There's never a good reason not to carry a firearm if you can.
One of my favorites for summer is my Ruger SP 101 .357. Two rounds of snakeshot and 3 of .357 feel pretty good .

I just deposited my 18 year old daughter at her freshman dorm and gave months of thought (and years of instruction) into her personal safety---both in her car and on her person. In VA we have a "shell issue" concealed carry law, but many other items went along with her. I wanted to start a thread asking other's opinions as to what you would send in a similar situation, but I'm not sure how to open a new thread topic. If anyone else has any interest please feel free to do so.