Staying healthy in college is important – so is being safe. In fact, the two go hand in hand when it comes to making sure that you not only enjoy your collegiate years, but also seek fulfillment from them. Lately, there has been a lot of information in the news about how college campuses aren’t safe anymore. Indeed, college campuses are safe, but it is how you protect yourself that is the real issue. It is critical that you not only stay up to date with your own health – it is also important to make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. You never want to be left in a situation where you are vulnerable. Here are four essential health and safety tips for college students.

1. Visit Your Health Center for a Check Up

Every year, you want to visit your health center for a run down and a check up. Moreover, you may want to get some advice from your college health clinician about your wellbeing. If you are a new student, this can help you stay healthy throughout your four years. If you are taking an online program, like ACU Online, you may want to visit a local clinic.

2. Never Walk Alone After Dark

It doesn’t matter if you are going to UC Davis, or another college, you don’t want to walk alone on campus after dark. This is especially the case if there are not a lot of people around. This could put you in a vulnerable situation where a stranger or predator could take advantage. Moreover, you could be in a situation where you are susceptible to a theft or a mugging, which can be quite violent or jarring.

3. Always Drink in Moderation

If you go to a party or spend time with friends, you always want to remember to drink in moderation. If you are not of the legal drinking age, you want to refrain entirely. There is a reason why there is a legal drinking age. If you are too young, you could make irrational decisions that could harm you or someone else, which is the last thing that you want to happen. Indeed, there are many dangers surrounding the over consumption of alcohol.

4. Keep an Emergency Contact on You at All Times

It is critical that you have an emergency contact number in your wallet or on your phone at all times. If you do put an emergency number in your phone, you want to save it as “ICE or “in case of emergency.” If you don’t save the number this way, it will be very hard to find the contact information.

At the end of the day, any environment can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. The same thing goes on a college campus. If you are new to college and used to the comfortable life back home, it is even more important to listen to this safety advice, because you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are in trouble and don’t exactly know what to do.