By State Farm

Sending your son or daughter to college is an experience that comes with exhilaration, stress and a measure of anxiety. Relieve some of that worry by giving your young adults pointers for keeping themselves and their belongings safe while they’re away from home.

<strong>Tips for Students</strong>
•  Tour the campus during the day to familiarize yourself with the facilities and the locations of emergency phones.
•  Tell a friend or roommate where you’re going before venturing out.
•  Avoid leaving your electronics, school bag or other belongings unattended.
•  Report suspicious people or vehicles to campus security.
•  Avoid walking alone on campus, especially at night. If you don’t have someone with you, call security and request an escort.
•  Travel along well-lit paths around campus rather than taking shortcuts through side streets and alleyways.
•  Be alert to your surroundings. Remove your headphones and pocket your phone.
•  Keep your keys out when walking to your vehicle, dorm or apartment.
•  Purchase pepper spray and a whistle to attach to your keychain or store in your bag.
•  Lock all doors and windows when you’re sleeping or away from your room.
•  Never invite strangers into your apartment or residence hall.
•  Take an inventory of the items you bring to school. Valuables should be left at home.
•  Document the serial numbers on your electronics. Knowing these numbers could make the items easier to locate if stolen.
•  Follow your residence hall’s policy for cooking, extension cords and candles. If candles are permitted, keep a close eye while they burn and never leave a candle burning when you are not in the room.
•  Only drink if you’re of legal age, and do so responsibly. Pour your own beverages, keep track of your glass and arrange for a designated driver or taxi to take you home.

<strong>Tips for Parents</strong>
•  Before the school year starts, talk to your State Farm® agent about your student’s insurance needs.
•  A personal articles policy can provide additional coverage for electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment and more.
•   Renters insurance can help protect against property loss and liability in off-campus housing.
•   If your student will be taking a vehicle to school, make sure he or she is adequately insured. Remind your student that insurance rates may be impacted negatively as a result of traffic violations—and positively with potential discounts for good grades.