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I am sure that by now you have all the sheets, towels, shower curtains and supplies to successfully send your college student off to school. You have checked the school list and even read my list of list of must have college dorm room supplies. You’ve even read my advice on how to help your student transition to college but there is one thing we haven’t talked about. Security and how to secure your stuff on campus.
How to Secure Your Stuff (and YOU) on Campus
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Creative Storage
One thing that is important to remember is what is out of sight isn’t an easy target. I love these little dorm ottomans that have storage in them. While they won’t secure an item it does provide an easy place to drop your laptop or something similar in when you just want it out of sight. Plus it doubles as an extra seat and additional storage. If you are looking for something a bit more secure try a traditional foot locker. We found these were perfect for the break weeks (Fall, Christmas, Spring) to make sure things were put away with all the maintenance going on and just a few students staying. Bonus that it comes in cute colors and again provides additional seating in the room.
How to Secure Your Stuff on Campus With Technology
Put a tracker on anything that you don’t want walking away. A few weeks ago I shared my love of these new TILE trackers. These are PERFECT for the college student. My son now has one in his wallet, keys and attached to his laptop. You can get a 4 pack of TILES at Verizon for $69.99. Put one under the seat of that fancy new bike you just bought and in the glove box of the car (if they are taking one).
Consider a room camera. If your kiddo is lucky enough to have their own room a Canary all-in-one security system may just be the ideal thing to keep them safe. It would alert your student the moment someone enters their room and record anything that happens. Anyone with access to the app can even watch it real time. I have been testing one in my living room the last few weeks and I am really surprised at how good the video and audio are on it. I get a notification on my phone if it knows I am not home and something moved that shouldn’t be and it provides back video–meaning if something ever were stolen from your students room, you have all the video to prove it. But to me, really, I love the idea that no one could ever surprise my student and be waiting in the room!
Personal Security
Lastly, I highly recommend that every student headed off to campus take a course on personal security. If you weren’t able to schedule one this summer, don’t fear. Many campuses offer them in the Fall to incoming students. Ask at Welcome Week or have your student look into it shortly after they move back into their new digs.
*Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon #VZWBuzz team I am compensated for my honest reviews of products.
