Also, see our Tips on how college students can stay safe:

Safety is a major concern for parents of college students who decide to take campus accommodation. Sometimes distance from home forces the students to stay on campus and at times they do so by personal choice. The farther the college from home, the greater is the worry for parents. This worry increases many fold if campus accommodation is not available and you need to make arrangements on your own. However there are a few things you can keep in mind to make your stay safer and reduce your anxiety.

First and foremost is a better understanding of the place where you are studying or staying. You should know the routes all around your campus and all the entry and exits. You should be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open for anything suspicious, like a car slowing down suspiciously along the curb or the advances being made by a potential robber or molester. You may carry self protective devices like pepper spray, a whistle or even a stun gun if there has been a history of assaults in the past. At all times trust your instinct and avoid dangerous alleys and sidewalks.

Walking in a group is always safer than being alone, though it is not possible all the time. But you should make sure that your trusted friends are well-informed about your plans and whereabouts. Keep all the important phone numbers like campus security, police, hospitals  on speed dial on your cell phone. Make sure that you do not invite too much attention to yourself by wearing heavy jewellery and expensive clothes and avoid carrying too much money with you. You should avoid roaming around at night on your own as the predators mostly take advantage of the dark and prey on unsuspecting people. Try and avoid talking or mingling with strangers at all times. Try to use public transport and travel in a group during night-time.

Many colleges have a reputation of drug abuse by students. Even otherwise you should be cautious of your drinks during college parties. You should practice self-control and stay away from alcohol. An alcohol free mind can think more clearly and is better equipped to handle emergencies. Try not to involve yourself in a brawl and stay away from fights and violence. In case you get stuck in such a situation try to raise an alarm and make use of loud, confident voice to discourage your assailant. Try to meet fellow students, teachers and other people in well-lit public places and not in seclusion.

A good relationship with fellow class mates and inmates can go a long way in making your stay fun-filled and enjoyable. You should be friendly towards people as you are most likely to strike lifelong friendships and bonds at this stage of your life.

When students leave their homes for the first time, they may suffer anxiety attacks as they leave their safe cocoons and venture into unknown territories. The parents should take responsibility and help them understand how to cope up with safety issues when staying far from home.