Janice Lozano
Safety is a primary concern for international students considering studying in the US. While the US is not a dangerous country, and universities invest significantly in campus safety, there are several factors that might impact the safety of international students in America. These include the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestine activists, the prevalence of guns and gun violence, racism and Islamophobia, and the risk of deportation for drug-related offences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety concerns | Racism, Islamophobia, gun violence, mass shootings, visa revocations, deportations, abductions, bullying, school violence, physical violence, sexual assault, illegal drugs, theft, robberies, aggravated assault, burglaries, petty theft |
| Safety measures | Late-night escort services, designated safe spots on campus, on-campus police, 24/7 police patrols, residence halls locked with IDs, safety handbooks, security services, emergency services, mental health services, cultural organizations, community events |
| Safety tips | Stay alert, walk with a friend at night, know your surroundings, avoid certain places, keep personal information and documents safe, be aware of local laws and customs, build a supportive social network |
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What You'll Learn
Safety measures on US campuses
While college campuses in the US are generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to ensure your safety. Here are some safety measures that international students can follow to stay safe on US campuses:
Research and Orientation:
Before enrolling, research the safety statistics of your chosen college and the surrounding area. During orientation, pay attention to the security services offered, such as campus police, late-night escort services, and shuttle services. Familiarize yourself with the campus layout, including designated safe spots, and keep important contact numbers readily available.
Personal Safety:
Always stay alert, especially when walking alone or at night. Avoid walking alone after dark, and ensure someone knows your whereabouts. Keep your personal belongings secure, as burglaries and theft are common on campuses. Be cautious when answering the door, and consider investing in locking devices for valuable items like laptops.
On-Campus Security:
Colleges prioritize student safety and often have on-campus police or security personnel available 24/7. Take advantage of these services whenever you feel unsafe. Some campuses also offer self-defense classes and safety seminars to empower students with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.
Transportation and Accommodation:
Research the safest transportation options in your area and familiarize yourself with them. If living on campus, understand the security measures in place, such as ID-locked residence halls.
By being proactive about safety, international students can enhance their overall well-being and have a positive study experience in the US.
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Safety outside US campuses
The United States is a large country, and safety conditions can vary from place to place. While some people consider the US a safe destination for international students, others disagree. Some sources highlight the "random" airport security checks, racism, Islamophobia, and the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestine international students as reasons why the US may be unsafe for international students.
- Familiarize yourself with federal and state regulations, paying close attention to laws concerning driving, alcohol use, drug use, and public conduct.
- Understand the university's rules and local laws regarding drug use, as drug-related offenses can have severe consequences, including deportation.
- Know how to contact campus security and take advantage of the services they offer, such as late-night escorts and safety apps.
- Keep your personal information and documents safe. Be cautious when giving out your name, address, bank account number, credit card number, and other personal details to strangers.
- Be mindful of your surroundings, both on and off-campus. Identify safe areas in your city and avoid places that are not well-lit or considered "shady," even if you are with a group.
- Keep your doors and windows locked, and do not open the door for strangers. It is common in American culture to speak to someone through a closed door if you do not recognize them.
- Avoid walking alone at night. If you need to walk home alone, utilize campus security services or escorts. Always let someone know where you are.
- Keep your personal belongings secure, especially in public places like libraries. If you need to leave your belongings unattended, even for a few minutes, take them with you or ask someone you trust to watch them.
- Utilize the International Student Office or similar services on campus, which can provide support and guidance tailored to international students' needs.
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Safety tips for international students
Safety is an important parameter that directly impacts a student's stay in a new country. A safe environment at university encourages students to utilise their time in the most productive manner. It is important to remember that your college campus is likely to feel like the safest place in the world to you, but most campuses are completely open to the public, so it is important to remain alert and aware at all times.
- Familiarise yourself with the local customs, communication styles, and social norms. Understanding the importance of personal space, punctuality, and direct communication styles in the US will help you avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to risky situations.
- Be mindful that certain gestures or behaviours that are common in your country might be interpreted differently in the US.
- Surround yourself with a group of friends. Having a supportive social network will make you feel more connected and offer a safety net in times of need. Participate in campus clubs, cultural organisations, and community events to build connections.
- Keep yourself informed about the local laws to avoid legal issues. Each city might have different laws regarding driving, using public transportation, or alcohol consumption. Regularly check local government websites or consult your university to stay up-to-date.
- Learn about the safest ways to get around. Before you leave, familiarise yourself with the types of transportation available where you will be living.
- Keep your personal information and documents safe. Your bank account number, credit card number, passport, identification, visa papers, and immigration forms should be secured and not shared with strangers.
- Avoid ill-advised adventures. Do not explore places that do not need exploration and avoid places that locals call "shady" or that you are advised to stay away from.
- Always walk with a friend at night and let someone know where you are.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times and do not open the door for strangers.
Remember that your safety should be your number one priority. Utilise the services provided by your school, such as late-night escort services, and know the phone number for campus security.
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Visa revoking and social media screening
The safety of international students in the US varies from place to place. Most colleges are located in safe neighbourhoods, and many universities take safety seriously, offering services such as 24/7 on-campus police systems, late-night escort services, and designated safe spots on campus.
However, visa revoking and social media screening have been a concern for international students in the US. In June 2025, the US State Department announced that it would resume scheduling appointments for international student visas, but with enhanced social media vetting. This means that foreign students will be required to unlock their social media profiles and adjust their privacy settings to "public" to allow US officials to review their online activity before receiving educational and exchange visas. The new guidance directs officials to conduct an online presence review to look for "any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States". Officials will also screen for "advocacy for, aid or support for foreign terrorists and other threats to US national security" and "support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence".
This enhanced social media vetting has been criticised as an effort to target specific groups and as a broader crackdown by the Trump administration against America's elite universities, which have been deemed too left-wing. The Trump administration has also taken other actions, such as freezing funding for universities and moving to deport or revoke the visas of students. Many of these actions have been blocked by US courts.
While the US government justifies these measures in the name of national security, it is important for international students to be aware of these policies and their potential impact on their privacy and freedom of expression.
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Racism and Islamophobia
While the United States can be a safe place for international students, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and take steps to ensure your safety. Most colleges are located in either urban, suburban, or rural settings, and it is important to research the safety of the surrounding area. Campuses are usually open to the public, so it is important to remain alert and aware at all times.
Unfortunately, there has been a rise in anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian sentiment and incidents on college campuses across the United States. This includes violent attacks, threats, and targeted hateful rhetoric. Students who appear to be Arab are often presumed to be Muslim and are being targeted by hateful acts, regardless of their actual identity or religiosity. This has created a climate of fear and intimidation for many Muslim and Arab students, including international students.
Campus leaders have an obligation to address these issues and create a safe and welcoming environment for all students. This includes speaking out against hateful speech and incidents, providing resources and support for affected students, and establishing policies that promote respect and protect academic freedom and free speech.
Some colleges have taken steps to improve safety for international students, such as offering 24/7 police patrols on campus and providing safety handbooks with tips and statistics about the local community. It is important for students to familiarize themselves with the security services offered by their school, such as late-night escort services, and to always be aware of their surroundings when on campus.
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Frequently asked questions
The safety of international students in the US depends on the location and policies of the university. While some universities are in safe areas, others are in places where students have reported feeling unsafe due to racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. Additionally, the Trump administration has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students for their pro-Palestine activism and social media posts. Therefore, it is important for international students to research the safety of their chosen university and take precautions to ensure their safety.
International students should research their school's safety precautions and the security of the surrounding area. They should also familiarize themselves with transportation options and safety apps provided by the university. Additionally, students should always be aware of their surroundings, avoid unsafe areas, and keep their personal information and documents secure.
Universities in the US typically offer various safety services to ensure the security and well-being of their students. These include campus police, late-night escort services, emergency communication systems, health and counseling services, international student offices, and community-building activities.
