International Student Safety Guide | Staying Safe and Getting Emergency Help in the United States

Personal safety and property security are essential for successfully completing an education abroad.

This guide helps international students prepare for potential safety risks before traveling to the United States, understand basic on-campus and off-campus precautions, and establish a reliable emergency support network.

Important: Safety conditions, local laws, university procedures, and emergency contact numbers may change. The consular contact information in this article reflects the original publication period. Students should verify current information with their university and the relevant government agency before departure.

Safety Preparation before Traveling

Backing up important information and establishing multiple communication channels can provide essential support during life abroad.

On-Campus and Off-Campus Safety

On-Campus Safety

Review campus crime statistics. Students can use the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Tool to review reported crime and fire statistics for individual institutions.

Register for university alerts. Sign up for the university’s emergency notification system so that you can receive timely warnings about incidents on or near campus.

Use campus escort services. If you remain in a library, laboratory, or academic building late at night, contact Campus Police or the university safety department to ask whether a walking or driving escort is available.

Learn how to use blue-light emergency phones. Identify the locations of emergency call boxes around campus. Pressing the emergency button generally connects directly to Campus Police or a dispatcher.

State your location and the nature of the emergency, then follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If remaining at the call box places you in danger, move toward a populated or well-lit location. Some campuses advise activating additional call boxes while moving so that officers can identify your direction of travel. Procedures vary, so follow your university’s official guidance.

Protect residence hall access. Do not allow strangers to follow you into a secured residence hall. Verify the identity of unfamiliar visitors, keep your keys with you, and lock your door whenever you leave—even if you are only taking out the trash.

Travel and Driving Safety

Research local conditions and avoid isolated areas. Learn which neighborhoods and routes require additional caution. At night, travel with other people whenever possible and avoid isolated parks, empty streets, and poorly lit areas.

Follow basic driving precautions.

• Keep enough fuel in the vehicle

• Lock the doors immediately after entering

• Park in well-lit areas

• If you believe you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, or another populated location

• If a police officer signals you to pull over, stop in a safe place, remain inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise, keep your hands visible, and avoid confrontational language or movements

Remain alert on public transportation.

For subway or rail travel:

• Wait in designated, well-lit areas

• Do not stand too close to the platform edge

• Avoid empty train cars

• Choose cars with more passengers or near the conductor when possible

• Avoid prolonged confrontational eye contact with people behaving aggressively

For bus travel:

• Wait at well-lit stops

• Sit near the driver when possible

• Inform the driver immediately if you experience harassment or feel unsafe

Prepare for large events. Review the venue map and emergency exits before attending. Be aware of the locations of security personnel and report suspicious behavior.

Alcohol, Food, and Social Safety

Follow local alcohol laws. Rules governing public alcohol consumption and open containers vary by state and city. Many jurisdictions prohibit drinking from an open container in streets and other public areas. Open alcoholic beverages may also be prohibited in the passenger area of a motor vehicle.

Check local laws and venue rules before consuming or transporting alcohol.

Protect food and drinks.

• Do not accept opened food or drinks from strangers

• Do not consume a drink that has been left unattended

• Meet online acquaintances in a public place

• Tell a trusted friend where you are going and whom you are meeting

• Avoid sharing your home address or other sensitive personal information

Emergency Contacts in the United States

In an emergency, remain as calm as possible and clearly provide your location.

Emergency and Community Services

Emergency services: 911

Call 911 when you need immediate assistance from police, firefighters, or emergency medical services.

If you have difficulty communicating in English, clearly state your preferred language, such as “Chinese,” and remain on the line. Language assistance procedures vary by jurisdiction. Do not hang up unless the dispatcher instructs you to do so.

Community and social services: 211

Calling 211 connects users with local information and referrals related to housing, homelessness, food, utilities, healthcare, and other community services. The service is free and confidential in most participating areas. More information is available through United Way 211.

Specialized Support Hotlines

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day. The CPAF helpline supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence and offers assistance in several Asian and Pacific Islander languages.

The number 1-800-422-4453 belongs to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Reports involving missing or exploited children should be directed to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Chinese Consular Protection and Assistance

In an immediate threat to life or property, contact U.S. emergency services by calling 911 first. Consular assistance does not replace local police, medical, or firefighting services.

The following Chinese consular contact information reflects the original publication period.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline

• Calling from China: 010-12308 or 010-59913991

• Calling from the United States: 011-86-10-12308 or 011-86-10-59913991

Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United States

These numbers were included in an official consular safety notice published during the original article’s period. Students should verify the latest contact numbers and consular jurisdictions through the Chinese Embassy in the United States or the relevant consulate before traveling.

Key Emergency Information to Save

Before leaving for the United States, save the following information on your phone and keep a printed backup:

• 911

• Local Campus Police number

• University emergency alert instructions

• University escort service number

• Nearest hospital or urgent-care center

• Insurance emergency assistance number

• Trusted local contact

• Chinese Embassy or consulate responsible for your location

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline

In an emergency, prioritize immediate safety, move to a secure location when possible, contact the appropriate local service, and provide your location as accurately as possible.