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New Student Checklist 

New to VCU? Here’s a list of recommended steps to take before, or shortly after, you arrive at VCU. At VCU, safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we want you to have the tools you need to stay safe at all times. 

  • Students are automatically signed up for VCU Alert text messages. Parents, family members and community members can sign up for VCU Alerts by visiting the VCU Alert website: Text alerts 
  • Download the free LiveSafe app for two-way communication with VCU Police. Users can send in photos, videos and audio files. The app is available for Apple and Android devices and tips are monitored 24/7, just like emergency calls. Use the SafeWalk feature of the app so friends or family can track you as you walk across campus after dark. (In lieu of using SafeWalk, you can turn on location sharing on your phone with a trusted individual.) 
  • Consider programming the following numbers into your cell phone: 
    • VCU Police (on campus) Emergency line: (804) 828-1234 / VCU-1234
    • VCU Police (on campus) Non-emergency line: (804) 828-1196
    • Off campus emergencies in the City of Richmond can be reported by calling, or texting, 911. (Call if you can, text if you can’t.) For more information on this service in Richmond and surrounding communities, visit Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications.
  • Register bikes online or in person with VCU Police. (Police traditionally offer bike registration events at the beginning of the academic year.)
  • Register laptops online with VCU Police. (Police traditionally offer laptop registration events at the beginning of the academic year.)
  • Follow VCU Police on social media accounts, including Instagram and Twitter (@vcupd) and Facebook. Events, such as bike and laptop registrations are publicized on these accounts. 
  • If comfortable, consider purchasing and carrying pepper spray. More information on pepper spray is available for your review on the pepper spray resources page.   
  • Review VCU's weapons policy on the VCU Integrity and Compliance website. 
  • Review VCU’s Student Code of Conduct which applies for students living on and off campus. 
  • Use RamSafe for transportation across campus in the evenings or at night if you are uncomfortable walking. Request RamSafe rides 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. through the Ride Pingo app. 
  • Female identifying students should consider signing up for RAD, a women's self defense course. Visit the RAD Class page and click “RAD Registration” on the left hand side of the screen to be added to the waiting list. 

New students, their parents, or family members can contact the VCU Police Crime Prevention team with questions by emailing crimeprevreq@vcu.edu.