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Keeping Yourself—and Your Stuff—Safe When You Share Your Space

By Betty Nylund Barr, Staff Writer

If you live in a dorm or in military barracks, you will never want for company! But how can you protect your belongings, and what can you do to keep yourself and your roommates safe? The following are twelve recommendations that primarily apply to living in a dorm room with one other person, but many can be adapted for life in a barracks.[1]

  1. Keep the doors locked. Lock doors even if you are stepping out for only a few minutes. If allowed, use a deadbolt or security bar.
  2. Do not prop doors open. Yes, it is convenient, but it also is an invitation inside to anyone wandering through the hall.
  3. Limit access to your room. Do not let just anybody into your room. Other than roommates, only let in people you trust. Do not share keys, codes, or access cards with anyone.
  4. Secure your valuables. Keep important or valuable items in a small locking box or, better yet, a foot locker with a lock, and secure the locker to your bed with a cable lock. Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
  5. Know your neighbors. People who know each other tend to look out for each other’s property. Also, if you know who belongs there, you will be more aware of an intruder.
  6. Beware of social media updates. To prevent bad actors from taking advantage of your absence, do not share your location in real time on social media platforms.
  7. Be cautious around people you do not know. Visitors come and go. Be aware of who should and should not be there.
  8. Use personal security devices. If the facility allows, carry a whistle, pepper spray, or a car remote control that has an alarm.
  9. Report suspicious activity. We have all heard, “If you see something, say something.” Take it to heart. If you see someone acting suspiciously, report it to the relevant authority.
  10. Keep emergency contact information at hand. Keep base security and local emergency phone numbers on your phone.
  11. Attend safety orientations, seminars, and workshops. Consider taking classes or workshops on personal safety and self-defense techniques.
  12. Trust your instincts. If they tell you something is wrong, do not ignore the feeling. Go get help.

To flip the script, the following rules govern life in a barracks with many other people in the room, but those living in a dorm room or with only one roommate may also be able to take something away from the advice on this list.[2]

  • Do not keep personally owned firearms in the barracks.
  • Do not have open-flame devices, such as candles or incense, in the barracks.
  • Do not keep flammable materials in the barracks except for small quantities of items for personal use, such as lighter fluid or shoe polish.
  • Refrain from tampering with or modifying electrical wiring or running electrical cords across doorways, under rugs, or through holes in the wall.
  • Unplug irons, hair dryers, and hair curlers following use, and allow them to cool in a safe place.
  • When leaving the room, turn off appliances, such as TVs, radios, and coffee makers.
  • Use only UL-approved extension cords and grounded surge protectors.
  • Keep furnishings, appliances, and personal items at least two inches from the wall to enable air flow, thereby preventing mold and mildew.
  • Ensure that personal items do not impede egress to doors and windows.
  • Do not smoke in the barracks; outdoor smoking areas are designated by approved smoking receptacles.
  • Do not cover, disable, damage, or hang items from fire alarms or sprinklers.
  • Report any malfunctioning equipment or other potential hazards to the Barracks Manager immediately.

If you use common sense and learn from the tips of other people who have shared their living space with one or lots of other people, you should be able to remain safe. If you find yourself in conflict with a roommate, have some patience and empathy. Take a deep breath, try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view, and work out a solution that satisfies both of you. Getting along with other people is an invaluable life skill, and the sooner you master it, the happier and more successful you will be. Who knows? Maybe that roomie that leaves her dirty clothes on the shared bathroom floor does not realize how much it bugs the next person using the shower. This could be the first time she has ever shared a room. Or perhaps the guy in the bunk next to you is not aware that the music he is blasting through his earbuds can be heard by others nearby who are trying to sleep or study. Put yourself in his shoes, and just ask jokingly if he will turn down the volume before he shatters his eardrums. Who knows? He may eventually turn out to be a close friend!

We face enough conflicts in life that are difficult or impossible to avoid. Preserve your peace of mind, and deflect the conflicts that are avoidable.

[1] Barnard, Lee. 2024. “12 Dorm Room Safety Tips: Securing Your Space.” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/12-dorm-room-safety-tips-securing-your-space-lee-barnard-cpp-41hyc/.

[2] Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations West. n.d. Resident’s Guide to the Barracks Handbook. https://www.1stmlg.marines.mil/Portals/123/Final%20Products_I%20MEF%20MCIWEST%20Joint%20Barracks%20Policy_Enclosure%20%281%29%20-%20Resident%27s%20Guide%20to%20Barracks%20Life%20%28002%29_1.pdf