The Guide to Staying Safe in NYC: College Edition
If your parents are anything like mine, they HATE the idea of their child moving to New York City for college. To be fair, it’s a scary thing for both parties. You’re far away from home, in a new environment, and for most, a faster environment than whence you came. It’s all been drilled in my head from a young age: watch your surroundings, don’t have your phone out, never both headphones, travel in groups, yada yada. Unfortunately, there’s good reason for all of these words of warning. Too many people, young feminine people especially, have been hurt or harassed for simply being. This advice isn’t just for my ladies out there, especially anyone who identifies in the LGBTQ+ community: please lookout for yourself! I can’t stress enough the importance of having personal safety at the forefront of your mind, especially in the city that never sleeps. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned, observed, or heard that will help keep both you and your friends safe :)
Find Some Besties— Traveling in groups is the number one piece of advice I have for surviving a large city, especially as young female-identifying people. Scary New York creeps are less likely to take on a group than one person. This being said, unfortunately, the more men/male-presenting people you have in your group the better. Because gender roles still run the world, *insert eye roll here*, people are less likely to mess with guys than gals. Regardless, find your group and stick together.
Busy and Bothered—Oddly enough, my freshman year World History teacher was speaking the truth when he first coined this term. Though his example was about how to get through the hallways during class without a pass, this applies to walking through Times Square, avoiding horse and carriage advertisers near Central Park, and universally anyone who comes up to you on the street. Act busy and bothered, whatever that means to you. Whether that means acting like you’re on the phone, or just high-tailing it past the weird guy yelling “COMEDY SHOW? COMEDY SHOW?” incessantly on the corner of 42nd and Broadway, just go. Works every time.
One Ear Only— This one is self-explanatory. Everyone has earbuds in New York City. I challenge you to find a street corner without one person listening to music; it’s impossible. I happen to be part of the vast majority of New Yorkers with earbuds in 24/7. However, I always remember the first rule my investigator mother has drilled into my head, “Never both headphones.” Having only one headphone in not only allows you to both listen to your surroundings and be more alert, it also makes you seem more alert to potential perpetrators. Take that creeps.
Hands-free Mode— I’m not saying fights and robberies are common in New York City, but I’m not not saying it. Just last week the Halal cart near my campus was robbed in broad daylight, at 5 p.m. on a Wednesday. People are crazy. This isn’t a PSA to be scared of New York City in the daylight, but rather to be alert. I follow a rule of thumb to always have 1, optimally 2, hand(s) free. This becomes a challenge every week when I drag home my 15 pound bag of Trader Joes, but by whatever means necessary, at least one of my hands is free.
Head on a Swivel— In addition to the tips above, making sure you are looking around yourself and knowing your cross streets is super important. When I was first learning to drive in the cornfields of IL, from the passenger seat my mom used to ask me, “Maddie, what’s your location?”, to which I would answer, “I’m heading ___-bound on ___ street at ____ street.” Though this was incredibly annoying at the time, it certainly helped me to know where I am and where I’m going, in the unlikely case I would have to report my location to law enforcement. So, in addition to knowing where in the concrete jungle you are located, it’s important to pay attention to the area. This means minimal phone usage, frequent glances across the street and behind yourself, and crossing the street when you feel unsafe. Remember, look out for #1.
When It Comes to Beeswax, Mind Your Own.— Yes, I know, I just finished talking about how you should be looking around and knowing your surroundings. To be clear, I still stand by that fact. Especially in the off chance you become a witness to a crime, you may have the advantage of being in a safe space to call for help for the victim. However, whatever the 2 old men are violently arguing about across the street is none of your business ma’am. If someone runs up you panting and asks, “Hey! Where did that guy in the red shirt run to?” your response should be, “Who? I didn’t see a guy. Sorry,” and high-tail it away (without looking suspicious). Moral of the story is: know your surroundings, but don’t get involved unless necessary. You can always offer your witness after the fact from a calm safe place.
That ends my mini lesson on staying safe in the Big Apple. Reminder: This advice isn’t just for my ladies out there, especially anyone who identifies in the LGBTQ+ community: lookout for yourself and your people! I truly can’t stress enough the importance of having personal safety at the forefront of your mind. That being said, happy exploring! Don’t let my words of warning stop you from truly experiencing all that NYC has to offer. After all, it’s the best city in the world.
Safe travels!
xoxo, Maddie
