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I'm posting this for my mother (she's not very good with technology). I am considering attending school in NYC, specifically Fordham University. She's concerned about my safety in the city, and she's wondering how parents who already have children attending school in the city feel about their children being in such a large city, away from home. Any insight and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

By Roger (Roger) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 09:51 pm: Edit

Hi, Amyep. It always seems to be Moms who worry about their kids attending college in NYC! While it is true that New York is a big city with many of the usual big city problems, it's also true that the overwhelming majority of students there will not be mugged or murdered! The bigger concern for your Mom should be that once you go to school in NYC, you'll never want to leave! (My daughter attended college in NYC, and three years later is still living and working there.)

NYC college campuses typically have very good security. Off campus, the main prescription for staying safe is using common sense - not wandering around alone on dark streets, taking a cab if you don't feel comfortable walking to a subway station, etc. My experience is that the people who worry most about the safety of students in New York City are those that are farthest away and have little urban experience.

Going to college in New York is an enriching and incomparable experience - good luck!