Being surrounded by new people in an area that you are unfamiliar with can be scary. When choosing a college, students often worry about safety issues especially if the campus is of a bigger size.

The Department of Campus Safety and Security operates on a 24/7 system. Students can also sign up for text notifications about weather cancellations and delays, as well as emergency announcements.

Here are some suggestions on how to avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations and the risk factors involved. More tips can be found on the Iona website under the Safety and Security tab.

Know your surroundings

If  you’re going a place unfamiliar to you, try to go with someone that knows the area. Also, make sure you’re around people who benefit your wellbeing.

“Try to stay away from the wrong crowds” junior Kaitlin Boyle said.

Don’t stick with people who you know you shouldn’t be around. If they make you uncomfortable, or are making the wrong decisions, choose to separate yourself so you can stay safe.

If you have to go somewhere new alone, take a few minutes before you leave to check out the area and plan your route using Google Maps.

Travel by day

If you need to go out at night, try to travel on lit up streets and avoid going out alone. Don’t place yourself in an unnecessarily dangerous situation.

Meeting new people

Be wary of the people you talk on social media. Don’t meet up with people who you don’t know or find on social media by yourself.  Have a friend go with you and agree to meet up in a public place such as a shopping mall.

If something doesn’t feel right, then it’s not.

Being safe does not only mean your physical safety but also your emotional wellbeing as well.

“I avoid dangerous situations by avoiding negative and toxic people.” junior Gabriella Osso said.

For example, if you are out at a party, and you just feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the environment you are in, leave as soon as possible. Your gut feeling is usually right.

Call someone

If you feel unsafe, call someone to help you. Reach out to a friend, your roommate, campus security or the police. The number for the Department of Campus Safety and Security is 914-633-2245.

Weather safety

As winter soon approaches, the changing weather can also be a concern as well. If you are a commuter and drive, make sure to be extra careful while driving when snow starts to fall as the roads will be slippery. Another alternative to driving is to take the public transportation or carpool with a friend.