Hello folks, I was recently accepted to the University of Maryland and I'm seriously thinking about going! But, I've heard stories about safety issues around some college campuses. Does anyone know if the area around UMD is safe? Thanks for the help!
Congrats on your acceptance to UMD! As with any urban campus, safety usually depends a lot on context and personal behavior. While some parts of the University of Maryland campus and its surrounding areas can be busy and densely populated, the college itself has invested in numerous safety measures. For example, the campus provides an app called "UMD Guardian" that instantly puts you in touch with campus police, and also offers an escort service which can be helpful when walking at night or early in the morning.
From the perspective of the local environment, the city of College Park, where UMD is located, is a typical college town with its own unique characteristics and experiences. Like any city, some areas are safer than others, and it's important to stay informed and aware of your surroundings.
In terms of preventing and addressing crime, UMD's Department of Public Safety maintains a crime log available to the public and sends alerts of serious crimes to the university community. The Department also offers a shuttle service, known as Shuttle-UM, that operates within campus and to off-campus locations, which can be a safer and convenient mode of transport, particularly during late hours.
Remember, awareness and vigilance play a crucial role in personal safety. You play the biggest role in your safety by taking necessary precautions like walking in well-lit areas at night, locking your doors, and being aware of your surroundings.
Congrats again, and I hope this helps address your concerns a bit! It's a big decision, and you might want to visit the campus and the surrounding areas if you haven't already, to get a feel for the environment. Discussing with current students or alumni can also provide a deeper insight into their experiences regarding safety at UMD.
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