and proactive is the best way to keep yourself and your college experience safe and on track.

2. Lock the Door. Every. Single. Time.

It’s so easy to say, “I’m just running down the hall, I’ll be right back.” But it only takes seconds for a theft to happen.

Remind your student that even though dorms feel like safe spaces, they’re full of foot traffic and not everyone on their floor has good intentions. Leaving the door unlocked is like leaving a “welcome” sign for anyone with sticky fingers. Remind them to always safeguard their personal belongings, such as laptops, bikes, and valuables, and never leave them unattended.

Encourage habits like:

• Locking the door every time they leave, even for 30 seconds
• Locking up before going to sleep or using headphones
• Keeping valuables out of sight from windows or open doors
• Never leave valuables in your car, even for a short time

Students should also keep a copy of important keys or documents in a secure place, in case of emergencies.

Want to go the extra mile? A compact safe or Bluetooth dorm lock (if allowed) adds a solid layer of security and peace of mind.

3. Use GPS Trackers for Peace of Mind, Not Control

Let’s talk honestly: You’re not trying to spy. You just want to know your child is safe, especially when they’re walking across campus at night or heading off on a weekend trip.

GPS trackers like the Spark Nano 7 offer an easy way to stay connected. You can set up geofences around their dorm or class buildings and get a simple alert when they come and go. Make sure your student also has emergency contact information readily available for quick communication if needed.

The best part? Devices like this often come with an SOS panic button, so your student can reach you instantly in the event of an emergency if something goes wrong.

Statista reports that parents feel significantly more at ease using tracking when their child is away at school.

This isn’t about micromanaging, it’s about knowing they got home safe without sending a dozen “you okay?” texts. Sharing your schedule with family or friends can also enhance safety and ensure regular check-ins.

Check Talking About GPS Tracking with Your Teen blog post.

4. Teach Them to Trust Their Gut

College is full of firsts: first parties, first roommates, first weird vibes from a stranger at the student center. Encourage your student to choose safe actions and environments whenever possible.

Teach your student that their instincts are a built-in security system. If something feels off, it probably is. Help them understand when to trust their gut and choose to take action.

• If a party seems sketchy? Leave.
• If someone makes them uncomfortable? Trust it.
• If they don’t feel safe speaking up? Remind them they can always call you, no matter the time or situation.

Empower them with phrases like:   “I’m not feeling well, I’m going to head out.”   “Thanks, but I’m good.”   “I’ve got somewhere I need to be.”

Being direct isn’t rude. It’s smart.

5. Walking Alone? Be Smart, Not Scared.

Even with the best planning, walking alone at night might be unavoidable. It’s not about fear, it’s about smart habits.

Give your student this 4-part safety formula:

1. Stick to well-lit paths.
2. Keep your phone ready, but stay heads-up.
3. Only wear one earbud (or none).
4. Let someone know where you’re going.
5. Wear visible clothing or use a safety light to stay visible to drivers at night.

Carry essential safety tools, such as a flashlight or personal alarm, when walking alone for added security and convenience.

Apps like Noonlight and trackers with panic buttons can provide added peace of mind during those late-night walks from the library.

Remember: Confidence and awareness are deterrents in themselves.

6. Don’t Forget Digital Safety

Your student’s phone holds their whole life: banking info, class access, medical records, even copies of their ID. One phishing scam or hacked Wi-Fi network can cause chaos fast.

Encourage your student to learn about digital safety best practices and available resources to stay protected.

Teach them the basics:

• Use strong, unique passwords (and consider a password manager)
• Enable two-factor authentication on school and personal accounts
• Be careful what they click, phishing emails often look like financial aid or professor updates
• Don’t log into sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi without a VPN

Cybercrime targeting students is up nearly 35% since 2023. A moment of caution can save weeks of recovery.

7. Know Where to Go in a Health or Emergency Crisis

From food poisoning to broken bones, your student will likely need medical help at some point. But will they know where to go or what insurance they have?

Make sure they:

• Know the location of the campus health center and nearby urgent care
• Have digital and printed copies of their health insurance card
• Have emergency contacts saved in their phone (and written down too)
• Keep bottled water in their dorm or emergency kit for hydration during emergencies
• Know when and how to shelter in place during certain emergencies, such as fire drills or severe weather

And if they’re out of state? Look into a HIPAA waiver or medical power of attorney so you can speak to doctors if needed.

Did you know: More than 1 in 4 college students visited urgent care last year, usually when they were overwhelmed and under-prepared.

8. Track & Insure Their Stuff

To stay organized and prepared, students should break the safety checklist into manageable steps.

From laptops to bikes, students bring thousands of dollars’ worth of tech and gear to school. And when something goes missing, it’s not just frustrating; it can derail their semester.

Help your student:

• Use GPS asset trackers on bikes and backpacks
• Keep photos and serial numbers of expensive items
• Store receipts digitally for insurance claims
• Consider renter’s insurance if they’re living off-campus, and check the coverage period in years for both renter’s insurance and warranties on safety products

Theft is the #1 reported crime on college campuses, accounting for over 40% of all incidents. A tracker can be the difference between “lost forever” and “found fast.”

Final Word: Safety Isn’t Overprotection, It’s Preparation

Here’s the truth: You can’t protect them from everything.

But you can give them the tools to protect themselves physically, digitally, and emotionally. Having these conversations, choosing the right gear, and giving them your trust is how you both step into this new chapter confidently.

At BrickHouse Security, we believe safety is freedom.
Freedom to explore.
Freedom to grow.
Freedom to come home safe.

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FAQs – What Parents Like You Are Asking

What’s the best GPS tracker for students?
Our top pick is the Spark Nano 7. It’s compact, easy to hide in a bag or pocket, and offers geofencing and SOS features for real-time peace of mind.

Is GPS tracking legal for my college student?
Yes, with their consent. We always recommend a transparent conversation. Most students appreciate knowing someone’s got their back.

Can I use cameras or other tech in their dorm?
Wearable GPS devices are typically allowed, but dorms often prohibit cameras or any device that records audio/video. Check your student’s housing agreement to stay compliant.

How do I talk about this without sounding controlling?
Frame it around their safety, not your anxiety: “This isn’t about watching you, it’s about giving you a safety net if something ever feels off.”

What’s the one safety habit most students forget?
Locking their dorm door. It seems basic, but it’s often skipped, and it’s the easiest way to prevent theft.

Are there free safety resources or services for college students?
Yes, many colleges offer free safety resources such as campus escort services, emergency alert apps, and counseling. Students can also access free local police safety programs and online safety workshops.

Ready to Equip Your Student with Real-World Safety Tools?

We’ve curated our best college safety solutions in one place, from GPS trackers to personal panic buttons to asset protection.

Browse GPS Trackers for Students Now »

Need help deciding? Call our U.S.-based support team at 800-654-7966 or start a live chat. We’re parents too, we get it.

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