UF’s state- and nationally-accredited police department is not just some lame rent-a-cop force. They keep an eye on the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in patrol cars, on motorcycles and bicycles, and by foot. In an emergency, they can be just about anywhere on campus in what seems like an instant. In fact, you might be a little dismayed with how fast they’ll be there at just the moment you decide to put the pedal to the metal and zoom past 20 mph on your speedometer. However, the noticeable police presence on campus makes anyone who remembers the UF tragedies of the early '90s feel better, and anyway, most of them are really nice people who genuinely want to help students feel safe at school. The infirmary adds to the feeling of safety, with its student-centered programs, low prices, and friendly staff.
Of course, like any community, UF is not completely free of crime, but if you take the obvious precautions, you should be fine. Don’t leave your laptop unattended and don’t walk alone at night if you can help it. If you are on campus at night and would rather not walk home or to a bus stop by yourself, call the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP). They will send a van to pick you and your guests up, and transport you safely anywhere on campus. Trust your intuition—if you feel something isn’t safe, it probably isn’t.
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Health & Safety at University of Florida
B
Safe but Sometimes Not
We do have some crime on campus, mostly on the outskirts near sorority row. I like getting the texts alerts to let me know what is happening at the time, but It scares me to know that it is happening two blocks or so away from where I live.
May 29, 2012
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Health & Safety at University of Florida
A+
Totally Safe
In 4 years I never heard of any serious crimes happening on campus. We have our own police force which is really cool because they aren't busy with Gainesville "crimes" and can focus on the campus. Also we have blue light poles which have an emergency button on them. You push it and it calls the police for you and tells them your location. You can always see the next blue pole from the one you are at so if you are running from someone you can push each red button and the police can track your path and determine where you are heading to help find you.
May 18, 2012
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Health & Safety at University of Florida
A+
At Ease
I've never felt threatened or scared while on Florida's campus. The Campus police do a fine job a patrolling the large campus and making sure we are all safe.
May 08, 2012
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User rating for University of Florida - Health & Safety is
3.5 out of 5
based on 75 user reviews.
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Most Recent Student Author View all
- Name
- Chris Kirschner
- Hometown
- Bronx, NY
- Major
- Journalism
- Grad Year
- 2014
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