The five university students murdered in Florida should make more than Floridians aware of crazy kooks lurking around.

Most students are starting to get used to the cafeteria food, new faces and different campus paths after the first week at NIU. But nobody gets used to crime.

Becoming college students allows for new freedom. Students can do whatever they want whenever they like as long as it is within the boundaries of the law.

However, there is no one to tell you to walk in the lighted areas, don’t talk to strangers and hold on to your purse or wallet.

Students need to keep in mind that with the added freedom they have at college comes also the added responsibility to take care of their possessions and selves.

One student might take a stroll at 1 a.m. to view the stars or another might leave his room for five minutes to buy something at the nearby snack bar. These activities would be just fine if not for an occasional mugger or thief wandering outside or through the dorms.

The easiest way to prevent a mugger or thief from ruining the light of a full moon or a chocolate Twinkie is to think. Don’t go outside late at night alone and always lock your door no matter how long you are gone.

Also, students should look out for other students. If there is a strange character lurking through the residence halls, tell someone. Don’t assume a cry for help is just friends playing a game.

Lend a hand. Someday you might be the one crying for help.