Our college students have their cell phones with them wherever they go. We see them everywhere — walking across campus, at dinner, at sporting events, when visiting with friends, while studying, even (unfortunately) in class. Many students use their cell phone, not only for communication (by voice or text), but also as their clock or watch, their calendar, their memo keeper, their entertainment, their alarm or reminder. Their lives are almost as portable as their phone.
One of the advantages to having a cell phone with you everywhere you go is easy access to important phone numbers. Your student’s cell phone is probably crammed with numbers for family and friends and other personal contacts. Here are eight numbers your new college student should have in their phone — just in case. It may certainly make life easier in an emergency.
- Home — Yes, we list that phone number first. Hopefully, your college student will use the number to call you — but not too much. But more importantly, should your student ever be unable to call you, someone else will know how to reach you.
- Campus emergency number(s) — Most colleges have an emergency response phone number. Your student should have it on speed dial so that they can reach help quickly — for themselves or for someone else. At some colleges, public safety officers have students program the number in their phones during orientation.
- Campus health center — If your student is ill or injured, they will want to be able to reach the campus health center easily to make an appointment or ask for help.
- Roommate — Even if your student’s roommate isn’t their best friend, they should be able to reach them quickly and easily if necessary.
- A friend on campus — It’s always good to be able to reach a friend when you need to talk to someone.
- Professors — Most faculty members list their office phone numbers on their class syllabus. If your student has that number in their phone, they will be able to reach that faculty member easily when an academic question or problem arises. If the syllabus isn’t accessible, at least the faculty member still will be. Most professors would rather hear about a problem or issue earlier rather than later.
- Academic Advisor — Much like professors, your student’s advisor would rather hear early if there is a problem or concern.
- Dean’s Office — Most students may never need the phone number of the Dean’s Office. However, this may be the place to call if your student is injured or has an extended illness or family emergency. The Dean’s Office can notify professors or others on campus who should have that information.
Your student’s cell phone can become an important tool, not only for keeping in touch with family and friends, but for reassurance and safety.
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