Dorm Security for your College Student
There are currently more than 20 million students enrolled in college courses, according to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) National Center for Education Statistics. Many schools require that first-year students live on campus. The dorm is a great way to meet new friends, form study groups and it provides easy access to classes and campus activities. While buying new comforters and decor for the dorm, don’t forget to also think about dorm security for your college student.
Consider the following potential dorm security challenges when preparing your student for their new home.
1. Roommates
Many students don’t know their roommate or roommates before they move in to the dorm. Most schools do offer an app or questionnaire to help match students with similar interests. While it is unlikely that a roommate would steal from you, the more people with access to the room, the greater the risk. If possible, reach out to new roommates before school starts to get to know each other. If something doesn’t feel right, see if you can request a new room or change roommates.
Also, when you do move in, be sure to discuss upfront how everyone feels about sharing clothes, books and even food. “Missing” items may have actually been borrowed by a roommate. Just be sure they remember to give them back!
2. Access to Dorms
Who can access the dorm? Most college dorms have some type of access control system, such as a keycard entry. Exterior doors lock automatically and even the dorm rooms usually default to being locked. The doorways should be well lit so students can easily find their key or card to get inside.
Unfortunately, however, sometimes students will bypass these systems by leaving the door propped open, allowing anyone to enter the building unrestricted. Or as students exit, anyone waiting outside the door can use this as an opportunity to gain access.
This opens the doors to a whole new world of problems, as burglars, vandals and even sexual assailants can enter the dorm.
Dorm security should be a priority for everyone. Close a door that you find propped open and never let an unknown person follow you inside. If others don’t seem to share the concerns, ask to have the topic reviewed at the next dorm meeting. Expect enforcement of the rules from dorm leadership.
3. Dorm Room Windows
There’s nothing wrong with leaving a window open in your dorm room, but you should close it before leaving or going to sleep. Burglars often gain entry into dorm rooms through an unlocked window — and don’t assume that your dorm room is immune to “window-crawling” burglars just because it’s on the second floor. Burglars may climb railings to access second, third or even fourth-story dorm rooms. Be sure windows at the end of the hallways or in the common areas are also kept closed and locked.
4. Visitor Hours
There is an expectation that only people paying to live in the dorm actually live in the dorm. Particularly in dorms or floors that are single gender, it is important that there are visitor hours. This prevents people of the opposite sex from having access to the dorm during overnight hours. Be sure when there are parties or when everyone has their doors open to come in and out to visit that any valuables are secured and out of view.
We Can Help
Have questions about dorm or campus security? Give us a call at 281-506-8466 or visit us online and we would be happy to help.
