Always Be Cautious

     So you finally moved into your dorm. Maybe you roomed with friends from high school or played Russian Roulette by picking a dorm of completely random people. But there is nothing wrong with leaving the outcome of potential roommates and friends up to fate. You may develop a lifelong friendship and eventually become as close as brothers.  Even with your old friend you're rooming with, you may become even closer and may already be trusting each other with your lives and belongings.
      This level of trust won't come at first sight for those people you just met. Even if you are that trusting of people, remember not to be too gullible and receptive.  Treat your roommates with respect as well as their belongings, but at first, don't be too trusting of them with your stuff.  Don't leave your stuff (especially valuables) lying around your dorm and remember to keep locks on everything. Sleep with your toothbrush, phone, and wallet in your pillowcase so no one else can tamper with them Maybe that's just me being paranoid, but it would work... at least until you learn more about their true nature. You  never know whether your roommates are dependable individuals  or if they are the slickest of thieves.
      New roommates aren't the only people you need to watch, but everyone around campus as well. I know, I know- No one's paying attention to that expensive laptop you momentarily left in the cafeteria filled with witnesses while you went to get a refill. But how about that notebook or pen you forgot in your Biology class? See, no thief will go for the obvious baits like high-profile gadgets and personalized smartphones. Instead thieves can go for stuff taken for granted which adds up over time.  Laptop locks are still safe to have, but what about if you don't have anything to write with in class?  One college hack I learned was to always switch the caps of your favorite blue/black pens with red ones since no one ever steals a red pen.  Small countermeasures like those, will make sure you aren't robbed of materials in class, and therefore an education. So always stay mindful about keeping up with your possessions.