Travel Safety Tips for Students Living in New York

Choose to live in safe area in New York

Choosing a safe neighborhood in New York is very important, especially for students. In addition to the safety features when choosing a property, it is also vital to choose a neighborhood that is well-policed. Areas such as the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and the West Village are recognized as safe neighborhoods in New York City, with quiet streets and low crime rates, making them ideal for living.

With uhomes.com, you can easily find student housing NYC in these safe areas. We offer apartments that are usually equipped with comprehensive security measures such as 24-hour doormen and security surveillance, so you can enjoy the convenience of living in New York City while feeling entirely safe and secure at the same time.

In addition, Midtown Manhattan has several safe residential neighborhoods, especially near Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue, where most apartments for rent with 24-hour doorman and surveillance systems are available to ensure the safety of residents. Another recommended area is the Upper West Side, which is relatively quiet and well-protected for families or long-term residents.

Essential Travel Safety Tips in NYC

Keeping personal belongings safe

In New York, the safety of personal belongings is crucial. It would help if you always kept an eye on your personal belongings, especially on public transportation such as subways and buses. Try to avoid exposing valuables such as cell phones and wallets. If you need to use your cell phone on the street, it is best to stand in a safe place and not look down for long periods of time in crowded areas. In addition, consider using anti-theft designs in your backpack or purse to avoid being targeted by thieves.

Understanding and complying with local laws

Differences in laws from country to country can affect all aspects of your daily life. Students should know and follow local laws and regulations when living in New York.  If you are not familiar with these laws, you may inadvertently break them and cause unnecessary trouble. Maintaining respect for local laws is not only responsible for yourself but also for the safety of others.

Utilize safety services in the university

Most universities in New York provide a variety of safety services for students, such as on-campus patrols, emergency contact numbers, and student safety apps. As an international student, taking full advantage of these resources is critical to ensuring your safety. If you need to go out at night, consider using the safety escort service provided by the campus, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas. In addition, the universities often hold regular safety training sessions in which students should actively participate and learn what to do in case of an emergency.

Avoid going out alone at night

In New York City, safety risks are generally higher at night. While New York City is usually safe, there are still some risks when going out alone. To avoid getting into unnecessary trouble, try to avoid going out alone at night, especially in sparsely populated areas. If you must go out, it is a good idea to take a taxi or use a reliable ride-sharing service and inform a friend or family member of your trip. If you live in off-campus housing, you can learn about the safety of your surroundings in advance and choose to walk on crowded routes.

Using regular transportation

New York City has a well-developed public transportation network, but there are some informal or less safe modes of transportation, including unknown drivers. Therefore, students should prioritize reputable and formal companies when using cabs or ride-sharing services. For example, you can use apps such as Uber and Lyft to book a ride and make sure that the driver’s identification information and license plate number are visible. In addition, try to avoid taking private vehicles that are not marked to avoid encountering safety hazards.

Avoiding Exposure of Personal Information

Privacy is a fundamental right of every resident in New York. To avoid revealing personal information, you should be careful not to easily share sensitive information such as addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts, etc. Be vigilant and refuse if you are asked to provide such information, especially by strangers. For online transactions, be sure to use a secure payment platform and ensure that your internet connection is safe to avoid fraud or theft. In addition, do not feel free to publicize your itinerary or residential address on social media.

Knowing the Location of Emergency Shelters and Hospitals

While we don’t like to think about sudden emergencies, knowing the exact location of emergency shelters, hospitals, and police stations around us is important for personal safety. You can check in advance for hospitals, pharmacies, and services open 24 hours a day near your universities. In addition, write down the addresses of the nearest emergency shelters and police stations, especially around residential areas. In addition, many universities provide student safety handbooks, which often list this important information.

Keeping in touch with family and friends

When you are in a new place, it is important to maintain regular contact with your family and friends. Whether through phone calls, video calls or social media, ensure you communicate well with your loved ones. Regularly update your family on your travels and safety, especially if you are traveling to places that are farther away or more remote. By doing so, your family will also be able to act if necessary and help you deal with unexpected situations. In addition, friends and family can also provide timely support and assistance in the event of an emergency.