• Lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home.
• If you notice someone loitering outside your building or residence and it seems suspicious, report them to UO Police immediately.
• Buy renter’s insurance. If you’re living in an apartment, you should insure your property. Renters insurance is affordable and much less expensive than paying to replace your property out of pocket. 

• Lock It. Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended.
• Hide It. Keep your car organized and free of clutter. Do not leave any personal belongings in plain sight even if you’re just leaving your car for a few minutes. If you must leave something of value in your vehicle, lock it in the trunk (and make sure no one’s watching as you do so!) 

Have or considering getting a car? Make sure to review our Transportation page for important information and legal requirements.  

• Look Up, Phones Down. Stay aware of your surroundings. Take note of where you are and who’s around. Look behind you. Trust your instincts–if your route seems unsafe, don’t take it.
• Take extra precautions in unlit or deserted areas. They make you uncomfortable for a reason. Even if there is an alley or path that is a shortcut during daylight, at night opt for the long way home where there are streetlights and other people.
• Carry a flashlight! Eugene streets are quite dark. It is a good idea to always have a flashlight in your bag (not just your phone) that you can use at night.  Sidewalks are sometimes uneven, so a flashlight is good to avoid tripping, too! 

• Always lock to a secure rack. Bike and scooter racks can be found all around campus and are designed to prevent theft. Telephone poles are not. If there’s no room at a bike rack, find another one nearby.
• Invest in a U-bolt lock. U-locks such as ones made by Kryptonite may seem expensive at around $100 but this is the best way to prevent your bike being stolen. Bicycles secured with chain or cable locks are easier targets. When locking your bike to a rack, always use a u-lock through both the frame and the front wheel. You can also use a u-lock for the fame and an additional cable to lock your wheels.
• Secure Bike Parking. The University of Oregon is a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University. Transportation Services is pleased to offer a number of services to make your bicycle commute safer and easier. Bike Lockers and Cages are available to students and employees, and a rental request may be placed on the parking portal.
• Register Your Bike. Registration is required for all bikes parked on the University of Oregon campus. The UO bike registration process is fast, easy, mobile-friendly, and prevents theft. Students, faculty, and staff members can pick up a free registration card with a decal at the Bike Program or the Parking and Transportation office.
• If possible, avoid securing your bicycle in isolated areas. The more people around, the less likely your bike will be stolen.  Avoid leaving your bike out overnight, even if it is locked up.

The U.S. Postal Service reaches every home and business in the country. The vast majority of the mail it delivers arrives intact, however mail theft still occurs. There are measures you can take to prevent this. 

• Request a signature option for expensive items such as a laptop so you can ensure delivery.
• Report Mail Theft 

Eugene

• UO Amazon Hub for Deliveries & Returns:  Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to utilize the Amazon Hub. The best way to easily find the Amazon Hub is to enter zip code 97403, which will populate the UO Amazon hub as a delivery option.
  • Pickups & Returns at the UO Amazon Hub 
    1404 Agate St 
    Eugene, OR 97403 

Portland

• Campus Housing: Students living in campus housing can receive mail and packages at the mail and package lockers in the Portland Campus Center. Please use the following delivery address to receive mail and packages:
  • First name Last name  
    c/o University Housing  
    6385 NE 27th Avenue  
    Portland, OR 97211 

• UOPD Vacation Watch Program: Students living in neighborhoods near campus can register their residence with the University of Oregon Police Department’s Vacation Watch program prior to leaving the area for winter or spring academic breaks. UOPD will check registered vacant residences as often as possible.  More information and registration.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to periodically check on your home and pick up your mail and hold it until you return.
• USPS Hold Mail: If you are going away for up to 30 days, you can request to have USPS hold any incoming mail at a local post office.  

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Homelessness is a complex issue significantly impacting our community. A lack of affordable housing, limited shelter capacity, and scarce mental and behavioral health resources contribute to the crisis. It is common to see people sleeping on the streets, in tents, or make-shift shelters alongside walks. While most of these individuals will keep to themself, there is the potential for some to be aggressive or demonstrate iritic behavior if they are using drugs or are experiencing a mental health crisis.  

Panhandling is not an uncommon occurrence in Eugene and Portland. There is no expectation by UO to give; it is your choice to give or not give. If you do give, please remember that it is a gift for the person to do with whatever they want. In general, be informed about the complexities of the issue, respect boundaries, try not to engage when you are alone, and stay safe.  

Get Involved 

If you’d like to provide support to your community, there are ways to apply your money and time. Local charitable organizations offer food, shelter, and other services to those experiencing housing insecurity in our community. Consider donating money to their cause or volunteering to improve our community. 

Eugene

• Food for Lane County: Volunteer | FOOD For Lane County
• Whitebird: Volunteer - White Bird Clinic 

Portland

• Portland Rescue Mission: Volunteer - Portland Rescue Mission
• Blanchet House: Get Involved - Blanchet House 

Oregon

• St. Vincent de Paul: Volunteer Opportunities | St. Vincent de Paul

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