FAQ: Safety escorts in Columbia neighborhood
Q: Does Columbia have a “safe-ride” or something like a buddy system to walk people home if it’s late at night? Since I’m
new in my neighborhood, and living off-campus, I just want to play it safe at first until I get to know the area a bit better.
A: Yes, there’s a very good program run by the Security office. See info below and be sure to attend the Orientation briefing and to stop by the Security booth at the Orientation Fair.
Public Safety Escorts
Telephone: (212) 854-SAFE (7233)
During the school year, Columbia University Escort Service will send two specially trained students to accompany students to their door any time from 8 pm to 3 am, seven nights a week. Escorts carry two-way Columbia Public Safety radios. This service is available from West 103rd Street to West 110th Street between Central Park West and Riverside Drive, and from West 111th Street to West 122nd Street between Morningside Drive and Riverside Drive.
When using this service, please allow escorts 5 to 15 minutes to arrive and ask them to show a Columbia Card. If you need an escort before 8 pm or after 3 am, call Public Safety at (212) 854-2798.
Medical Center - for any of you who live uptown near the Medical campus.
Telephone: (212) 305-8100
Columbia Public Safety officers will escort students door to door to or from any of the University buildings on the Medical Center campus or at private residences on Haven Avenue, Fort Washington Avenue, or Broadway from West 165th to West 178th Streets.
“A shuttle service is also available between 7pm and 11pm within the Morningside Heights area and between the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. During these hours, the bus make specific, scheduled stops. After 11pm you can call (212) 854-SAFE (7233) to request a drop at a specific location.”
It may also be worth calling the Public Safety office to find out more about your neighborhood, incidents, areas to avoid and also safe routes to take when walking home
