This actually one thing I've worried about since I started college. I often walk to and from class alone. This semester, I'm even taking a night course from the school's Central Campus, which is located in downtown Charlotte, NC (which, to me, is a fairly big city). Most of the advice, I've taken to heart no matter where I am: stay alert, look around and don't keep your head down, move quickly and confidently (I'm a fast walker anyway). Keep your keys handy, so you're not standing somewhere digging for your keys in your purse (I keep mine in my pocket). If you need anything while you're walking from car to building or vice versa, keep that handy too before you start walking.

It's sad that I have to be aware of the possibilities, no matter where I go. But I've just become so used to it, I don't think about it much. Which is probably sad in itself.

"You need me. You wouldn't be much of a hero without a villain. And you do love being the hero, don't you. The cheering children, the swooning women, you love it so much, it's made you my most reliable accomplice." -- Lex Luthor to Superman, Question Authority, Justice League Unlimited