Campus Safety Guide
What New Undergraduate Students Should Consider
WHEN SELECTING HOUSING OPTIONS...
On-Campus Housing: All USC-owned on-campus housing has resident-only security measures, including fingerprint scanners and 24/7 security officers at entrances.
Off-Campus Housing: Students are encouraged to consider the “Patrol Zone” when selecting off-campus housing. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) patrols USC’s campuses as well as a 2.5- mile radius around the University Park Campus and one square mile around the Health Sciences Campus, marked in the red and blue borders on the maps.
WHEN WALKING AROUND CAMPUS...
Know locations of “Blue Light” phones: These emergency phones are located throughout both USC campuses and are connected to the DPS 24-hour communications center. Use them anytime to request an escort or to report suspicious activity or crime.
WHEN PROGRAMMING YOUR PHONE...
Add these important 24-hour service numbers and apps:
• Department of Public Safety
UPC (213) 740-4321 • HSC (323) 442-1000
• Student Health (213) 740-9355 (WELL) medical and mental health concerns, and sexual assault support
TrojansAlerts: emergency text/email notification system that provides official university instructions during an emergency. New students are automatically registered.
LifeSafe App: Provides immediate access to emergency responders, emergency response information and lets you make anonymous reports.
WHEN TRAVELING AROUND CAMPUS...
Look for “Yellow Jackets”: These security ambassadors are stationed around public zones near USC-owned housing for your assistance.
Bikes and Scooters on campus: Remember to register your bike or scooter with DPS, keep it locked when it’s unattended, and wear a helmet when riding.
WHEN GETTING AROUND LOS ANGELES...
When in public places, stay alert especially when using headphones and mobile phones. When traveling after dark, travel in groups, stick to well-lit and high-traffic areas and use safe travel resources like the USC Lyft Rides program.
Find links to these resources and additional safety tips at: safety.usc.edu