Safety is a primary concern when assessing a university campus. In general, crime rates inside campuses are low. But unexpected things happen from time to time. You’ll never know when something bad may come to fruition.
If you want to ensure a safe stay, here are several ways to determine how safe your university campus is:
Accessible Counselling and Support Services
International students often face various challenges on campus. There’s the threat of discrimination and mental stressors to grapple with.
Your chosen university must have an accessible counseling group. It must have an agency or office that caters to your needs as a student.
Adequate Emergency Measures and Planning
In the event of an emergency, can your campus guarantee safety? Emergencies are inevitable, so your campus must be designed to withstand these events.
In addition, you must also find out how the university will communicate during an emergency. They must have a clear plan of directives to remain in contact under pressure.
Low Tolerance to Substance Abuse
Campuses are generally safer than you think. But drug abuse is also a prevalent offense that most universities struggle to address.
Substance abuse can lead to detrimental effects on your health. It’s essential to know if your university recognizes the need to surmount this issue. Some universities implement punishments such as fines or community service. Take the time to see how your university deals with these violations.
Plenty of Education and Programs Against Violence
Knowledge is a student’s greatest shield against criminality and violence. Exposure to the effects of violence propagates a sense of moral responsibility. Moreover, it educated students to defend themselves or reach out for help.
Violence prevention programs must be integrated into the safety measures of a university. Apart from infrastructure, education and awareness reinforce security. Remember to check out if your chosen university has all the resources to ensure this.
Installation of Crime Prevention Features
A university that invests in crime prevention features invests in student welfare. These features can range in size, scale, and purpose. Regardless, it must be evident enough to discourage criminal behavior.
Take a tour around the campus and inspect proper lighting, fire alarms, security locks, and fences. You can also request a campus map and investigate its spatial planning. There must be clear lines of sight and strategic exits for emergencies.
Reliable Security and Surveillance System
Security personnel maintains peace and order within a campus. You can inquire about the level of training they underwent and the duties they provide for student safety.
A reliable surveillance system is also a must. It may deter those with ill intentions or capture an event of a crime. The recorded images or video can serve as evidence when/if requested.
Access to Clean Water and Proper Ventilation
Access to potable water can be an issue among universities. Fortunately, most universities today have water filtration systems that process water for consumption.
Apart from water, proper air circulation is also vital. The classrooms must have proper ventilation. It doesn’t only filter the dust in the air, it makes the room more breathable too.
A university campus that values your safety is a university that leads you to a fulfilling life. Want to find more useful tips like this? Flip through MSM Unify’s blog and find useful resources about studying overseas.
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