Living in a new city and on your own for the first time can bring new adventures and new opportunity, but it's also very easy to become vulnerable and put yourself at risk.

Moving out of Mom and Dad's house comes with a lot of responsibility, and taking care of yourself should become a priority. There are some ways to protect yourself on campus and in the community that you should be aware of.

London police Const. Dennis Rivest said it's imperative that you're mindful of your surroundings and never walk alone. “If you are going to be an individual who wants to go downtown, make sure you're with someone, and there's somebody in the group that's going to be responsible for looking after everybody.”

He added it's also important to learn more about London. “Know where you're at, start paying attention to buildings, streets and street signs. Get your landmarks so that if you find yourself in a situation where you need to call someone and tell them where you are, you can.”

When it comes to staying safe on campus, it's crucial to remember that although you may think that police officers are party poopers, they are primarily here to keep you safe.

Campus Security Services Special Const. Brent Arsenault said that this year the security team is really trying to reach out to students and make them aware of security's presence. “We'll be at Orientation and in residences giving talks about alcohol and the different services we have to offer. We want people to understand that we're here for them; I police the bad person as much as I do the good person.”

With over 400 cameras on campus, and seven to eight special constables and three to four security guards on each shift, there is no reason to feel unsafe at Fanshawe. In addition, there are several services and programs available to you that you may be unaware of.

There's a student emergency team that consists of 40 trained students volunteers, campus emergency phones and a work alone program that allows you to check in with Campus Security while working late on campus. Female students at Fanshawe may choose to enroll in the free Rape Aggression Defence course offered by Fanshawe. It's a ninehour course designed to teach students awareness and risk reduction along with hands-on defence training.

Arsenault recommended students utilize the Campus Watch Program, in which members of Campus Security will walk you anywhere on campus. “It's a safety element, absolutely. A person in uniform is going to have different presence than someone not in uniform, and it's a service paid for through your tuition, so use it!”

In addition to protecting yourself, you should also learn to take greater responsibility for your belongings. Between October 2010 and October 2011, the number of break and enters in London increased by 21 per cent. Most students own laptops, iPods, televisions or other expensive electronics, making them easy targets. In addition to locking your home, windows and bedroom door, Const. Rivest recommended getting tenant or content insurance. He also suggested recording the serial number or taking pictures of the more expensive items that you own. This way you are more protected if something were to go wrong.

For more information about Campus Security Services, visit tinyurl.com/fansecurity2012.