Heading Off to College This Fall? Keep It Safe!

(3 Minute Read) — As the college academic year kicks off in late September, many Unitus member families are helping their students move into Oregon colleges—from the University of Oregon and Oregon State University to smaller schools across the Willamette Valley. While this is an exciting time, it also brings new responsibilities: scams, identity theft, and dorm safety risks are unfortunately part of the picture for students living away from home. 

Here’s your go‑to guide for staying safe. 

Scam Alert: What to Watch Out For 

• Fake college scholarships or financial aid offers — Always use official FAFSA channels. Don’t pay to apply, and watch out for anyone promising guaranteed grants or scholarships.   

• Bogus college tuition notices or “urgent” payment calls — Verify with your school’s finance office directly—never pay based on a random call or email.  

• Employment or internship offers that ask for upfront fees or excessive personal data — Legitimate employers don’t charge to interview you or demand your Social Security number before offering you a position.  

• Textbook or supply deals that seem too good to be true — Students might shop online before move‑in, but only buy from trusted sources with clear contact info and return policies.  

Identity & Digital Safety: Simple Steps That Matter 

• Guard your personal data: SSN, credit card info, and loan documents should be kept secure and not shared unless absolutely necessary.  

• Shred or securely discard old statements and pre‑approved credit offers to avoid giving scammers a window in.  

• Think before you post—sharing your pet’s name, your mother’s maiden name, or birthdate on social platforms can give scammers the answers they need for password resets.  

On-Campus Dorm & Roommate Safety 

• Know emergency exits, fire alarms, and sprinklers—especially important in older dorms on campuses. Familiarize yourself with your building’s evacuation plan.  

• Avoid overloading outlets; with laptops, mini-fridges, and gaming gear, it’s easy to trip circuits or spark a fire.  

• Keep rooms locked, even if you’re just stepping out for a moment. A quick trip to grab a snack shouldn’t invite theft.  

• For off‑campus rentals: verify your landlord’s legitimacy, never wire money before seeing the place in person, and document agreements.  

• Create a dorm inventory—snap photos or list items; this helps with insurance claims if something gets lost or stolen.  

Tech & Online Safety 

• Avoid public Wi‑Fi networks for financial tasks — use your phone’s hotspot or secure VPN instead.  

• Be skeptical of suspicious links or unexpected messages — college campuses aren’t immune to phishing attacks. Never log in through an odd email link.  

• Keep devices updated and invest in privacy settings to safeguard your accounts.  

Tips for Unitus Families & Students 

• Talk about these safety steps before move-in day. Set expectations around locking up, reviewing documents, and verifying roommate and housing details. 

• Encourage independence cautiously. Help your student understand the importance of skepticism and verification — whether online or in person. 

• Know your coverage. If your student is living off-campus, make sure their renters or homeowners insurance covers their belongings — or consider adding coverage if it doesn’t.    

• Keep communication open. Have quick check-ins via text or call, especially when they first arrive or are managing new responsibilities. 

By staying informed and proactive, Unitus families can help students enjoy a safe, confident start to their college journey.