Safety & Security

Do not leave unattended property.

When in the library study halls, dining facilities, etc. keep wallets, cell phones and laptops with you. These are the types of property that are commonly reported stolen. Crimes of opportunity can be minimized by safeguarding your property. Buy a laptop security cable and use it.

Register your valuable property.

OPERATION ID is a joint program with the NYPD to register bicycles, smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc. If the device is lost or stolen and turned into or recovered by NYPD, the owner can be contacted to reclaim their property. There is no cost to register your devices.

Always lock your doors.

In your residence, always close and lock your door, even if you are leaving for just a minute. Insist that your roommate(s) do the same.

Discuss expectations with your roommate.

Establish rules with your roommate(s) regarding visitors (above and beyond NYU Housing rules).

Don’t give out personal information.

Be careful with what you share on social media. Don’t post any of your personal information, such as your phone number, email address, birthday, or home address. Share your vacation plans and photos after you get home.

Set strong privacy settings.

Check and update your social media default privacy settings. Know who can see your profile(s). Make sure all of your friends are people you truly know.

Meet in a public place.

If you plan to meet someone you connected with online using dating apps, social media, Craigslist, etc. request their legitimate phone number, email address and the person’s full name prior to meeting them. Meet them in a public place where you know the area and are comfortable.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent activity.

Scams, including fraudulent activity, can take place on the Internet, specifically in job postings. If you feel uncomfortable about a job opportunity you receive by email or find on any job board, do not click on any links and do not provide any personal information. Visit NYU's Wasserman Center pages for more tips.

Secure your valuables.

Keep your purse, wallet, keys and other valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet. Be aware of pickpocketing. Carry wallets in your front pants pockets. Use bags, pocketbooks, etc. that zipper well; keep pocketbooks on your lap when in restaurants. Avoid the backs of chairs or under the table, carry your bag close to your body, tucked under the bend of your elbow.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Know where you are and who is around you. Don’t put headphones in both ears so you can stay focused on your surroundings. Be alert if someone is approaching.

Walk with purpose.

Even if you are lost, don’t let it show. Walk with confidence like you know where you are going and less attention will be paid to you by passersby.

Trust your instincts.

If you start to feel uncomfortable about the people around you, the place you are in, or a particular situation, listen to your gut and leave. If a person is making you uncomfortable, make eye contact with them to let them know you are aware of their presence. Removing yourself from the situation is the smartest thing that you can do. If you feel unsafe, go to a NYU Green Light Building, or seek assistance from a Campus Safety Officer.

Familiarize yourself with directions.

If you’re heading out to explore the city, it’s best to become familiar with the directions before you leave. Research a few different travel routes, and map out which one will be the safest for you. Let someone else know your route and itinerary. Notify them when you’ve arrived safely.

Be aware of fraudulent activity.

Be alert as you are navigating the city for persons that may appeal to your willingness to help others in need. One way they do this is by asking you to help cash checks. These checks may not be real.

If a stranger approaches you in person with a check, do not cash it. You can say that you don't have an account, or are not able to help at this time. If you feel unsafe, you can use the Safe NYU app to alert NYPD or NYU Campus Safety to your situation.

If you receive and question the validity of a check, we recommend that you contact the issuing bank to determine the authenticity.

1. Share Your Trip

When traveling alone, share your trip with others. This lets someone track your ride and know your location while you're en route.

2. Confirm Your Car and Driver Before Getting In

Scammers sometimes pose as rideshare drivers, so confirm the name of your driver and the car’s license plate before entering a vehicle. This info is available in rideshare apps. If you are beginning a trip in a busy area, it will also help you avoid getting in the wrong vehicle.

Ask the driver for your name before you get in the car instead of giving your name. This can help you verify that the person is your driver.

3. Keep Personal Info Confidential

Avoid giving your driver any personal information: where you live, your phone number or how long you are traveling, if on vacation.

4. Never Pay Cash

A rideshare driver should never ask you to pay cash for your trip. Apps give you an option to tip after your trip, so you won’t need to have cash handy during your trip.

5. Know the Area, Use Your Resources

If you are in an unfamiliar place, track your progress on a separate mapping mobile app to ensure the driver is following the correct route.

Be prepared before you go out.

Double check that you have everything you’ll need for a night out: identification card, cash, keys, etc. Be sure your cell phone is fully charged.

Know your transportation options.

Subway stations with green globes are open 24 hours. Red globes indicate no services so do not enter. Safe Ride is also available from 12 midnight to 7 a.m.

Avoid isolated areas.

Stay close to groups of people when you are walking and steer clear of streets that aren’t well lit.

Have a back-up plan.

If you’re going to a party or night club, discuss with your friends what type of crowd might be attending and what your plan will be if something goes wrong, like a fight breaking out or the party getting out of control. Know where the exits are.

Don’t leave a party or bar alone.

Arrange a buddy system with a friend before you go out, and make sure he or she doesn’t leave without you or vice versa. In case you get separated from your friends, plan a common meeting location where everyone can reconvene if an issue arises.

Look out for your friends.

If one of your friends looks like he or she has had too much to drink, offer some assistance and make sure the friend gets home safely.

Cover your drinks.

Someone can slip a substance into your drink when you’re not looking. Be careful – cover your drink when you set it down. Take your drink to the bathroom with you or order a fresh one when you return to the table. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know.