Safety Tips

Why Safety is Important

While a sense of familiarity can often lead students to feel safe and comfortable on campus, it is important to remain aware of the dangers all students face. Take proper precautions to reduce your vulnerability to crime. According to Reader’s Digest, “This country’s 6,000 colleges and universities report some 40,000 burglaries, 3,700 forcible sex offenses, 7,000 aggravated assaults and 48 murders a year. Other hazards — fires, binge-drinking, mental-health problems — are also on the rise,”.

Moderation on alcohol consumption is crucial to remaining safe. Decreased cognitive function can make you an easy target for crime, and at least 50% of all sexual assaults involve alcohol.

Did you know?

  • Rutgers, New Brunswick is ranked 42nd in the country for campus safety and security measures
  • Rutgers, Newark is ranked 3rd in the country for danger and vulnerability

Rutgers University Police Department has offered some tips on staying safe on campus:

  • Be aware that you are a potential victim of crime. Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you.
  • Report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately.
  • Avoid isolation. After dark, walk with others and use well-lit paths. University transportation and after-hours escort services are available 24/7.
  • Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
  • Do not carry your name, address or car license number on your key ring.
  • Never leave wallets, purses, checkbooks, and other personal property of value lying visibly in a room or unattended in public places.
  • Always lock your doors even if you leave for “just a minute”. This is the single best deterrent to intruders.
  • Do not leave notes on your door announcing you are not at home.
  • Close curtains at night.
  • Work out an agreement with your neighbors and housemates to watch for suspicious activity or persons.
  • Do not take in overnight guests you don’t know.
  • Do not prop open any building doors.
  • Do not open doors to strangers.
  • Do not allow unescorted visitors into residence buildings.
  • Lock first floor windows, fire escape windows, and security screens.