Safety Tips Every International Student in America Should Know

America is generally safe for international students, but it's a different environment than what you're used to. Understanding how safety works in the U.S. will help you feel more confident and avoid common problems.

Emergency Services: 911

In any emergency — medical, fire, or crime — dial 911. It's free from any phone, including cell phones without a SIM card. Know your exact location (building name and address) when you call. Many campuses also have their own police department with a separate emergency number — save both in your phone.

Campus Safety Resources

U.S. colleges invest heavily in campus safety:

• Blue light emergency phones — Located throughout campus, they connect directly to campus police with one press.
• Campus escort services — Free nighttime walking or driving escorts. Don't be afraid to use them.
• Safety apps — Many schools have apps that let you report concerns, track your walk home, or alert contacts.
• Campus police — They're there to help, not to check your immigration status.

Common Scams Targeting International Students

International students are frequently targeted by scammers. Be aware of:

• IRS phone scams — Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, threatening arrest if you don't pay immediately. The IRS never calls and demands immediate payment.
• Immigration scams — Fake calls from "USCIS" or "ICE" threatening deportation unless you pay a fee. Government agencies don't operate this way.
• Housing scams — Fake landlords asking for deposits on apartments that don't exist. Never send money without seeing the property in person.
• Scholarship scams — Legitimate scholarships never require an upfront fee.

General Safety Tips

• Share your location with a trusted friend or family member using your phone's built-in features.
• Don't walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Use campus escorts or ride-sharing apps.
• Keep copies of important documents — Passport, visa, I-20, and insurance card. Store digital copies in the cloud.
• Register with your country's embassy so they can contact you in an emergency.
• Know your rights — International students have legal rights in the U.S. If you're ever in trouble with law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed is common among international students. It doesn't mean something is wrong with you — it means you're going through one of life's biggest transitions. Use your campus counseling center (it's free and confidential), join student organizations, and don't hesitate to reach out when you need support.