"There's so much to say, so I'll just say everything rushing through my mind [at that question] in a semi-jumbled rant, okay? Nobody ever talks about it, but sexual assault on campus is REAL. And it happens a lot...so much so that nowadays, I feel like I'm obligated to warn all and any incoming freshmen. Not just girls, but guys, too. And so I do.

Never walk anywhere alone. Don't linger anywhere. Don't get too drunk, don't stay out too late. Honestly, what can we do? It pains me to say it, but sexual assault is so commonplace on campus that it's almost the norm. Don't say I didn't warn you, girlie."

Without further ado, here's what 5 college girls told me in regards to the reality of sexual assault on college campuses.

1. "Never, EVER, walk outside alone at night..."

Each of the girls I interviewed reiterated this point, and each of them had their own story to tell with it.

"People say it's a cliche. Needless to say, I was one of those people."

"I was literally groped outside my own dorm. I had just gotten back from work. It was only 10 PM, not even that late, but the sun was down and the sky was pitch-black. I guess it was enough..."

"If I don't get wolf-whistled at at least once when I'm walking back from my evening lab, it's strange."

Their solution? Go out in groups, either with your friends, your lab assistants or even your coworkers. Just make sure it's with someone you trust. While tedious, going the extra mile will help to ensure that your walk back home is so, so much safer.

2. "Don't go to parties alone, regardless of your gender."

"Date-rape drugs are not just "Law and Order: SVU"plot devices, alright? They're very real, and they can ruin your life.

There's just so many unsuspecting, naive college freshmen who go to parties. You just never know what's going to happen."

One girl told me how a friend of a friend left her drink unattended for five minutes in order to use the bathroom. She came back, finished the drink, and the rest of the night was a blur. She woke up in a frat boy's room, completely naked, alone, with no recollection of what had happened. Another friend of mine told me about a male friend of hers who attended a party on campus and ended up hating it. He ended up sobbing on the tile floor of the frat's bathroom, crying about how miserable he felt. And while he was preoccupied, a frat member stepped into the bathroom with him and took advantage of him. Yes, rape can happen to anyone.

They told me the best solution was to always go with a friend, and watch over one another. Make sure no one leaves their cup unattended, and that they're never alone. Not only will your party experience be much safer, but more fun, too! You're with your friends, after all.

3. "It doesn't matter what you wear."

Again with this, but so, so true. It has to be emphasized.

"Honestly, if a predator is horny, it doesn't matter if you're in a tank top, or a bulky winter overcoat, you're a target, Period."

"It just happens, you know? Predators are predators, and they're always god-awful. I've known people who were assaulted in bikinis, and I've known people who were assaulted in full tuxedos. You just have to be very, very careful, and always have your wits about you. That's all I can say."

4. "Avoid going on dates with strangers."

"Look, it's cool if it's finals week and that boy in your Poetry class who you've really gotten to know over the semester asks you out for pizza. That's fine, I mean, still tell your friends you're going on a date regardless; anything can happen, even between friends. But if it's the first dang day of psych and that [albeit cute] boy on the other side of the dang auditorium asks you to 'come over,' warning bells should be tolling in your head.

AND TINDER. OMIGOD TINDER. That's the worst possible thing to do in college, okay? You're still so young and naive...like I get the appeal of meeting up with a possible date, that's cool...but when you're still a kid and going out to meet strange men and women (who you don't know) in a secluded space, it's not okay. Honestly, I say college kids shouldn't even be on Tinder, it's just too unsafe. But you get the gist. You can be curious, but you gotta be smart, too."

5. "Anyone can be assaulted...but anyone can also ASSAULT others, too."

One of the girls really emphasized this point.

"Listen, we get it. Rape can happen to anyone. But why don't people understand that anyone can rape? Rapists aren't always those strangers on the street, or that dirty white shirt in the office...rapists can be that nice kid in your Calc class, or that kindly professor who offers you lots of extra credit, or even your best friend...

Again, it always helps to be wary. You CAN be close with people, but you gotta realize when being 'just a friend' crosses the line, ya feel?"

And, lastly: "Sexual assault runs rampant on college campuses, but that doesn't meant there isn't help for you. That doesn't mean it can't be prevented."

You are not alone.

"If you are assaulted, nowadays there are many resources at your disposal. Colleges often have help lines and student health services to get you the care you need, as well as ways to report incidents. These services are usually confidential, so you don't have to worry about being outed as a victim. Plus, if you want to spread awareness, colleges usually have some sort of club or board that does just that! It's not perfect, but it will help. Trust me."

Please don't go through this alone. Being a victim is lonely enough. People are here for you, and we WILL help.

If you are a victim and have been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. We're here for you.