Staying Safe on Campus
It’s no secret that crime has significantly increased at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the past year. This past July, the Star Tribune reported that after a few years of gradual increase, reported crime incidents spiked across university areas neighborhoods this past academic year. While you can’t expect to live in a city and see no crime, there are certain safety measures that the U has upgraded and rolled out this semester.After digging through the letters, articles, and emails the University’s leadership has sent out in the past few months regarding safety, I’ve compiled some resources that can help students keep a peace of mind (or at least attempt to) while walking around campus.
Campus-provided resources:
Safe Walk: 612-624-WALK (9255)
This resource is great when needing to get from point A to point B on campus when it’s late at night, or even if you're feeling a little bit uneasy. A security guard will come pick you up and walk you to your destination. I’ve used this resource before, and it was quick, easy and negates the feeling of dread that often comes with having to walk by yourself at night.
Gopher Chauffeur
The gopher chauffeur is basically a free uber available to students Monday - Wednesday from 8:30pm to 12:30 am, and Thursday - Saturday from 10:00pm to 2:30am. This is a great resource so that you 1) don’t have to walk alone, 2) don’t have to walk in the cold, and 3) can get around campus rather quickly.
Code Blue Phone/Alarms
Around campus you may have seen blue phone stands. These are Code blue phones that you can use if you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable. Clicking the button on these stands will alert the University’s police.
RAVE Guardian App
The University of Minnesota has recently partnered with the Rave Guardian App, which provides users with a virtual walking buddy, and help with a push of a button.
Other Safety Resources:
Noonlight
Noonlight has been a personal favorite of mine for years. Whenever you are feeling uncomfortable or nervous, you can hold down a button and if you let go and do not enter a code within 10 seconds, it will alert the emergency dispatchers and send them your location immediately.
Citizen app
The Citizen app is a great resource for being alerted of crimes, or emergencies in your area. This app is much faster than SafeU alerts as the updates are posted by people in your area. While this app is helpful, it is important to remember that these updates do not have to be confirmed to be posted.
Pepper spray, alarms, and Tasers
I almost always carry pepper spray with me, even though I’ve never had to use it (thankfully). These items can serve as both peace of mind and protection when by yourself or in an uncomfortable situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to walk with you
Oftentimes it can feel like you’re being a bother when asking someone to walk with you - however I can almost guarantee that in situations like these, you’re never as annoying as you think. A good friend will walk with you and will genuinely want to make sure you get home ok. So next time you're nervous about asking someone to walk with you, remind yourself that your safety is most important. It’s a lot better to feel uncomfortable because you feel like you're annoying a friend, instead of feeling uncomfortable because you’re alone on a 20 minute walk in the dark.
