Safety

The Department of Campus Safety in conjunction with the Office of Global Programs works to create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to pursue their educational and professional goals and aspirations. A New York-based public safety officer is available 24/7 to assist with international emergencies (212-998-2222).

For assistance in extremely rare situations, the University has contracted with a leading provider of international customer care services, which includes evacuation services.

Before you depart for the semester you will be instructed on how to use NYU Traveler, a Web-based information collection tool where flight and travel details, local and US telephone numbers, and emergency contact information can be stored so that NYU staff can assist you if needed.

View the annual campus security report.

View the Fire Safety Guide for NYU Paris.

Awareness

Public safety might not be as big a problem as it is in some large American cities, but it is important to always be careful and stay aware. Keep in mind that France, like most of Europe, remains in maximum terrorist alert. Expect security checks. The most common safety issue in Paris is pickpocketing:

Pickpockets tend to prey on tourists in crowded areas so be careful when visiting crowded tourist attractions and riding the metro. Keep your bag (including bagpacks) in front of you. Make sure your bag is closed (zipped).
Pickpockets mainly target wallets and cell phones. Don't carry them in back pockets.
Railway stations, inside and outside of the station, are high-risk areas. Be extra mindful of your belongings.
In restaurants, purses and backpacks placed on the floor or on the back of chairs are at risk of being stolen.
Be careful, especially late at night. Go out in small groups. Carry a charged phone and/or external battery at all times.
Never bring home someone you have just met.
Be aware of your belongings at all times.
Unless traveling, do not keep your passport on you. Keep it someplace safe at home. Make copies of your passport (identity and visa pages) and carry them with you.
Before leaving, check out the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories at http://www.travel.state.gov.

Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption

“Overdoing it,” leads to the majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students when traveling to international destinations. As in the U.S., disturbing the peace, lewd behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation may all be considered criminal activities by local authorities.

Don't import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession

It just makes good sense. Drug charges can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is even tried. A conviction carries several more years of imprisonment in a foreign jail. In some countries it doesn’t matter if you’re underage either; you can still be charged as an adult.

Obey the local laws

An arrest or accident during your study abroad experience can result in a difficult legal situation. Your U.S. citizenship does not make you exempt from full prosecution under another country’s criminal justice system. Many countries impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States. If you find yourself in a legal jam, contact the closest U.S. consulate, U.S. consular agency, or the U.S. embassy for assistance. Keep in mind, U.S. consular employees cannot arrange for local officials to release detained American citizens.

Only use licensed and regulated taxis

Some illegitimate taxi drivers are sometimes, in fact, criminals in search of victims. Some passengers of unlicensed taxis have been robbed, kidnapped, and/or raped. When in doubt, ask the Global site staff, club or restaurant staff to summon a legitimate taxi for you.

Do not carry weapons

A pocketknife can result in a serious weapons charge while on foreign soil – even if the knife is found while being arrested for a separate offense.

Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities

Here in the U.S. we enjoy many liberties. However, political activities in other countries can result in detention and/or deportation by officials. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn violent, and you don’t want to be caught in the middle.

Be conscientious

Keep wallets, cell phones , laptops and other valuables with you. These are the type of property that are commonly reported stolen. Crimes of Opportunity can be minimized by safeguarding your property and not leaving them unattended.

Safe and secure in your residence

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.

ATM security

The best time to use ATMs is during the daylight hours. Use bank affiliated ATMs whenever possible. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; avoid counting or displaying money on the street.

U.S. Embassy

If you are having any problem with your passport or any legal difficulties, you can always contact your consulate. Make sure you set up an appointment before going.

2 avenue Gabriel, 8th arr.
Metro: Concorde

Tel: 01 43 12 22 22

Identification

You must travel with your original passport. However, it is advisable to keep a second copy of your passport with you when you travel. Also, when you travel go online and jot down the address of the embassy or consulate in your destination city. It is important to have if you lose your passport, are the victim of a crime, or somehow end up involved with the authorities.

Personal Property Insurance

While it’s not mandatory that you purchase personal property insurance for your semester abroad, we strongly recommend that you consider it before your semester begins, particularly if you are bringing electronics with you or if you plan on traveling.

Information on the CSI Insurance Agency, a company that provides personal property/effects insurance for you while abroad if you select to undertake coverage, is included here. This is the same company that offers a similar policy for students personal items on the NYU campus in New York.

Questions about this coverage should be directed to CSI Insurance Agency directly. http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/