Five Ways to Stay Safe at University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut's modest-sized school grounds in the seaport city of New London probably won’t seem foreign to incoming Camels who hail from the suburbs. The campus has the homey feel of a small town, with quiet roads trailing off and trees all around (take a gander at this breathtaking photo for further proof). In fact, quiet and contemplative is how most students describe the liberal arts institution that was founded in 1911. Part of that has to do with the headcount, which is under 2,000 for undergraduates. Instances of sexual assault and burglary are rare, though they do happen. For the most part, the high-ranking college lives up to its reputation as a secure locale for serious scholars. If you’re considering this university, or perhaps have already received that all-important letter from admissions, then read on to see how you can keep yourself out of harm’s way as a new New Londoner.

It’s not enough to just know what resources are available to you at University of Connecticut. You have to actually take advantage of them! Security phones, otherwise known as blue phones, are strategically located around campus to call for help with just the push of a button. Become acquainted with the location of these phones. Additionally, students who are actually employed as safety patrollers monitor parking lots, the athletic center and more. You can spot them by their orange vests. They’re also available for escorting you to and from different points on campus, because the one thing that university officials stress to freshmen is never walk alone if you don’t have to.

Here’s a non-negotiable for you: don’t leave dorm rooms propped open. Students say that this just might be the biggest reason for burglary on campus. University of Connecticut does all that it can to keep residence hall access controlled by requiring key or security card entry. You have to do your part, too. Even if you’re not a culprit of leaving doorways open, it’s equally important to report suspicious persons who you don’t recognize.

Partying wisely is recommended. University of Connecticut might not have elevated crime rates, but that doesn’t mean the university doesn’t take offenses committed on campus seriously. Former and current Camels report on consequences for those caught drinking underage or using drugs. Even if you are of legal age to consume alcohol, the penalties are just as severe for those supplying minors. Incoming students must complete an alcohol education course. Don’t gloss over its info. It just might keep you from being expelled.

The Honor System is a unique facet of University of Connecticut, especially because it’s one of the few non-religious and non-military schools that uses it. Essentially, it’s a system based on trust and mutual respect. The student-governed Honor Council is taken very seriously by the university at large. Not only does this promote a sense of trust, but it serves as a philosophy to improve the community’s quality of life. One of the areas this extends to is safety. The students at University of Connecticut, eager to uphold their school’s academic excellence and personal standards, really do look out for one another.

Know the health center’s ethos. Like most colleges, the health center is plagued with student complaints like confusing billing info, long wait times, misdiagnosed cases and more. However, an important thing to note is that the health center, which also stands by the Honor System, is determined to keep students healthy and safe rather than get them in trouble. Say that a friend who’s not of legal drinking age has alcohol poisoning. Know that you can take them to the health center without serious repercussions. Part of why that mindset exists is to ensure that Camels always receive the care they need.

Now that you know just how safe you are, why not take a gander at five things a former student wishes she’d known before attending University of Connecticut? You’ll learn all about the virtues of a liberal arts education, co-ed bathrooms and more.

Ryan James is a ’13 alumnus of Ohio University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in writing and media. He currently works as a copywriter for a Fortune 500 e-commerce corporation based in Columbus, OH.