As the Seniors from Brookline High School's class of 2012 are getting ready to start at their colleges, and as Boston University and Boston College are gearing up for another semester, there will be a lot of students in the Brookline area. 

Freshman will be eager to prove they are ready for their first opportunity to live away from home and upperclassmen will be returning to something familiar and comfortable.

In either case, personal safety should still be at the top of the priority list.

The report of an alleged rape on the campus of Harvard University last week was a shocking reminder that terrible crimes are possible anywhere -- even on the campus of one of the most renowned universities in the world.

“It’s so shocking, absolutely crazy,” 15-year-old Noor Farhat, a summer school student from Lebanon, told Boston.com. “My parents let me come here because they think Harvard is a safe place."

Before you send your co-ed off to campus this fall, make sure they take a look at the following tips from StreetSafe.com to help ensure their personal safety.

1. Let friends or roommates know where you are going, who you are with and when to expect you home.

2. Never leave outside doors propped open, and don’t let strangers into secured buildings or residence halls.

3. A stranger is still a stranger, even if they are a fellow student. Do not accept a ride or go off somewhere alone with a person you don’t know.

4. Do not drink in excess. When you do so, your ability to make decisions becomes impaired, making you an easy target.

5. When approaching your car or residence, have your keys in your hand and check the area for suspicious individuals or activity.

6. When walking by yourself, keep expensive belongings such as laptops hidden. You will be less of a target.

7. The beaten path is the better path. Do not take short cuts and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out.

If you haven't already, put the Campus Police and other emergency numbers in your cell phone in case of emergencies.

• Boston University: Emergency 617-353-2121, Other business/info: 617-353-2110
• Boston College: Emergency 617-552-4444, Business 617-552-4440
• Newbury College: Emergency 730-7160
• Pine Manor College: Emergency (617) 731-7777 Business (617) 731-7187 
• MBTA Police: Emergency 617-222-1212 Business 617-222-1000
• Brookline Police: Main Number (Non-Emergency) 617-730-2222