I was just listening to some of the kids I coach at rugby talking about going to university for the first time the other day, it got me thinking are they really prepared. As parents have we prepared them. In many ways, if they stay at home and attend the local university it is easier for us and them, but at the same time that can strip them of life’s experiences.
There is so much that they will encounter for the first time no matter where they live. We need to educate them.
It seems like every September we get calls from our clients asking us a multitude of insurance-related questions about their children moving for university and we love to help and provide answers and options. But it is more than moving that we need to address with our kids.
Starting University
Is someone you know about joining the millions of students attending university/college in the coming semester? If so, do they know the rules about campus safety? These days, knowing the risks and staying safe is a bigger concern than ever.
Security falls into two basic categories: personal safety and protection of property. Although personal safety is the more important, 80 percent of all campus crimes are property-related.
Even though the following video is from an American University, I think the basic information is important.
Simply put most colleges have their own campus safety policies and guides but the basics that all students should be aware of include the following:
- Keep apartment or dorm windows and doors locked at all times and don’t allow strangers to follow into residence blocks.
- Park cars in well-lit areas and keep them locked. Don’t leave valuables inside.
- Bicycle owners should use a strong lock, and chain the bike to a sturdy fixed point.
- When going out, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. It’s safer to go out with someone else.
- At night, wear reflective clothing and carry your cellphone, making sure it’s fully charged before you leave.
- Know where the mental health unit is on campus …. Sometimes students can become overwhelmed by university/colleges challenges
I found scores more useful tips on the following website: http://www.protection1.com/campus-safety/. They’re actually produced by a private security firm but you don’t have to register or buy anything to use them.
While Canada does not typically recognize National Campus Safety Awareness Month, our neighbours to the south do, there’s no better time to ensure the students in your family, even those who have been at college/university for some time, learn about and understand the risks.
What to Do?
There is another important issue that parents/students should consider, especially when attending university/college away from home. The question of insurance for students and the extent to which existing homeowners policies might protect them, or where they might need additional insurance protection. Sometimes family purchases a 2nd home for the student to live in and rent out to other students, or the student gets an apartment etc. It might time to update your insurance to cover that second home or get tenants’ insurance. Remember you have trusted Crosbie Job Insurance in the past to keep you protected, we want you to sleep easy because we have got you covered
Give us a Shout @ 709-726-5414
Drop us an email at [email protected]
check out our broker representative on Our Locations Page
