Campus Safety

Yale and New Haven are as safe as any other urban space. Like anywhere, there are additional steps you can take to help ensure your safety. Emergency and other safety resources are available below to help you stay safe on campus.

City and Campus Safety Tips

Visit this Yale Public Safety site for more specific tips about apartment and property safety, holiday safety, phone and internet safety, and more. Some tips include:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts; they are usually right. If you feel uncomfortable or that something is wrong, leave the area.

  • Keep your apartment, dorm room, bicycle, and car locked. Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle. Do not leave your books, backpack, purse, or other valuables unattended anywhere, including the library or your office.

  • Use common sense. Try not to walk alone or appear distracted by wearing headphones or talking on your cell phone. At night, always walk with a friend and use lighted pathways to navigate throughout the University. When well-lit areas are not available, use the campus transportation services, or book walking security escorts by calling (203)-432-WALK (9255).

  • Avoid confrontations through polite refusals. If a stranger is overly friendly or makes a request you don’t understand or don’t trust, simply say, “I’m sorry. I cannot help you,” and walk away.

  • If someone approaches you, demands your money or personal property, and threatens to hurt you, do not resist. Give them what they ask for and report the incident to the police immediately.

  • If you are offered something on the street or over the telephone and you feel uncomfortable, you can say, “No thanks,” and walk away or hang up. 

  • Never use or enter an ATM without checking to see who is around.  If you feel uncomfortable, do not enter the vestibule and do not withdraw money. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you. It is safer to use checks, money orders, traveler’s checks or debit/credit cards. 

  • Never open your door to someone you do not know. Official company representatives and service personnel from companies such as Southern Connecticut Gas, FedEx, Comcast, etc. will wear uniforms and carry official identification.  Ask for their ID before allowing them to enter your home.

For Emergencies, Call 911

Otherwise, use one of the resources below.

LiveSafe App

The LiveSafe app enables students to communicate with the Yale Police Department, request a walking escort, and share their location with friends or family when traveling between locations.

Blue Phones 

“Blue Phone” call boxes, illuminated with a blue light, are located across campus. Press the red emergency button for direct connection to the University Police for emergency services. You can also press “CALL” followed by “2WALK” (2-9255) to request a safe ride or security escort after 6:00 PM.

Walking Escorts

Students, faculty, and staff may request a walking security escort between any two points on campus. A security officer will walk you to-and-from any point on campus, within a reasonable walking distance on campus between Yale buildings. Use the LiveSafe app or call (203)-432-WALK (9255) to request a walking escort.