College campuses are typically good at maintaining a high level of security for on-campus dorms and apartments. However, they can’t provide the same protection for off-site locations. It’s simply not their responsibility. 

Fortunately, student housing complexes like Sunrise Village take several security measures to ensure their residents’ safety. Below, we share additional safety tips you can implement to protect yourself and your possessions from people with bad intentions.

Secure Your Apartment

Your first precaution should be to secure your apartment physically. Upgrade your locks and ensure that all entry points, such as windows and doors, are always secure. This is the most effective way to prevent intruders from invading your space.

Installing cameras above your door or through the peephole of your apartment allows you to monitor the exterior of your place and identify anything suspicious. If you get a system that connects to iCloud, you can watch surveillance footage from anywhere with Wi-Fi.

Ensure well-lit entryways and parking areas. Replacing regular lights with motion-detecting security lights not only prevents criminals from trying to enter your home but also reduces your bills due to their energy-saving capabilities.

Take Personal Safety Measures

Taking personal measures can help you get to and from your student housing apartment safely. Observing your surroundings and being alert can prevent you from encountering dangerous situations. 

Be mindful of unfamiliar individuals or suspicious activities in your proximity. Take note of people you haven’t seen before, and pay attention to their behavior. If they are acting strangely, do not approach them. Instead, report the situation to your property manager immediately. Talking to your neighbors may help you gain insight. Even if they aren’t familiar with a suspicious person, they can at least look out for you.

Consider how you will travel to and from your apartment. Taking precautions can reduce risks and prevent crime. Always use well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas. Avoid back streets or alleyways, even if the route is quicker. Partner with roommates or friends when walking alone at night to become less of a target. 

Using reliable transportation options, such as your private vehicle or designated campus shuttles, can provide additional safety.

Secure Valuables

You should also invest in methods for securing your valuables when living off-campus. Start by locking up whenever you leave home. Avoid leaving the door open, ajar, or unlocked even if someone else is home.

Next, store valuables in a secure location. Either hide them somewhere intruders won’t find them or keep them in a lockbox, secured to something sturdy. If possible, get a lockbox that alerts you to tampering via your phone.

Many complexes require renter's insurance for personal belongings in case of theft or damage. These policies will reimburse you for losses should you become a victim of theft or natural disaster.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

While crime is a risk in off-campus apartments, accidents are also a concern. Students living alone for the first time may unintentionally endanger themselves or others. 

Therefore, before moving in, you should take the following emergency precautions:

  • Ensure working smoke detectors are installed and regularly maintained. Check the battery level by looking for a flashing red light or testing it using the testing button. 
  • Learn how to use your fire extinguisher. There are various types of figure extinguishers. Identify which one you have and in which situations it’s most appropriate.
  • Be cautious with candles, cooking appliances, and overloaded electrical outlets. Don’t plug everything into a single socket. If you want extra light in a room, opt for lamps instead of anything with an open flame. Unplug cooking appliances, such as toasters or air fryers, when not in use.
  • Create an evacuation plan in the case of a fire. Learn where to go if you smell smoke or the fire alarm goes off. Decide what is most important to take with you, and place those items in an easy-to-reach spot.
  • Identify a safe area of your apartment where you can seek shelter in case of a natural disaster. Most buildings have designated plans for flooding, earthquakes, and high winds. 
  • Know when and how to contact emergency services. Call 911 or campus security if you require immediate assistance. 
  • Keep a first aid kit stocked with supplies. This measure might seem extreme, but you never know when you’ll need one! At a minimum, your kit should include individually wrapped sterile plasters and bandages, safety pins, sterilizing wipes, disposable gloves, wound dressings, scissors, and tape.

Build Community and Report Any Concerns

Another safety strategy involves having people around you who can help you watch for danger and report concerns. Building relationships with your neighbors can protect you in the long term. Knowing you have a community of people watching out for you can put your mind at ease.

Report maintenance issues promptly to property management. Telling staff there are problems can help resolve issues rapidly. Most apartment buildings have teams who fix electrical and plumbing issues right away.

Finally, contact local authorities or campus security if you notice anything suspicious or worthy of further investigation. Sunrise Village residents can also report suspicious activity to staff.

Contact Sunrise Village for Safe Off-Campus Student Housing

Although student housing complexes often prioritize student safety, you should still incorporate strategies to protect yourself. Putting safety first and taking proactive measures can prevent you from experiencing any harm.

If you are looking for a safe and affordable BYU-I-approved student housing complex, contact Sunrise Village today. We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming season. Don’t miss your chance to save on early bird discounts!