Residence Hall and Campus Apartment Safety
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Whether you’re in the residence halls, a campus apartment or living off campus, there are steps you can take to prevent crime in and around your home.
Prevent Break-Ins and Theft
- Lock your doors and windows when you are asleep or when you go out
- Secure window air conditioners so they cannot be pushed in from outside, allowing someone access to break in
- If you're in an apartment or house, leave an outside light on from dusk until dawn
Don’t Let Strangers In
- Have utility repair people and others show their ID
- If you host a party, don’t let strangers in; just because someone is wearing a UB hoodie, doesn’t mean he or she is a UB student
Practice Good Personal Safety Habits
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables out for someone to take. Use common sense. By following some simple guidelines, you can help keep yourself — and your possessions — safe.
- Make the call. Program the number of University Police into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus: University Police emergency number is 716-645-2222, non-emergency number is 716-645-2227. For off campus emergencies, call 911.
- Empower yourself. Enroll in a self-defense course. UB offers a sexual assault defense program called R.A.D., sign up with a friend and empower yourself. These courses are designed to give you the tools that may help save your life.
- Don't walk alone. Take advantage of the university's transportation or the safety escort services. Otherwise, walk with friends or classmates.
- Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended, even if it's just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you. Keep purses close to your body or otherwise not visible.
- Report solicitors. Magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages and "earn money now" schemes are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitors' scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying University Police. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information.
- Be alert on Public Transportation. Stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver and stay awake. If someone's harassing you, don't hesitate to ask the driver to let you off at a populated bus stop or a well-lit area like a gas station.
- Grab it. Close it. Lock it. Parking lots and structures are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, computers and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.
- Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. Never give personal information to solicitors. Beware of good deal on-line scams. Never provide your password to someone online, legitimate requests will never ask for this.
- Keep your dorm locked. Even if you're going next door to a friend's room, always grab your keys and lock the door. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well.
- Protect your wheels. If you ride a bike, registering your bike helps improve the likelihood of recovery, if stolen. Invest in a high-quality, hardened steel "U" lock. For optimum security, lock both the front of the bike and frame to the bike rack.
