Navigating campus life is filled with plenty of opportunities for learning, but ensuring your safety—including after dark—should always be a top priority. Whether you’re heading home from a late study session or hanging out with friends, it’s important to remain vigilant and take extra precautions.
The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment while improving the quality of life for all those living, learning, working, healing and visiting within our community. Having our community members be actively engaged in prevention and preparedness is essential. With this in mind, DPSS offers the following tips to help you stay safe while walking around campus and surrounding areas, particularly at night.
7 Safety Tips For Protecting Yourself On Campus At Night
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Whether walking alone or in a group, always remain alert to your environment. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or ear buds, and stay focused on the people and activities around you.
- Travel in Groups When Possible: There is safety in numbers. Try to walk with friends, especially at night or in less populated areas.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation as safely as possible.
- Be Cautious When Engaging with Strangers: Avoid answering personal or potentially sensitive questions from strangers, and remain mindful if someone attempts to engage you in a way that feels uncomfortable.
- Use Well-Lit and Heavily Traveled Routes: Whenever possible, stick to well-lit paths and areas with regular foot traffic, especially during evening hours.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: If you observe any suspicious activity or feel unsafe, call DPSS at (734) 763-1131, text DPSS at 377911, use the Blue Light emergency phones located around campus, or dial 911 in an emergency.
- Utilize University Resources: The university offers services such as SafeRide or other ride-sharing options to help ensure that community members can get around safely. For more information, visit our website or contact DPSS for details.
Staying safe on campus requires awareness and a commitment to taking simple precautions. By prioritizing the above safety tips, you can significantly reduce risks. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility—look out for yourself and others, and don’t hesitate to use DPSS campus safety resources. We are here to help!
For more information on safety tips or to report a concern, reach out to DPSS or download our safety app. Stay alert, and stay safe.
You can also submit a tip anonymously through the Ann Arbor Police Department’s Silent Witness page.