<p>I am a transfer student from cc, I'm thinking of renting a room and share it with my friend near ucla campus, and take around 10 minutes to walk to the campus. I just worried if I walk home alone at night, like after 7 when its getting dark, is it safe? Also, is living on campus really helpful for meeting new people? I wish I could do some networking, but I don't really want to live on campus...Please give me some advice! Thank you!</p>
<p>You don’t need to be worried, as Westwood is generally very safe if you are not out too late (like around midnight or so). I know there are horrible stories about people getting robbed near UCLA and that it has the reputation of being the most dangerous college in America, but it’s not really like that. People who get robbed are usually out very early in the pre-dawn hours (no reason for doing this honestly) and are often doing dumb things like wearing headphones so they can’t hear anyone approaching. Also, if you should choose your paths wisely, taking the most brightly lit ones or the ones run through the UCLA campus. </p>
<p>If you still have anxieties, UCLA has an evening escort program just for these occasions. You can find out more here:</p>
<p><a href=“http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1000806”>http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1000806</a></p>
<p>Basically they send a Community Service Officer or CSO (who is basically another student) to walk you back to your residence. I haven’t used the service personally, but UCLA really tried to sell it during orientation. Must be at least somewhat decent. Also, I heard that if you are a guy and are uncomfortable with a male escort, you can request a female escort to walk you back (or visa versa I’m assuming). </p>
<p>Living on campus is the best way to meet people, but that’s not to say it’s impossible off campus. You just have to try a bit harder. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>oceanpartier: thank you so much! These are really helpful advice. </p>
<p>I’m definitely going to need a female escort since I’m a night owl</p>