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New York University

Campus Safety

Crime Prevention Tips

Students, faculty and staff are responsible for their safety. NYU provides information about how to be secure in their person, places and things. They must use that information.

NYU Protects Them

  • With uniformed security officers who are on duty 24x7x365
  • Our emergency number 212.998.2222
  • Emergency Call boxes are located throughout the main campus
  • Green light buildings are staffed 24 hours a day by Pubic Safety Officers
  • Safe Havens — approximately 100 in number serve as place to go for an NYU student in distress
  • Transportation Services — provides free transportation from residence halls to the main campus. Safe Ride Program exists from 12 midnight to 6:30am. Call 992-VANS for more information.

Safety in the City

  • NYU students are statistically safer than the average city residents, who are safer than most other large city residents. However, this is a major city and is not without its crime.
  • Students need to be aware of their surroundings, walk with a positive bearing.
  • Trust your instincts; if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable get away a quickly as possible, make casual eye contact with the person making you feel uncomfortable just to let them know you are aware of their presence.
  • Travel in groups of two or more (the buddy system).
  • Let a roommate or friend know where you are going and when you plan on returning.
  • Be aware of pickpocket situations — crowded areas e.g. subways
  • Use Gear Guards to protect pack backs etc.
  • Men carry wallets in front pants pocket.
  • Women use bags, pocketbooks etc. that zipper well; keep pocketbooks on your lap when in restaurants etc. Avoid the backs of chairs or under the table, carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow. Avoid bags that clasp or snap shut.
  • Beware of scam artists offering big returns for little or no money (often referred to as good faith money). If it seems too good to be true - IT IS.
  • The best time to use ATMs is during the daylight hours.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; avoid counting or displaying money on the street. Minimize the number of credit cards carried.
  • Carry money for emergencies e.g. cab fare, quarters for phone calls
  • When traveling plan your route ahead of time, know how to get to where you are going.
  • Subway stops with lit green globes are open 24 hours a day, red globes means entry is closed, red over white coloring is a metro-card only entrance. It is always a good idea to have a metro-card with a sufficient balance.
  • On subways — where possible stay in the token booth area until your train arrives
  • On the platform — look for a black and white striped board. That is where the car with the conductor will stop. You can also ride in the first car where the train operator is located.
  • When entering a subway car look around. Does anyone make you feel uneasy, if so move. Try sitting in the middle of the seat away from the doorway.
  • Keep chains and jewelry hidden. Turn gemstones in toward your palms.
  • On the street — Travel well-lit and populated areas. Avoid "short cuts." If you must travel alone late at night call someone at your destination to let them know you are coming and how long it will take you to arrive.
  • If a car approaches you and asks for directions, speak with the occupants at a safe distance no matter what.
  • If you feel you are being followed cross the street, if that person follows you again, recross the street. Still being followed look for a open store etc. begin to run call out "FIRE!!", or call out to someone on the street as if you know them.

Safety if You're Going Out to a Bar or Club

  • Do not go out alone. Always go out in groups of 2 or more and travel in well-lit and populated streets.
  • Tell your friends/roommates if you’re leaving, with whom, where you’re planning to go and when you’ll see them back at home.
  • Do not accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from others who you do not know or do not trust; this includes drinks that come in a glass.
  • Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
  • Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open; if friends appear to be "too intoxicated" for what they have consumed, leave the party or club immediately, and return home or seek medical attention. Do not return to the club or party!
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Know where you need to go and the safest way to get there.
  • Trust your instincts: If you sense something is wrong, get away from the situation.

Safety on Campus

  • When in the library and study hall, eating facilities, etc. keep wallets, cell phones and laptops with you. This is the prime time this type of property will be stolen. Buy a laptop security cable and use it.
  • In your residence always close and lock your door even if leave for just a minute. Insist your roommate(s) do the same.
  • Establish rules with your roommate(s) regarding visitors (above and beyond NYU Housing rules).
  • Be wary of people striking up a conversation with you in the Washington Square Park. Be especially aware of people looking for a place to stay even if they seem very nice and harmless.