College Students: Utilizing the Buddy System

As a new semester starts at universities and colleges across the country, college students should keep the “buddy system” in the back of their minds for their safety. The buddy system is simple: you and another person work together to make sure the other is safe. While young adults out on their own for the first time may think that they’re made of Teflon, the reality is that without someone watching your back, you open yourself up to the dangers of nightlife. Those with ill-intentions going after the alone and vulnerable, drivers not paying attention at night, and fake rideshare drivers, are all hazards that can be avoided with someone by your side.

There are a number of ways you can implement the buddy system into your nights out:

• Share your location with your buddy so that if you are separated during the night, you know where the other person is.
• Share transportation information at the end of the night if you don’t live in the same area.
• If your buddy is talking to a stranger, check in with them to make sure that they are safe. If you sense that this stranger is up to no good, pull your buddy out of the situation.

Even with the buddy system, it is important to stay on your guard and to stay vigilant regarding your own safety. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.