Student safety is a top priority at UCF. There are a number of systems and programs in place to ensure an environment that is welcoming, secure, and fosters learning. Each residence hall has staff available 24 hours a day to assist residents with any concern that may arise. Our Residence Life staff is among the first responders for any student concern and have been trained to handle concerns throughout the school year. The first step in anyone’s safety is learning how best to protect themselves.
An effective residence hall security program depends on:
We have taken many steps to provide you with a safe and secure place to live on campus. We call upon all members of our community, including you, to help keep our halls safe and secure. By following a few common safety precautions, the residence halls and apartments will remain, as they are, a safe place for everyone to live.
We have taken steps such as placing video cameras outside of building exits to monitor against intruders, placing smoke detectors in each room and requiring University employees and service personnel to wear IDs. However, any amount of prevention can only go so far. All the fire equipment in the halls will not prevent a fire that is caused by carelessness with an illegal candle or appliance. Nor can residence life staff and the UCF Police Department prevent thefts from your room if the door is left unlocked.
Please visit our Health page to learn more.
You will be issued a key at the beginning of the semester during check-in, and you are responsible for that key the rest of the year. You should keep your key with you at all times.
If you lose your key, a new lock core and new keys will be ordered for your room. Your account will be billed for the cost of a new lock core. Note: residence hall staff members will not open another resident’s room for you at any time!
Residents are encouraged to monitor emergency information via the University of Central Florida website. The Department of Housing and Residence Life staff will inform residents of necessary preparations in the event of a hurricane. More tips on preparing for a hurricane are available here.
Continue to check the UCF Hurricane website for updates and additional information.
If you feel you need some additional support, here are some additional resources from UCF Counseling and Psychological Services:
Depending on the level of severity of the hurricane, the Department of Housing and Residence Life may initiate Ride-Out plans. Residents will be notified in advance of Ride-Out locations. If Ride-Out locations are designated, students living in the Orlando main campus housing facilities will be required to leave their residence and report to a designated Ride-Out. A photo ID is required during check-in at Ride-Out locations.
Residents unable to go home must comply with the following directions.
The University is not responsible for damages to, or for loss of, personal property as a result of a hurricane or any weather-related event.
If you have questions, please see a UCF staff member or ask an RA.