<p>I've applied RD and when recently I talked to my friend, another senior, about college application, she told me that she didn't applied to JHU because Baltimore was not safe, though she was very interested in biology and certainly qualify for JHU. I'm an international student and I haven't visited Baltimore (and still will not visit even if accepted). I don't know much about Baltimore but at least, I haven't read Baltimore appearing in news of shocking crimes in newspaper. So my impression used to be pretty neutral but my friend's words do warn me.
Can anyone comment on the security issues of Baltimore (i.e. stealing and robbing, drugs, raids and assaults, police strength, etc.)
Thank you very much.</p>
<p>The crimes you listed can occur anywhere in the US, small towns to large cities.
Baltimore has blighted areas that turn off many applicants.
But it has vibrant areas that reveal why their citizens love their “Charm City.”
A sense of safety is taking personal responsibility to protect yourself, be aware of your surroundings and lessen your chances of being a target.
You’ll need to visit and make your own impression.</p>
<p>My son has been at JHU for two years and has had no problems. He runs track and the track field is a distance from campus that they run to. They run together and have never had a problem. As stated above, every city has a crime rate but I think attending JHU is as safe as any school if you stay aware of your surroundings.</p>
<p>Current Student: You can go 4 years at Hopkins and never have a run in with crime. That being said, I know people who have been accosted, or mugged. BUT and a big but here is that these things happened late at night, in neighborhoods that were better left untraveled at such times. In any city, in any large town, crime is a possibility. Just avoid certain areas and you will be safe. JHU has a large security force that keeps the area secure. People tend to paint Baltimore in a bad light. Just like JHU has a reputation for being “cut throat” (which, having been here almost a year, is a complete fallacy) people hold preconceived notions about things with which they have no personal experience. Campus safety is not a reason to disregard possible enrollment at Hopkins.</p>
<p>if you actually search the web a bit, you can discover that Hopkins security is considered one of the best on the United States for universities. The head of security is a former special agent of the secret service and there are Hopkins patrolling all over 24/7. That being said, there are occasionally some instances- many times being either people walking alone at night near the edge of campus, petty theft, and student being mugged off-campus (or very nearly off-campus) when walking to/from a relatively far off-campus house.</p>
<p>No need to worry though. If you keep your street smarts, you should be fine.</p>
<p>Current student here; AAustin is right! Hopkins prides itself in being one of the safest campuses! There are patrol cars that go around campus all day, in addition to the conveniently located blue light system that alerts security if you ever feel unsafe. In addition, every student has a Jcard with security’s number on it if ever you need to call. I have never felt unsafe on campus!</p>