College is an exciting chapter filled new people, independence, and a lot of firsts. As you settle into campus life in Iowa City, it's important to keep your safety and well-being a top priority. Being on your own comes with responsibility, and these tips are designed to help you stay aware, protect yourself and your stuff, and make the most of the semester.
Stay informed
Update your Hawk Alert settings and make sure you're signed up to receive text messages, which are the fastest way to receive campus emergency notifications. Take responsibility for your personal safety by paying attention to weather updates, emergencies, and campus events that might affect your plans, and review these safety tips and FAQs.
Use the Nite Ride Shuttle for free, late-night transportation
Nite Ride is a free late-night transportation service for all UI students, faculty, and staff that supports locations on and near campus. The shuttle service operates daily on a set route from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Bookmark the Nite Ride routes in the Transit App for ease of use, and be prepared to present your University ID card when you board.
Sign up for Hawk Vouchers
Undergraduate Student Government has partnered with Campus Safety, the Division of Student Life, and the Parent and Family Council to provide UI students with five $5 Uber ride vouchers this semester. Each voucher can be used on one ride, and vouchers are valid daily between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. within a 5 mile radius of central campus. Visit the Hawk Vouchers page to claim yours while supplies last.
Protect your Personal Information
Don't overshare personal information or images with people you don't know well. Use strong, unique passwords for accounts, and be wary of phishing emails, sextortion, and other scams targeting college students. If you think you're being scammed, do not pay, stop all contact, and report what's happening to UI Police or your local law enforcement agency.
Register your bike and invest in a high-quality lock
If you ride your bike on campus, make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your property. Invest in a high-quality lock, and make sure your bike is registered. While bike registration is free and voluntary, it’s an important step that creates a record of ownership, and can help UI Police return your property to you if it’s lost or stolen. Learn more about bike theft prevention on the UI Police website.
Get to know your campus and surroundings
Take some time to learn the layout of campus, including emergency exits, shelter locations, and what to do during an emergency. Avoid walking while distracted by your phone or headphones, especially at night.
Download the safety app, Rave Guardian
The Rave Guardian mobile app allows users to set a safety timer for their walk home, text anonymous tips to Campus Safety, or call the UI Police Department with the touch of a button. Users also have the option to enter emergency contacts and important health information. Sign up with your UI email address for access to the campus network.
Want more information?
Check out safety.uiowa.edu to learn more about safety resources, training opportunities, reporting options, and how each unit supports campus safety.