University of Pittsburgh
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Common sense is key when talking about urban campus security. Many students feel that as long as you're not asking for trouble, you won't have any problems at Pitt. The campus is always well lit and because of the urban location, there are people out on the streets at every hour. Oakland is regularly patrolled by both city and campus police, and calls are responded to quickly. This is especially true at night and on the weekends. Dorm security is especially tight. Residence halls are guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You cannot be admitted into a dorm without having your ID swiped by security or unless you have a resident sign you into the dorm, which you need to still have a form of ID to be admitted.

Break-ins and petty theft tend to be the biggest securityissues at Pitt. Theft isn't uncommon in both on-campus buildings and nearby apartments. Just use common sense. It's best not to leave your stuff unattended and always remember to lock your doors. South Oakland, where many students live when they move out of the dorms, isn't the best of locations. Even here, though, the police presence tends to deter any serious crime. Other nearby neighborhoods pose little threat, with the possible exception of the Hill District (which begins at the northern end of campus), but there isn’t really anything there to draw students. Overall, students feel the same sense of security at Pitt that most only find in smaller, rural schools. As long as you're careful, it's easy to spend four years in Oakland and not have any problems.

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Health & Safety at University of Pittsburgh

sam246

'13

Public Policy, Administration, and Social Work

4.6

A

Common Sense Per Usual, but Very Safe

The campus is well-lit and people tend to be walking around at all times, so it feels very safe to me. There are emergency call boxes throughout, and while I was in undergrad, there were clear safety protocols and security guards at dorm entrances. I've always felt very safe walking around Oakland. It gets a bit dodgy in the residential South Oakland area. I'd recommend walking with friends if late at night as I've known of muggings happening to friends, but it's common sense and something that while unfortunate, can happen most anywhere. I've heard of few problems on campus proper and frequently walk there in the evening.

Jan 15, 2012

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Health & Safety at University of Pittsburgh

emacri22

'15

Physical Therapy

4.6

A

Dorm Life

All students living in an on-campus dorm must be swiped in by a guard using their Pitt I.D. If anyone wants to enter a building he/she does not live in, they must be signed in by a student who does live in that building. Also, to enter one's room, one must swipe his/her Pitt I.D. as well as enter a unique 4-digit code. These methods have ensured me that I am extremely safe on campus.

Jan 13, 2012

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Health & Safety at University of Pittsburgh

nrgraff

'15

Neuroscience

4.6

A

Pretty Safe, Even for an Urban Campus

Oakland is a really nice neighborhood. I've never felt unsafe anywhere, and the university has quite a bit of security in the dorms: swipe in to get inside, swipe your ID and enter a pin number to unlock your door, all doors lock automatically, etc. Even if you do feel unsafe, you can use safe rider, campus shuttles, or city busses.

Even though I'm a freshman, I've been around the city, especially at night, and never once felt unsafe.

Nov 17, 2011

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