Home Safety & Security 

According to the Bureau of Justice, 18–19 year-olds experience the highest rates of home burglary across the country. On average, renters experience a higher rate of home burglary than homeowners. You can significantly reduce your risk of home burglary by practicing prevention and deterrence. 

 

How to Prevent Home Burglaries  

  1. The majority of home burglars enter homes through unlocked windows or doors without using force. You can prevent home burglaries before they occur simply by keeping your doors and windows locked at all times. 
  2. Don’t open the door for people you don’t know. Burglars sometimes pose as salespeople or come to your door to ask you a question for the sole purpose of seeing what is inside your house. Once they do, they might return later in the night to complete the home burglary. 
  3. Burglars use social media to target victims. You will invite a home burglary if you publicly advertise that no one is home. Never advertise on social media that you are away from your home.  
  4. Don’t give your personal financial information to anyone.  Door-to-door salespeople may want your personal and financial information and will use high-pressure tactics to get that information. Once they have your information, they can commit fraud and empty your bank account, and destroy your credit.  Even “legitimate” companies can abuse door-to-door sales to lock you into a bad contract. Contact Student Legal Services for assistance reviewing any consumer agreement or if you think you’ve been the victim of fraud or identity theft. 
  5. If you plan to leave your home for vacation or break, make sure your mail service is temporarily held. Accumulating mail is a sure sign that nobody is home.  To temporarily hold your mail, visit holdmail.usps.com. 
  6. If you are away from your home for any amount of time, keep your exterior lights on and use a safety timer for your indoor lights. A burglar is less likely to attempt a home burglary if bright lights expose the burglar to the public. 
  7. A burglar also is less likely to target a home that looks like it is occupied. A safety timer can turn your interior lights on and off throughout the night to give the appearance that someone is home. Free safety timers are available for students at 3106 Ohio Union. 
  8. Audible alarms can deter burglars from attempting to gain entry into your home. Window and door alarms are powerful deterrence devices that create a loud ringing sound when triggered. A burglar is less likely to enter a home when a loud alarm alerts residents and neighbors of the burglar’s presence. Free window and door alarms are available for students at 3106 Ohio Union. Register for safety devices from our office here. 
  9. A security system can alert residents and the authorities when a burglar attempts to gain entry into your home. A burglar is less likely to continue with the burglary if an audible alarm alerts residents and the police of the burglar’s presence. You should consider a home security system if you do not have one. If a security system is already installed in your rental property, you may want to consider activating it. 
  10. Some home security systems double as smoke alarm systems. If you have a dual security and fire alarm system, not only will the security system alert authorities if it detects a break-in, it will notify the fire department in the event of a fire as well. For additional information about fire safety, read about how you can enhance your home fire safety. 
  11. Renters insurance is financial protection that can cover property loss in the event of theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and damage caused as a result of fire, flood, or other disasters. Renters insurance is a low-cost insurance option that can cover your personal belongings year-round. Student Legal Services offers Ohio State students a number of different resources in regards to renters insurance. 

Tips for Commuting

Being a commuter student on campus can be difficult especially when you are on campus all day from 8AM – 5 PM. I’ve gathered feedback from my peers and composed a list of advice and tips for students! Here are a few tips from current commuter students: 

  • Pack like you are leaving for a road trip.  

You want to make sure you have everything you need whether it’s your laptop charger to a sweatshirt. It almost seems that each building on campus is either freezing or smoldering hot based on the season. Typically, most buildings on campus are cold, so bringing a sweatshirt to campus is a must. Also, pack your iPad/iPhone charger, your laptop charger. You may need your chargers if you are on campus all day. It’s always better to pack more than you think you will need so you don’t forget something that impacts your day! 

  • Bring a water bottle or a tumbler to campus.  

Not only will this help you save money, but you will contribute to being a sustainable Buckeye. There are lots of water fountains all around campus where you can fill up your bottle. A few restaurants may be able to fill up your tumbler or bottle with coffee so be on the lookout out for that! 

  • Do not text/call and drive. 

You have heard this a hundred times but don’t text and drive. You must be especially careful on campus because there are a lot of people on campus each day.  Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are crossing streets, rushing to their next destination, and are expecting you to stop, so they may not be paying as close attention as they should be. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way!   

  • Find the right parking pass for you.  

Many students park at the Buckeye Lot because it is the most cost-effective option, but it is a short bus ride from the Buckeye Lot to Central Campus. Based on your eligibility, you may have more options to park on campus available to you. Visit CampusParc for more information regarding permits.   

  • Always leave early.  

Many students come to campus early to find a good spot to park or to get to class on time. I am a morning person, so I take 8 AM classes. I know it sounds awful, but you get used to it over time. For my morning classes I typically leave my house around 6:50 AM. It takes me 25 minutes to get to campus with rush hour traffic, and an additional 20 minutes to comfortably get to class and make sure I get coffee on the way. Leaving early ensures that even if I hit more traffic, need to spend more time waiting for a bus, or if I run into someone I want to talk to, I have plenty of time to still be at class on time without starting off my day rushing around campus. No one likes to sit in a lecture hall when they are sweaty from running across the oval! 

 

Hopefully, this helps! I am always willing to give more tips! 

 

Sincerely,  

Your favorite Commuter Student- Abby  

How to Navigate the City Using COTA

As an Ohio State student, you have the opportunity of using the COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) through your BuckID. This initially sounds great but can get confusing very quickly if you don’t have experience with using public transportation. Here are some questions you may have: 

 

  • Where are the bus stops? 
  • Where do the different bus lines go? 
  • How do I know when the bus is coming? 

 

Here’s a simple guide from COTA: https://www.cota.com/how-to-ride/  

 

COTA recommends using their trip planner on their website, but if you have a smartphone the Transit app makes travelling with COTA incredibly easy: https://transitapp.com/  

 

Through the app you can choose a destination and it will then show you the best bus lines and route to take from your current location. It will track the bus that you choose providing current updates as to when the bus is coming and where it is. 

 

After determining your route, using the bus is simple. COTA buses stop at bus stops when they see somebody waiting there. When boarding the bus, be sure to swipe your BuckID as that will serve as your fare for the trip. Pay attention to the stops you are passing as that will clue you in as to when you need to get off. When you know which stop to get off at, be sure to pull the yellow wire to alert the driver that you need to get off at the next stop. Due to COVID, current protocol is to exit the bus from the back door so as not to crowd the front of the bus.  

 

Most useful lines for Ohio State students: 

  • 2: Travels North and South on High Street, useful for exploring outside of campus 
  • 31: Travels through South campus, Med campus, and takes you close to Lennox Town Center 

Be a Respectful Scooter User

This morning while walking to the Union on 13th I came across multiple scooters laying across the sidewalk. Unfortunately, they were also laying across the sidewalk right next to a handicap street parking spot. This is generally annoying behavior, but it is also disrespectful of those with disabilities. Imagine being a wheelchair user in the off-campus area and you come across a scooter laying askew in the sidewalk – how would you navigate the situation? As members of the off-campus community, we need to make an effort to create a safe and welcoming neighborhood for all.

 

Here are some tips on how to be a respectful scooter user: 

Meet the Team: Gabby

Hi everyone! My name is Gabby Gick, and I am currently a junior at Ohio State studying Marketing in the Fisher College of Business. I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I currently work as a Community Ambassador as well as an Administrative Assistant for the Willie J. Young Off-Campus & Commuter Student Engagement Office at Ohio State.  

Some of my on-campus involvements include being on Executive Board for my business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, as well as being a mentor for my University Scholars Program, Media Marketing & Communications Scholars. In my free time, I love to travel, watch movies, and spend time with my friends and family! 

Pizza Spots to Try

Pizza is the go-to for many college students whether it is for a study break or a quick bite before class.  The Ohio State University has many options for different kinds of pizza.  Some of the bests (in no particular order) are:  

  • Adriatico’s  
  • Tommy’s Pizza 
  • Blaze Pizza  
  • Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza  
  • Sicilia  
  • Mama Mimi’s Take and Bake  
  • Plank’s  
  • Varsity Club 
  • Mikey’s Late-Night Slice 

 

There are so many options on campus with different styles of pizza to choose from and a lot of them are known for specific things around the Ohio State community.   

  • Adriatico’s has been around the university area for almost 40 years and is well known for its New York style pizza and the many awards they have won. 

  • Tommy’s Pizza has been at The Ohio State University for 60 years and is the second oldest pizza shop in Columbus.  

  • Blaze Pizza is a newer type of pizza that is personal and build your own.  It allows for a nice quick bite on the way to class or home for the day!  LeBron James also owns part of this company! 

  • Hounddog’s has many different sauces and heat levels which add a little personality to your pizza.   

  • Sicilia Pizza is a hole in the wall pizza place that college students love to visit late at night.  Pizza can be purchased by the slice here which is nice for small groups! 

  • Mama Mimi’s provides the unique attribute of Take-and-Bake which allows for people to eat hot and fresh pizza in the comfort of their home.   

  • Plank’s is a family-owned business that is decked out in Ohio State decorations.  

  • Varsity Club is located on Lane Avenue and is home to many alumni and current students at the university!  Stop in and experience the Ohio State pride that radiates from the building!  

  • Mikey’s Late-Night Slice is a great pizza place, and they even offer a lot of options for dietary restrictions.  The Unicorn Sauce is a must try!  

Meet the Team: Elise

Hi, my name is Elise Pickett, and I am a Commuter Mentor through Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement.  I am excited to work on this blog and provide awesome and fun resources for students here at The Ohio State University.  It will also be a way we can spread information about events happening on campus to Off-Campus and Commuter students.  I cannot wait to get this site up and running!   

Emergency and Non-Emergency Numbers

There are a lot of numbers to call when a situation rises. Sometimes it’s better to call a nonemergency number rather than 911. Remember to ALWAYS call 911 in an emergency or a situation that could turn into an emergency. Here are some numbers that may be helpful in case a problem or unsafe situation arises:   

 
Important Non-Emergency Safety Numbers 

Columbus Police Non-Emergency  614-645-4545 
OSU Police Non-Emergency  614-292-2121 

 

Important Ohio State University Numbers 

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement  614-292-0100 
Public Safety  614-247-6300 
Student Advocacy  614-292-1111 
Student Health Center  614-292-4321 
Student Legal Services  614-247-5853 
Student Wellness Center  614-292-4527 
Relationship Education and Violence Support    614-292-4527 

 

Additional Safety Numbers 

Central Ohio Poison Center   1-800-222-1222  
Community Crime Patrol (CCP)   614-247-1760  
Ohio Dept of Public Safety Liquor Enforcement Hotline   1-877-4MINORS  

 

Meet the Team: Anna

Hello! My name is Anna and I’m a fourth year at OSU. I am majoring in Psychology and Environmental Policy & Decision Making. I am passionate about sustainability, knitting, and cuddling with my cats. I am excited to share posts from zero waste tips to recipes to resources on wellness. Hope to see you soon! 

9 Dimensions of Wellness

Did you know there are nine dimensions of wellness that contribute to your overall wellness and health?  These nine dimensions are  

  • Physical Wellness 
  • Emotional Wellness 
  • Intellectual Wellness 
  • Spiritual Wellness 
  • Social Wellness 
  • Environmental Wellness 
  • Occupational Wellness 
  • Financial Wellness 
  • Creative Wellness 

Each of these components plays a vital role in overall wellness and analyzing each individual part can help to identify which areas are successful and which need some work.  Let’s explore each dimension a little more and see what they entail, and some examples of student organizations associated with each!  

 

Physical Wellness 

Physical wellness is described based on many different aspects.  Some of these include sleep, diet, exercise, medical check-ups, and healthy romantic relationships.  

Example Student Organizations: 

  • Buckeye Olympics 
  • Empower Sports at The Ohio State University 

 

Emotional Wellness  

Emotional wellness is considered the ability to identify, express, and manage the entire range of emotions and the ability to seek assistance in areas of concern. 

Example Student Organization: 

  • Being Centered 

 

Intellectual Wellness 

Intellectual wellness means valuing lifelong learning, developing moral reasoning, fostering critical thinking, expanding world views, and engaging in education for the pursuit of knowledge.  

Example Student Organizations: 

  • The Academic Team at The Ohio State University 
  • Sociology and Criminology Club 

 

Spiritual Wellness 

Spiritual wellness is achieved through exploring human purpose, meaning, and connection through self-reflection and dialogue to achieve harmony and balance.   

Example Student Organizations: 

  • Being Centered 
  • Manna 

 

Social Wellness  

Social wellness is defined as having a network of support based on interdependence, mutual trust, and has developed a sensitivity and awareness towards the feelings of others.  

Example Student Organizations: 

  • Sororities/Fraternities  
  • All clubs have social aspects 

 

Environmental Wellness 

Environmental wellness is recognizing the responsibility to preserve, protect, and improve the environment and appreciate the interconnectedness of nature and individual.   

Example Student Organizations: 

  • Cultivate Columbus 
  • Environmental Sustainability Magazine 

 

Occupational Wellness  

Occupational wellness includes engaging in work to gain personal satisfaction and enrichment, consistent with values, goals and lifestyle.   

Example Student Organizations: 

  • 500Firms 
  • Health Occupations Students of America 

 

Financial Wellness 

Financial wellness is when a person is fully aware of financial state and budgets, saves and manages finances in order to achieve realistic goals.  

Example Student Organizations: 

  • Undergraduate Finance Association 
  • Black Swan Investment Club 

 

Creative Wellness 

Creative wellness means valuing and actively participating in a diverse range of arts and cultural experiences as a means to understand and appreciate the surrounding world.  

Example Student Organizations: 

  • 3D Dance Team 
  • Design ThinkTank 

 

There are many more student organizations relating to each dimension of wellness.  The search engine for student organizations can be found at Find a Student Organization : Student Activities (osu.edu).   

 

Information of the nine dimensions of wellness can be found at Nine Dimensions of Wellness : Student Wellness Center (osu.edu).