Attending College

Attending college is a right of passage for many high school graduates. For the first time in their lives they are going to be living life on their own terms. No sooner than their parents drop them off at their dorms, do these young people get bombarded with offers for credit cards and other pay services. Credit card companies set up tables on college campuses across the country and offer bottles of soda, novelty pens, and t-shirts just for filling out an application. Inevitably, thousands of students sign up every year and are granted large credit lines despite having no proof of income.

So as you can imagine, there is a great deal of importance for students to protect all of their documents with identifying information. follow these tips for students to better safeguard their vital information:

Always keep your credit cards, checkbook, bank statements, driver's License, and especially your student ID under lock and key. Some colleges use your Social Security number as your student ID number and many people will have access to it, such as your teachers and all of their staff. You should request another identifying number from your institution instead of using your Social Security number.
If you live in a dormitory, make sure that all of the doors and windows to your residence are equipped with good quality locking mechanisms.
Do not lend your key to anyone, if the key becomes lost or stolen; arrange to have the locks changed immediately. Lock you room at night. If you leave your dorm room or apartment for any length of time, LOCK your door. It only takes someone a few seconds to steal something out of your residence. This kind of thing is very common. It is best if your dormitory has a card access system, which enables immediate lock changes when you change roommates, or lose your key.
Get a private mailbox. Many colleges distribute mail by room or apartment rather than by name. Everyone living with you has access to your statements and letters. Your campus post office should be able to sell you a private box for a nominal fee.
Never leave your purse, wallet, or backpack unattended in a public area such as the library or cafeteria. If it is not nailed down, it will probably disappear quickly.
If you are a freshman, consider declining the offer to publish your photo and personal information for distribution to the campus community. They could be used to target you for harassment.
Know where you are going at all times. Your campus security office should offer maps of the campus and immediate area. Know the location of all the emergency phones on campus.
Discuss your schedule with your parents and a few close friends. Except in special circumstances, they should be able to locate you at all times.
Always travel in groups. If your campus provides a shuttle service, use it. Always avoid "short-cuts." Never walk alone at night.
In the evenings, it is best if your dormitory has a central entrance/exit where access is monitored. An outside telephone should be available for visitors to call for admittance. Security officials and/or residential advisors should regularly patrol the dormitory.
Know your neighbors, and make sure they know you. Suspicious situations, such as loitering, can be recognized more easily, and reported to the proper authorities.

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