The first few weeks of the school year can actually be the most unsafe. Starting in a new place or city or just entering a new academic year can be exciting and yet stressful. Often there is much to do and many decisions to make. During this period of adjustment, be sure to think things through and make smart choices. Remember, while making new friends, exploring new freedoms, and learning one's boundaries may all be welcome challenges, they can also come with some level of risk to your health and well-being.
Here are a few tips to help you settle into the new school year in the big city while playing it SAFE and smart.
- Use the Buddy System - Stick with your friends! They're your best bet for staying out of trouble. Whether you have a secret set of hand signals or a system of code words, you should always discuss the plan for the night before you go out and stick to it. Look out for each other and stay together.
- If you drink alcohol, set a limit for yourself before going out. Eat first and alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic. Be aware of how much alcohol you are consuming and pace yourself. Again, use the buddy system. Have a friend remind you of your limit and help you stick to it while you do the same for him or her.
- It's never a great idea to leave a party with someone you've just met, especially if you've been drinking, and your judgment is impaired. Remember, you don't really know the person, no matter how nice they might seem in the moment.
- Don't leave your drink unattended. Someone may put something in it. Be aware of "predatory drugs," substances that can be slipped into your drink without your knowing it.
- Be wary of club promotions or parties that charge men but admit women for free and let them drink for free. Alcohol generally affects women more quickly than men and an intoxicated person may be targeted for sexual assault.
- Just because you're a man doesn't mean you don't have to be careful. Men can be attacked too.
- Always keep your cell phone on you - you never know when you may need to use it.
- Be sure to check the Department of Public Safety's list of crime prevention tips.
- And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right to you, it's probably not. Take steps to ensure your safety.
Assaults can happen to anyone at anytime, and they can be committed by someone you know, a total stranger, or someone you've just met who seems perfectly trustworthy. While New York City is generally a safe place, the best policy is to be cautious and prepared for any kind of situation to arise.
Confidential and non-judgmental counseling, support, information and assistance is available at NYU. Contact the Wellness Exchange at 212 443-9999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have questions before you go out, call the Wellness Exchange 24/7 hotline at 212-443-9999. If you encounter a problem while you're out, either call 911, or NYU's Department of Public Safety, at 212-998-2222.
Remember, the NYU Wellness Exchange (212-443-9999) is always available to discuss consent, relationships, and sexual assault. For more information on sexual assault, including how to keep yourself safe and information for survivors, please click here.
To learn risk-reducing behaviors that can help protect you from being the victim or perpetrator of sexual assault, visit the Wellness Exchange FAQs.
Have more questions about your health? Stop by the Health Promotion Office, located at:
726 Broadway (across from Waverly Place)
3rd Floor
212-443-1234
health.promotion@nyu.edu