<p>I’m considering OSU for undergrad, but after researching the university online I came across several accounts which stated the campus (and the surrounding areas) were not that safe.
For example, one website gave it a D- in safety.
Is this an actual concern or just bitter posters online?
Would love to hear from current OSU students and those familiar with the area, thanks.</p>
<p>My D is a senior or 4th year as they say it. He has found the campus and surrounding area very safe. The only "bad area is beyond the Kroger and past Summit near 4th but students do not really go into that area. There is a campus presence and security will escort you. Dorms are very safe with a swipe card system. </p>
<p>The only criminal thing that happened to my son was two weeks ago. His car was broken into. I blame him because he left his backpack and brand new North Face jacket in the car overnight in plain view. Everyone has told us that the jacket is very popular with everyone and that might be the reasons. </p>
<p>Cops definitely are trying to keep the area safe. At the end of sophomore year my son and his friends were stopped by cops for matching the description of someone who had committed a crime. My son clearly had not committed the crime and we found that slightly amusing because my DH is a judge. </p>
<p>Ohio State participates in the emergency alert system. They are great at getting the word out even to us parents. We will get a text and phone call along the lines of “There is a suspicious package at gateway” kind of thing. We do not get them much more than one a month. Dean J who is head of student services really wants to make Ohio State as safe as possible. I suggest you call her office if you have further concerns. </p>
<p>A lot of people make stupid mistakes, like walking home drunk in the middle of the night. Yes, this will get you mugged, or worse. </p>
<p>The surrounding area is like any urban neighborhood in a moderately sized city: not automatically “unsafe” but you do have to keep your wits about you. I think a lot of students experience a bit of culture shock because they come from small towns and suburbs where they’re not used to city living. </p>
<p>The thing I’d actually be more concerned about at OSU is renting. There are a lot of slum lords who take advantage of students, and there are a lot of crappy overpriced rents in the area. The dispatch ran a series about this last year: <a href=“http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/11/11/ohio-state-landlords.html”>http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/11/11/ohio-state-landlords.html</a></p>
<p>The worst landlord was this guy Pat McGreevy, now deceased. It may be impolite to speak of the dead, but he was a sleazy ■■■■■■■. </p>