<p>^haha sounds like a good movie name
Anyway, I'm thinking about taking a class that ends at 9 once a week... is that safe? I know people say it's safe as long as you're careful, but at the same time, the people that I mentioned it to were kind of discouraging about it. So yeah, has anyone ever had problems getting off that late? I'm an incoming freshman, btw.</p>
<p>Depends on where you live. It’s usually safe on campus, but the surrounding area may not be.</p>
<p>The only questionable spot on campus is the Eucalyptus Grove, west of VLSB. I’d be more concerned about the area south of the campus. Even so, 9 PM isn’t that late. If you’re nervous, find a walking buddy in that class, or something like that.</p>
<p>Hey guys, I also have a similar concern. I will have a lab that ends at 10 p.m. and a DeCal ends at 8 p.m., all at Soda, two days a week. Is it safe to walk back home alone around then? I know it’s only a 5-minute walk from Soda back to Foothill, but I’m still worried… </p>
<p>Also, can someone explain to me how BearWalk works? Is it just simply a trained UCPD Officer will just walk with you back home together? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>It’s usually safe if you are walking through campus. As long as you’re not waiting at a bus stop or walking home through some shady areas, you’ll be fine. </p>
<p>BearWalk is someone who is hired by the university (not a UCPD officer) to either walk or drive you home if I recalled correctly. If you’re near a bus stop, they’ll tell you to wait for a night shuttle instead. From what I heard, it’s pretty convenient (but the wait is ~15mn =<)</p>
<p>Try to find someone in class who can walk with you. You’re all most likely freshmen so someone ought to live in the Units or Foothill :)!</p>
<p>@NewBear: there’s definitely almost no risk walking from Soda to Foothill. There are plenty of people walking around even at that hour since engineering students don’t really get to sleep and it’s all residential area north of foothill. But more importantly, the distance is so short.</p>
<p>Thanks Calicious and UpMagic!</p>
<p>You come out at night
That’s when the energy comes
And the dark side’s light
And the vampires roam…</p>
<p>Haha Berkeley campus is extremely safe at night. So don’t fret.</p>
<p>the only reason you walk in pairs is because if one of you gets shot/stabbed/kidnapped/robbed the other person can run for help. </p>
<p>So the point of bearwalk is that when you get shot/stabbed/kidnapped/robbed the guy who’s with you can run to the nearest police station</p>
<p>^not really. the bearwalk officer has radio contact with UCPD and is trained in basic defensive tactics. and since the program started, nobody has been attacked when walking with bearwalk. </p>
<p>The shuttles are also good, and are door-to-door after 2am.</p>
<p>Finally, as wutwut mentioned, avoid eucalyptus grove at night, it’s not very safe. Keep to lighted paths and keep on the lookout around you when walking + don’t use headphones or your cell phone.</p>
<p>I’m an SM and we get basic training on night safety on campus, but you’d be surprised how many dumb people there are making themselves easy targets.</p>
<p>Thanks for the answers you guys. My walk would be from Morrison/Hertz to unit 3… How’s that general area? Also, where is eucalyptus grove (by what buildings)?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Eucalyptus grove is next to (west/below) VLSB. Some homeless people may live there and people who smoke weed too. Its not that bad, but I guess somewhere I would avoid at night. </p>
<p>Morrison/Hertz to Unit 3 is fine. Its basically downhill on Bancroft or Durant - perfectly safe and highly public streets.</p>
<p>How about walking back to the Clark Kerr area from those places at those times?</p>
<p>Clark Kerr is a little trickier. The 49 bus line stops running after 7:30 or 8:00, that’s the one that drops you off right in front of Clark Kerr. When it’s late, I don’t like taking the 51B, because it’ll drop you off at Parker and College, and you have to walk down a very quiet, not very well lit residential block to get back to Clark Kerr. Personally, I always took Bancroft to Piedmont, then Piedmont all the way home, even though it added a few minutes to my walk. Since Piedmont is essentially frat row, it’s very well lit and there are usually a few students out and about.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>To be honest, if you’re smart and aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. I’ve walked from Southside (Unit 1 area) to Foothill by myself at 1am multiple times. And if you want, take the Safety Shuttle or Bearwalk van.</p>
<p>I can’t think of a single dangerous place in or around the campus at 9pm. 2 am on a dark, empty street? MAYBE you could have rational reason for being alert and a little afraid.</p>
<p>In Spring 2012, I had a biology lab in VLSB on Thursday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. although it was usually ~ 9:45-10:00 p.m. by the time I headed home. I always rode my bike through Spieker Plaza (past Haas Pavilion) and down Dana St. to my apartment on Southside on Blake St. Areas seemed relatively well lit; there were usually a few people out and about still. </p>
<p>I always rode my bike and didn’t walk home alone–biking is a lot faster so you’re less of a target. If you do ride at night, be sure to have a bike light. A GSI I knew got a $200-250 ticket for riding at night without a light.</p>
<p>When I checked out campus safety last semester, it seems the main problems were purse snatching and bicycle theft. Fortunately, I was lucky and had no safety problems.</p>
<p>Pack your stuff up in your backpack, keep an eye out, and don’t be distracted by walking and talking on your phone–stay alert to your surroundings.</p>