French Quarter's controlled access gate and night patrol will help you feel safe at your new apartment.
What Are Some Safety Tips for Students at The University of Alabama?
Whether you are an incoming freshman leaving home for the first time, or a current student moving into your first UA apartment, safety can be a big concern. There are always parents worried about their children and students experiencing leaving the safety of their homes that are unsure how to stay safe while navigating a new world. At the University of Alabama, there are several precautions to take to ensure safety for all.
Travel with Friends
Walking and driving on and off-campus are not inherently dangerous activities. The streets are well-lit and there are always people around. However, travelling to and from Bama off-campus housing with friends is always a safer option. Making sure to be around other people you feel comfortable with, even if it is just to go through a drive-thru for dinner, is a great extra precaution to take in your daily life. Most students at UA prefer to be around friends or roommates for anything from running errands, to attending events, to simply walking to class. Finding buddies to travel with daily is a great way to stay social and safe.
On-Campus Safety Buttons
At UA, there are emergency call box buttons across the campus that can be pushed in a time of worry or crisis. If you ever feel unsafe, they are there to be used and will alert local police that someone in that area requires assistance. At night, they light up bright blue and are hard to miss on the sidewalks and near buildings. They are there to be used, so do not be afraid to call for help if necessary.
Share Your Location in Tuscaloosa
One of the most popular ways to ensure safety for students at UA is to share your location with your friends. As a generation of people who always have mobile devices on them, it is an easy way to let your friends know that where you are and (in case you forget) when you get home safely. Apps like Find My Friends and Life360 are great options for sharing your location with parents, friends, and significant others.
UA Alerts
Other risks presented when living in a Tuscaloosa rental are inclement weather conditions. Tornados, extreme thunderstorms, flooding, and hail are all conditions that students will experience while attending The University of Alabama. For out-state-students, some of these can be completely new and unknown severe weather events. It is important to know what to do in these kinds of situations as much as for others regarding safety. UA offers several precautions that will keep students up to date on daily weather. The UA Alerts app and its features send reminders and notifications when weather and other safety concerns arise. With the app, you can program in your phone number and email to receive calls and text messages regarding thunderstorms, tornado watches and warnings, and campus shelters. Receiving these helps students to make the most informed decisions possible about where to be during a severe storm. Similarly, if there is any suspicious or criminal activity, students connected to the app will receive virtually live updates via email. UA Alerts also has speakers all over campus that will recite the most urgent alerts aloud to keep as many students as possible informed of any situations.