OFF TO COLLEGE
10 Safety Truths Every Young Woman Should

Introduction
College is a time of growth, freedom, and self-discovery—but it can also come with hidden risks. The shift from home to campus often creates a false sense of security. New surroundings, new faces, and reduced parental supervision can form a perfect storm for people who prey on distraction, inexperience, and social pressure.
This article isn’t about living in fear. It’s about being prepared. Combine confidence with clarity, instincts with strategy, and freedom with planning—and you’re not just surviving college… you’re owning it.

Boys Lie.
Boys may say anything to get you into bed. Don’t fall for their lines—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Trust Your Gut.
If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is a survival tool—know it, trust it, and use it.
Alcohol Is the #1 Date-Rape Drug.
It’s also the most common excuse for bad behavior. Know your limits, designate a sober friend, and never leave your drink unattended.
Self-Defense Starts with Self-Worth.
Know that YOU are worth defending. You are stronger and smarter than you think—and you’re never overreacting for prioritizing your protection.
Boundaries Are Beautiful.
Enforce them. Say no. Make eye contact. Disengage. Walk away. Your “no” isn’t a negotiation—it’s the end of the conversation.
Violence Doesn’t Only Happen in “Bad Areas.”
Danger can strike anywhere, anytime. Don’t let familiarity or perceived safety dull your awareness.
The Red Zone Is Real.
Most sexual assaults occur in the first four months of college. This is when predators exploit naivety, distraction, and isolation. Be especially vigilant early on.
The Biggest Threats May Not Be Strangers.
It’s often people you know. Learn to recognize grooming, coercion, and manipulation to protect yourself.
Bystander Power Is Legit.
If you see something, say something. Silence protects predators. Be as loud as you’d want someone to be for you. Your willingness to speak up for others often starts with speaking up for yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Blunt.
Don’t let politeness compromise your safety. Your reluctance to offend shouldn’t outweigh your need to defend yourself. Courtesy is a courtesy—but your safety comes first.

3 Protective Strategies
You Can Employ Today

Build Boundary-Setting Confidence Early
What to do now: Practice saying “no” assertively in low-stakes situations—whether it’s declining a favor, changing plans, or standing your ground.
Why it matters: You’ll likely face new dynamics in college. Having already practiced assertiveness will help you speak up when it counts.
Audit and Lock Down Your Digital Footprint
What to do now: Review your social media privacy settings, delete overly revealing posts (like those that show your high school, location, or dorm), and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Why it matters: Predators can use social media to gather information. A low-profile digital presence makes you less of a target—and helps you protect your identity and reputation.
Develop a Personal Safety Baseline
What to do now: Familiarize yourself with your own instincts—try walking different routes alone (safely), notice how your body reacts to discomfort, and journal moments when something felt “off.”
Why it matters: Understanding your intuitive responses now makes it easier to detect danger later. Trusting your instincts is a superpower—practicing it helps make it second nature.

Bonus Insight:
Self-defense tools can help, but a self-defense mindset is far more powerful. Most of us won’t need weapons—but awareness, skepticism, and vigilance are always accessible. Master those, and you’ll carry protection without worrying about what you left in your bag.

What an Umbrella Can Teach Us About Safety

Why feeling safe isn’t the same as being secure — and how to protect yourself against false confidence.

Why This Matters
Most people interchange the terms “safety” and “security” as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. And understanding the distinction could mean the difference between being protected and being exposed.

Safety is a feeling — the comfort, trust, and peace of mind we carry when we believe we are being protected.
Security is a state of being — the systems, strategies, and structures that actually shield us from harm.

Think of it like an Umbrella
Security is the canopy itself — strong, durable, built to withstand the storm.
Safety is how we feel underneath — warm, dry, and confident in its ability to protect us.

Here’s the truth: one without the other isn’t enough.

If you feel safe but aren’t secure, that’s false confidence.
If you’re secure but don’t feel safe, that’s anxiety.

Read more on fear vs anxiety <HERE>

Bottom Line
Feeling safe is not the same as being secure. And being secure doesn’t always mean you’ll feel safe. Only when safety and security are in alignment can we ever be truly protected. One without the other would be like carrying an umbrella when the forecast calls for rain, only to realize that it’s full of holes when you need it most.

Think of it like an Umbrella
Security is the canopy itself — strong, durable, built to withstand the storm.

Safety is how we feel underneath — warm, dry, and confident in its ability to protect us.

Here’s the truth: one without the other isn’t enough.

If you feel safe but aren’t secure, that’s false confidence.

If you’re secure but don’t feel safe, that’s anxiety.

Read more on fear vs anxiety <HERE>
Bottom Line
Feeling safe is not the same as being secure. And being secure doesn’t always mean you’ll feel safe. Only when safety and security are in alignment can we ever be truly protected. One without the other would be like carrying an umbrella when the forecast calls for rain, only to realize that it’s full of holes when you need it most.

Five Protective Strategies You Can Employ Today

Inspect Your “Umbrella” Regularly
Just like you’d check an umbrella for rips before a storm, inspect the systems you rely on — door locks, digital passwords, alarm systems, even your daily routines. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out something is broken.

Differentiate Feeling Safe From Being Safe
Ask yourself: Am I comfortable because I want to be, or because I actually am? Don’t confuse peace of mind with real protection.

Control Your Environment Where Possible
Choose seating with sightlines, park under lights, and position yourself near exits. These are small choices that layer security into ordinary environments.

Have a Backup Plan
Carrying only one umbrella is risky. Likewise, don’t rely on a single layer of protection. Have redundancies — a phone charger, a trusted contact, a safe route home.

Train Your Awareness, Not Just Your Tools
Tools provide security, but awareness ensures you know how and when to use them. Notice who’s around you, what feels off, and what’s changing in your environment.

About the Author

Spencer Coursen is a nationally recognized threat management expert, best-selling author, and combat-tested security strategist. A former Army Airborne Ranger and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal, he has led protective operations in 163 countries and overseen more than 300 successful security missions. With over 20 years of global leadership experience, Spencer blends battlefield lessons with boardroom strategy to help people and organizations navigate today’s complex threat landscape. Founder & CEO, Coursen Security Group (CSG) | Based in Austin, TX | Serving America.

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