Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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MIT provides several services in the interest of increasing campus security. Student IDs are required at every dorm, and your ID only gives you access the dorm you live in. However, security in some dorms is better than in others. MIT runs a shuttle service after 6 p.m. called SafeRide from campus to various student living groups in Boston. Additionally, the campus police provide nighttime transportation for any students who request it. Finally, MIT has installed blue-light emergency phones all over campus that dial up 911 services.

As with any other city, Boston does have its share of safety issues and concerns. Since MIT is fairly self-contained, however, safety isn’t a problem on campus, where the most common crime is theft, usually of bikes or laptops. So if you own a bike, be sure to lock it up. In fact, if you are planning on buying a bike, try not to buy one that’s too nice because it will become a target. During the day, Boston and Cambridge are just about as safe as you can get. And although problems are uncommon even at night, students still need to exercise caution. Walking around the campus late at night is not an issue, but students should know better than to walk around the city late at night by themselves. If you’re going out at night, make sure to have a friend with you.

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Health & Safety at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

tetris1

Biology '13

4.2

A-

MIT Safety

I usually feel pretty safe on campus, at least on the west side of campus, where the most dorms are. There's a few sketchy areas but MIT police can be seen patrolling and are always willing to give a ride home. There are sometimes homeless people in the student center, but plans to increase security by restricting it to card access will make it safer. In general, I'm not afraid of walking around campus alone and at night.

Feb 03, 2012

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Health & Safety at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

wolfkat27

Mechanical Engineering '14

3.1

B-

Pretty Safe

We're not in the middle of Boston, but the crime is around. There are reports of mugging of students in the city pretty frequently and theft is a problem (as I imagine it would be at any school). Just don't be stupid and you're fine. The police will drive you home if you are uncomfortable wherever you are.

Jan 19, 2012

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Health & Safety at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

leese11

Geology and Earth Science '14

3.1

B-

Fine

I only feel unsafe when I come back to my dorm really late from working in Lab or when I'm walking by myself in the dark. The police do patrol and after incidents, they become more visible. Boston is not the safest place, but it's not too bad. Still, a school of supposed "nerds" sounds like easy prey so sometimes attracts people.

Nov 07, 2011

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