WashU is committed to keeping our community safe and dedicates time, staff and resources to enhancing security wherever we can. On this page, you will find resources and tips to stay safe and secure during your time living in St. Louis and commuting to and from WashU.
WashU resources
- WashU Police Resources
- WashU Campus Shuttle System
- On- and off- Campus Security Information
- Emergency Communication Information
Protect yourself
Know your on- and off-campus resources
- For all emergencies, call 911
- If you are on campus and need assistance, you can call the Washington University Police Department (WUPD) at 314-935-5555 on the Danforth Campus or call the School of Medicine Campus Safety department at 314-362-4357 / 314-362-HELP on the Medical Campus
- Download the WashU Safe App
Keep important documents safe
Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, it is always advisable to keep all your valuable items near you and hidden away. Petty theft can happen anywhere but is greatly reduced when your items are attached to your body. Items you should carry with you:
- Your health insurance card
- Your Missouri driver’s license or nondriver identification
- Your WashU ID
Items you should keep in a safe place at home:
- Your Social Security card
- Your passport and other visa status documents (I-20 or DS-2019)
Be aware of your transportation options
In the event that you do not feel safe to commute from class to your car or home, alternative transportation options exist. Familiarizing yourself with these different options will help you be more prepared should an emergency strike. Some of WashU’s transportation support services include:
Tips for living in St. Louis
As a student living in a new urban environment, taking certain precautions can help reduce your risk of falling victim to crime or theft.
The only way to reduce the risk of an intruder or theft is to keep all your windows and doors locked to your house and car. You should also plan to keep valuable items or items that could look valuable out of sight. For example, do not leave your gym bag laying in the back seat of your car. A thief does not know this is a gym bag and could break into your car with hopes that it has valuables in it.
Do not answer the door for strangers. In the U.S. it is not uncommon for individuals to talk through a closed door or car window when approached by someone they do not know. It is not rude to ask the person who they are or find out what they need before you decide it is a safe situation. Even if it is a police officer, it is okay to first ask the officer to identify themselves with a proper ID/badge before you open the door or window.
It is never a good idea to display cash or valuables in public. You should keep these items stored away and only bring out the amount of cash that you need. Flashing cash or valuables around could make you more susceptible to theft or other crimes.
You might come across someone who asks you for money. This is called panhandling and in many areas, it is illegal. For safety reasons, WUPD advises students to not give money to panhandlers.
Check out our Scams webpage for information on common scams directed towards international students.
Sexual assault and relationship abuse
WashU is committed to having a positive learning and working environment for its students, faculty and staff, and will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that violates university policy. It is also illegal under state and federal law. WashU is a GreenDot campus and believes it is the responsibility of the whole community to promote safety and the intolerance of sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. The Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP) is available to help clarify this important topic.
What is acceptable in one culture may not be acceptable in others. The university’s goal is to provide a welcoming and safe environment and to ensure that community members know what resources are available to them. Therefore, it is important that you understand the definitions of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
WashU encourages victims of sexual harassment and violence to file police reports. Reports may be filed confidentially or non-confidentially. Go to relationship and sexual violence resources for more information about reporting procedures and your rights.