I’ve been recently discussing colleges with my parents and one thing that came up was the safety (or lack thereof) of College Park. I really do like University of Maryland as a school as well as it’s proximity to DC but I’m worried about the surrounding area. Is it really unsafe?
Like any campus in an urban area, some common sense is needed. Like, don’t wander around late at night alone. My D is finishing her freshman year there and she hasn’t had any problems. She and her friends take the shuttles off campus to eat at different restaurants. They have also gone into DC during the day and at night…And there’s a lot to do on campus. Have you visited UMD yet? That may help.to answer your concerns.
@SoofDad Thanks! It was something that was seriously worrying me as I really like the school. No I live abroad (expat) so I won’t get the opportunity to visit, I would definitely love to though!
As a student (and a small female) I can say that on campus I’ve always felt rather safe. Even at 2am there are people everywhere (especially on weekends lol and especially around the dorms). I wouldn’t really suggest walking around off campus at night alone, but that can be said for pretty much anywhere. Crimes do happen (as they do anywhere), but for the most part they are minor. There haven’t been any big crimes in the area since I’ve been there. College Park isn’t the nicest neighborhood, but it is definitely a neighborhood in transition. The university and the surrounding community has been working very hard to fix it up, and the progress is obvious.
Every area will have its own issues, but I, personally, have never had any issues nor felt unsafe, on or off campus.