Avoiding Trouble and Staying Safe
Campus life in the United States, especially in urban areas, is sometimes perceived as dangerous by foreign students and their families. This perception is heightened by international media coverage of violent incidents, which, fortunately, occur very infrequently. Universities and colleges in the United States want to provide you with a safe and secure environment in which to pursue your academic and social goals.
How safe is the institution you have chosen? All colleges and universities publish an annual security report detailing campus security policies and procedures and presenting statistics on crime on campus and in the surrounding area. You can obtain your institution’s most recent report by contacting the admissions office.
“Better safe than sorry,” goes the American saying. No matter how safe your campus and community appear to be, you should acquaint yourself with your new environment by reading the safety information your institution provides. Upon arrival, begin orienting yourself:
Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and campus by walking around in the daylight.
Ask fellow students or staff members about areas you should avoid at night.
Do not walk alone at night.
Note the address and telephone of your country’s nearest consulate or embassy.
Locate the police station that serves your neighborhood.
Locate the nearest fire-alarm box and learn how to report a fire.
Identify the hospital emergency room nearest to your home and know what to do in case of an accident.
Keep “emergency” numbers near your phone at home (911 is the general emergency number in the United States.)
Visit the international student office for further information.
Back to Table of Contents
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?