<p>I've never really considered safety a very high priority in Berkeley, and I've pretty much gotten used to all the bums hanging around on shattuck and telegraph. After walking home at 3am in the morning more than a few times over the past semesters I felt that Bearwalk was unnecessary and a hassle. </p>
<p>It wasn't until 2 days ago at midnight that I was mugged on Northside near my home by 2 black men in black hoodies. One guy held a gun to the back of my head and the other searched me for my goods. I thought I was going to die because the guy holding the gun was impatient and acting strange. The police also told me some girl was pistol whipped and some other time a shot was fired in the air. Needless to say I am now scared for my life walking home everyday and it's been stressful. I just want to get on with my life:</p>
<p>Where is the safest place to live (area wise)?</p>
<p>How to deal with walking home at night after the library closes or other late night endeavors?</p>
<p>dude, i'm sorry you've had a bad experience. As you probably know, walking around berkeley during the day is pretty safe. I would advise not to walk around at 3 am in the morning, unless you absolutely had to. Generally, the north side of berkeley is the wealthier side, and thereby usually safer side as well. </p>
<p>If you had to walk that late, definitely try and do it with friends. Also, don't try and be a hero, pulling out a knife or can of mace would probably put your life in more danger, seeing as how they had a gun. Also, that late, I wouldn't carry a whole lot of money, and don't wear your ipod headphones, as that is a giveaway.</p>
<p>Yes, bike. There are no confrontations that way. Plus, someone wearing saggy-ass clothes won't have a flying chance of catching you. </p>
<p>All my close encounters have been with walking. Look straight ahead, don't smile or seem to give a sh1t, and walk confidently. It's so much easier to fck with someone who has poor body language. </p>
<p>Don't try to carry and conceal arms. Chances are it'll escalate any prospect for severe injury.</p>
<p>If you wear glasses, ditch em for contacts when you're out at night. Not only are they emasculating, you'll be severely impaired when and if they're taken away from you.</p>
<p>Oh no, I'm so sorry about your bad experience. I'm pretty dumb about safety myself; I feel like it's one of those things were you feel like it's never going to happen to you...until it does. I actually just walked back at 3:30am. I hate calling BearWalk or the shuttle for short distances, but I should rethink it..</p>
<p>Wow, that sucks! I've walked around really late at night (drunk off my arse most of the time) and never had any real problems, but your post just goes to show that it can happen anywhere and any time. Like others here, I'd suggest riding a bike if you need to travel that late at night. Also, try to walk on streets with more traffic and lights, even if it means going a little out of your way. As far as safe neighborhoods, unless you can afford a place in the hills, the northside is probably the safest.</p>
<p>Don't confront muggers who have guns with mace or knives, that's just stupid. Give them your valuables, the value of those things are incomparable to the value of your life.</p>
<p>Don't walk in the dark alone.</p>
<p>The North side is not that safe. It's not very well lit, has lots of construction going on, and is not well populated as the South side of campus. Try moving to the South side near the units next semester.</p>
<p>yeah, I'll definitely be moving near unit 2 on South Side this summer so I'll be glad to escape the area. I also agree that wearing glasses puts you at a disadvantage because it was the first time I was wearing my glasses in like 2 months and I didn't see them until it was too late. It's also good to see that there are very few homicides each year say 0-1 maybe 5 in a bad year.</p>
<p>Also it's really awkward deliberately avoiding someone because you think they're shady, sometimes I just tough it out hope they don't do anything to me. This usually happens around those troublesome Berkeley High Kids who travel in marauding gangs; their unpredictable behavior makes me suspicious.</p>
<p>I do think I'll try using mace and running like hell...</p>
<p>I'm guessing no one here has really had a bad incident like this?</p>
<p>Northside is generally far safer than Southside; the area near the stadium (up past International House) would seem fairly safe, too. The hills are the safest place, but much is not within walking distance. But it is always risky at night and you have to stay alert to your surroundings. Don't walk alone. Take advantage of the escort services -- they are sitting around waiting to help you. If you have lingering anxiety, which would be very understandable, I would recommend seeking some assistance from counseling services.</p>