With college enrollment in the United States is at an all-time
high and many students working part-time to fund their education, there
is an increase in evening classes and late nights on campus.

Unfortunately with the increase in enrollment, there has also been an increase in crime on college campuses. Walking to and from your car or the bus stop on a poorly lit street can be dangerous if you don't have an LED flashlight with you. You could also be stranded late at night if your bike breaks down and you don't have the proper multi-tool or repair kit on hand.
A quick walk to the library to return a book is usually a safe journey, but you never want to underestimate the same trip at night. There are steps you can take to remain extra-safe during your travels.
Listed below are five key things you should keep in your backpack at all times for safety reasons:
1. Maps. Knowing your way around campus and the city is important. If you get lost, you can easily end up somewhere that's not safe. If you are new to the area, study the city and campus maps and plan out your possible routes. Be sure to have an LED flashlight or a multi-tool with an LED flashlight built in to be able to read your maps in the dark.
2. LED flashlight. Being able to see in unlit areas is essential to nighttime safety. Having an LED flashlight will come in handy more often than you would think. Make sure to get a quality LED flashlight that has a substantial battery life so you don't have to worry about low power.
3. Multi-tool. There are many situations in which a small set of tools can come in handy. Therefore, carrying a good multi-tool in your backpack will prove invaluable, especially in emergency situations. If possible, purchase a multi-tool with a built-in LED flashlight for added assistance.
4. Batteries. It never hurts to have extra batteries on hand - your LED flashlight and cell phone are just some examples of what you may need to repower. Smart phones especially will lose a charge very quickly, so keep an extra fully charged battery for your phone in your backpack. This will be important if you need to make an emergency phone call.
5. Self-defense items. As a last resort in a self-defense situation you can always turn to items such as mace or a folding knife. Keep in mind you don't want to spray mace or wield a folding knife at anyone unless you absolutely have no other option. Even then, you must use your judgment and act wisely, considering all of your options.
So if you will be walking around campus late at night, plan accordingly. For easy access, keep your folding knife, flashlight, batteries and other emergency tools all in the same place. At the same time, don't overload yourself with too much in your backpack. You want to keep it practical but useful. Luckily, all of the items mentioned above are fairly small and easy to pack in even the smallest backpacks and purses.
Unfortunately with the increase in enrollment, there has also been an increase in crime on college campuses. Walking to and from your car or the bus stop on a poorly lit street can be dangerous if you don't have an LED flashlight with you. You could also be stranded late at night if your bike breaks down and you don't have the proper multi-tool or repair kit on hand.
A quick walk to the library to return a book is usually a safe journey, but you never want to underestimate the same trip at night. There are steps you can take to remain extra-safe during your travels.
Listed below are five key things you should keep in your backpack at all times for safety reasons:
1. Maps. Knowing your way around campus and the city is important. If you get lost, you can easily end up somewhere that's not safe. If you are new to the area, study the city and campus maps and plan out your possible routes. Be sure to have an LED flashlight or a multi-tool with an LED flashlight built in to be able to read your maps in the dark.
2. LED flashlight. Being able to see in unlit areas is essential to nighttime safety. Having an LED flashlight will come in handy more often than you would think. Make sure to get a quality LED flashlight that has a substantial battery life so you don't have to worry about low power.
3. Multi-tool. There are many situations in which a small set of tools can come in handy. Therefore, carrying a good multi-tool in your backpack will prove invaluable, especially in emergency situations. If possible, purchase a multi-tool with a built-in LED flashlight for added assistance.
4. Batteries. It never hurts to have extra batteries on hand - your LED flashlight and cell phone are just some examples of what you may need to repower. Smart phones especially will lose a charge very quickly, so keep an extra fully charged battery for your phone in your backpack. This will be important if you need to make an emergency phone call.
5. Self-defense items. As a last resort in a self-defense situation you can always turn to items such as mace or a folding knife. Keep in mind you don't want to spray mace or wield a folding knife at anyone unless you absolutely have no other option. Even then, you must use your judgment and act wisely, considering all of your options.
So if you will be walking around campus late at night, plan accordingly. For easy access, keep your folding knife, flashlight, batteries and other emergency tools all in the same place. At the same time, don't overload yourself with too much in your backpack. You want to keep it practical but useful. Luckily, all of the items mentioned above are fairly small and easy to pack in even the smallest backpacks and purses.