As a student at the University of Washington in Seattle, I’ve encountered my fair share of unsettling situations on and near campus. Seattle’s challenges with homelessness and drug abuse are prominent, and witnessing these issues firsthand can be scary. While most individuals in these circumstances keep to themselves, there are instances when they approach, threaten, or try to harm or harass others. These encounters are not limited to a specific gender or stature, though as a smaller woman, I find myself constantly on edge when approached on public transit or while walking through campus or the Ave. Some of my friends have even faced threats, had their backpacks stolen, or found themselves in dangerous and frightening circumstances. Based on my past experiences, here are some essential tips to follow to stay safe on and near the UW campus.
Travel in groups whenever possible
Traveling in groups whenever possible is a good strategy to enhance your personal safety on campus, especially during nighttime. I personally avoid the Ave after dark altogether, but whenever I do find myself needing to be somewhere, I ask my friends to walk with me, which provides an added layer of security. Individuals with malicious intent are less likely to target a group of people compared to someone who is alone.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
Be sure to pay attention to your surroundings at all times, especially at night and on the Ave. Avoid becoming overly absorbed in your phone or other distractions that may make you an easy target. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you can better identify potential risks and react accordingly.
Consider carrying pepper spray
Enhance your personal safety by considering the option of carrying pepper spray or personal alarms, as these self-defense tools can act as effective distractors and provide you with a heightened sense of security in uncertain situations. However, it is important for you to know how to safely and effectively use these devices, so be sure to know the proper handling techniques.
Utilize Safety Escort Services provided by UW
Make the most of the safety escort services offered by the UW police department to ensure your safety while navigating campus. Husky NightWalk provides students with walking escorts from 6:30 pm to 2 a.m. daily (excluding University Holidays) within campus locations and the surrounding residential area. Additionally, NightRide, a U-PASS-sponsored shuttle service, offers convenient transportation options within designated zones on campus during evening hours, catering to the needs of students, faculty, and staff and ensuring reliable and easily accessible travel. Both services can be extremely helpful if you are alone and need to get somewhere safely.
Report incidents and seek help
If you witness or experience any threatening or dangerous situations, do not hesitate to report them to campus authorities, UWPD, or Seattle PD. Your actions may prevent others from falling victim to similar incidents. Also, be sure to actively check the UW Alerts sent to your email and phone for areas to avoid.
I hope these tips give you the knowledge and confidence to prioritize your personal safety while navigating Seattle, though these tips can apply almost anywhere! Remember, your safety is important regardless of the city you’re in, so be aware and take care of yourself wherever you go.