Students have a number of resources to help them stay safe while walking around Pitt\u2019s campus and Oakland at night.<\/p>\n
Early last month, a woman was allegedly raped and robbed after leaving a South Side bar<\/a>, while other recent reports<\/a> have highlighted concerns about harassment and sexual violence in the city. With the 2026 fall term underway, Pitt officials and upperclassmen are encouraging students to plan ahead, utilize proactive maneuvers and know how to access safety resources if they feel unsafe.<\/p>\n Unlike students at more isolated college campuses, many Pitt students regularly move between campus, residential neighborhoods, businesses and other parts of Pittsburgh, adding another factor to safety considerations.<\/p>\n Mariyah Abdul Rahman, a junior geology major who lives in South Oakland, said she shares her location with several friends and communicates where she is going and how long she expects to be gone.\u00a0<\/p>\n Originally from Frederick, Maryland<\/a>, Abdul Rahman said she was used to being able to walk around her community without thinking as much about her surroundings. Moving to Pittsburgh meant becoming more vigilant when walking around the city.<\/p>\n \u201cAt home, I felt like I could walk anywhere without having to be aware of where I was going,\u201d Abdul Rahman said. \u201cIn Pittsburgh and at Pitt, you have to be a little bit more aware of your surroundings.\u201d<\/p>\n That awareness does not have to mean avoiding going out altogether, according to Abdul Rahman.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing anxious is good, but don\u2019t be overly anxious and scared to the point of not doing things,\u201d Abdul Rahman said.\u00a0<\/p>\n University spokesperson Meredith Herndon emphasized students should discuss their plans before going out, including where they are going, how long they plan to stay and how they will get home.<\/p>\n \u201cPlan to stay together and look out for one another,\u201d Herndon said. \u201cTry to stay in busier, well-lit areas on the walk home, even if it takes a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n For students who do end up walking alone, Pitt offers several options for getting home safely, according to Herndon.\u00a0<\/p>\n The University\u2019s SafeRider service<\/a> provides complimentary transportation from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Pitt also offers a Walking Escort Program<\/a>, where a security officer can accompany students, faculty and staff with a valid Pitt ID from the Hillman Library or William Pitt Union to certain walkable locations during the evening and night.\u00a0<\/p>\n Annabelle Bunce, a sophomore secondary education major, lives on upper campus. Bunce said she tries to avoid situations where she could possibly be in harm\u2019s way.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI always say to not walk alone, always walk with a friend, and also just keep your head on a swivel,\u201d Bunce said. \u201cSituational awareness is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n Bunce said she often feels safe around Pitt, though it is important to use additional caution when walking through South Oakland and near fraternity houses at night. She emphasised that new students should feel comfortable using the safety resources provided through the University.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have to walk by yourself or you start to feel a little bit unsettled, you can always use SafeRider,\u201d Bunce said. \u201cI\u2019ve used that before. It\u2019s there for a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n Bunce said students can also learn from each other as they adjust to living in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n \u201cTalk to the people around you, especially upperclassmen, and see what\u2019s worked for them,\u201d Bunce said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kayla Ahern, a sophomore education major, lives in the on-campus residence Ruskin Hall and said first-years building a network around themselves of people they trust and look after is important.<\/p>\n \u201cUse discernment, be safe and rely on those close to you,\u201d Ahern said.<\/p>\n That support system can also help students recognize when a situation is becoming uncomfortable, according to Ahern.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to be smart,\u201d Ahern said. \u201cIf you\u2019re interacting with somebody and you do feel uncomfortable in that interaction, trust your gut and get yourself out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n Ahern said students going out in larger groups should make sure someone is paying attention to what is happening around them.<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially with a big group of girls, make sure that somebody is able to discern situations to make sure that you all are being safe,\u201d Ahern said.<\/p>\n For students who do find themselves in an unsafe situation, Herndon said it is important to act quickly and get somewhere populated. Students who believe they are being followed can enter a restaurant, residence hall or another populated location and ask someone for help.<\/p>\n Herndon also recommended that Pitt students download the PittSAFE app<\/a> to contact Pitt Police and access features such as Mobile Blue Light, Friend Walk and Virtual Walkhome. On campus, Herndon said students also have the ability to activate a physical Emergency Blue Light<\/a>, while off-campus emergencies should be reported by calling 911. Pitt Police can be reached at 412-624-2121.<\/p>\n Herndon emphasized that students who experience an incident should not blame themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cA survivor or victim is never to blame for what happened to them,\u201d said Herndon.<\/p>\n