Ideas about safety from users - Real-Projects-Digitalization/RPD-Defendo GitHub Wiki

I personally carry pepper spray on my keys at all times. My school says we aren't allowed to have them but they have never once enforced that rule because every girl has it on their keys. My school also has a system of blue light phones across campus where you can pick one up and ask for an escort or ride back to your dorm or car or if there is just an emergency. Plus most campus security has someone working around the clock and will answer the phone if you call them. In my freshman year, I worked till midnight in the library every night. Before leaving I would always call my boyfriend at the time to make sure someone was talking to me while I walked across campus to my dorm. I would also make sure to keep my pepper spray out and ready just in case. My school also has a thing set up with an app where your friends can watch you walk places on campus. You can try setting up a Life 360 circle and do the same if your school doenst offer that. Also, any defense is helpful. Go for the eyes. throat, or groin if possible. Don't tuck your thumb into your fist and follow through with punches like you're punching through the person.

Check to see if your school has a ride safe/walk safe program where someone will walk you to your car or give you a ride to your dorm

Know where the emergency boxes are, know the security line of your campus helps too. If possible have someone pick you up if you do night classes or are a commuting student.

In addition to the other suggestions, maybe use the Life 360 app with your roommate and/or friends so someone will always be able to find you (as long as you have your phone on you).

rape alarms, many unis give them out for free during freshers but they're cheap on amazon

Not a female, but make a specific phrase for your phone to start recording audio and/or track phone location and movement, and maybe also call the police or help. This was something I found of recently being voice activable, but could be extremely useful and life-saving. Had a situation recently where a female student was being followed during holiday, when security was minimal. Student shared Apple ID with boyfriend and he was able to use find my phone (iPhone) to pick her up. Edit: My apologies for not linking articles on how to set these up. For IOS, here is a good The Verge article on what to do: https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/17/21293996/siri-iphone-shortcut-pulled-over-police-starts-recording-video For Android, this Reddit post shows how to set a similar shortcut using Google Home app: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/harhoy/hey_google_im_being_pulled_over/ For Android, a more in-depth guide: https://www.androidcentral.com/how-get-google-assistant-watch-your-back-if-you-get-pulled-over