Safety concerns at UW Madison?

Hi, I'm a high school junior considering applying to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but I've heard about some crime issues on and around campus. Can any current students or graduates give me an idea of how safe the campus is and what I should expect if I choose to attend?

It's true that safety can be a concern for any college campus, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison is no exception. While there have been crime incidents on and around campus, it is essential to consider the context of these events and keep in mind that UW-Madison is in a relatively safe urban area compared to other large universities.

The University has a number of safety measures in place to help students feel secure. For example, they provide campus police officers who constantly patrol and monitor the campus, blue light emergency phones scattered around campus that connect you directly to campus security, and a SafeWalk service, where trained student employees can walk with you to ensure your safe arrival at a destination within a certain perimeter. Additionally, the school organizes safety orientation programs for students to make them aware of on-campus resources and best practices.

That being said, staying safe is also a shared responsibility among students. It's crucial to take personal precautions, such as not walking alone in poorly lit areas, always locking your dorm and valuables, and being aware of your surroundings. Make sure to save emergency phone numbers and familiarize yourself with campus safety resources.

In general, most students at UW-Madison feel reasonably safe on campus. However, it's essential to be proactive about your own safety and make use of the resources provided. It's always a good idea to visit the campus and speak with current students or campus safety personnel to get a better understanding of the day-to-day safety experiences. Every student's perception of safety and comfort level may vary, so gathering first-hand insights will help you make an informed decision.