<p>Actually, the University of Chicago is very safety-conscious. You hear schools talking now about forming emergency plans in the aftermath of the VTech shooting? The U of C has had one since before September 11, 2001. It was revised after 9/11, and they looked at it again recently but didn’t find that they had to make any changes. They have the second largest private police force in the world, behind the Vatican. The surrounding area has sense switched to using UC police instead of Chicago police. Dorm security is some of the safest I’ve seen at schools (4 key swipes into a private room, showing your ID card to the desk attendent, signing in all guests who do not live in that particular dorm, one door entry to most dorms, etc.). Campus shuttles run when the local buses end for the night, going until 2 AM on weekdays and 6 AM on weekends. A late night van service is available any time any night of the week. There is the normal blue light phone and police accompanying services. There are RAs, RHs, and RMs in the dorms who watch out for students, including keeping an eye on mental health. The counseling service is large and active and holds no social stigma. Yes, the University of Chicago is in an urban area, and with that there are risks and incidences. The thing is, the U of C has responded to these risks and taken steps to control student safety while keeping the campus free and open to the public.</p>