Kristy Johnson, a sophomore advertising and public relations major, carries mace with her when she leaves her off-campus apartment in Washington Plaza, near the Mellon Arena.Alyssa Zagorac, a senior acting major, always walks to Point Park University’s Pittsurgh Playhouse shuttle with a friend. “I once had an older man grab me and say ‘I like you’ on the bus,” Johnson said.  “Another guy said ‘Let the poor girl go,’ and then I moved to the back of the bus.”Following recent crime in the Pittsburgh area, Point Park officials warned students that they need to take every safety precaution when commuting to and from school.”Always be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re on the bus, the T, walking or even if you’re driving,” said Sarah George, director of commuter affairs.  “I try to keep my bag close under my arm so people can’t reach into it.” Students have to be alert at all times when commuting.”We always tell students to carry a cell phone […] and make sure you have gas,” said Jeffrey Besong, director of public safety. “You don’t want to get gas in an unfamiliar place.”Besong also recommends that students have an exit strategy and travel to a well-lit area when another vehicle him or her. When riding the bus, Besong recommends sitting on the side so that all passengers are visible. He also warns students not to walk while listening to headphones and to carry a cell phone. If somebody crosses their path or makes them feel uneasy, do not be afraid to offend them. They should cross the street, divert their route or simply turn around and walk in the other direction. “If I’m coming home late from the Playhouse, rehearsal or a night class, it can be a little scary walking through Oakland in the dark,” Zagorac said. I usually take my phone and check in with my parents or a friend when I’m walking back.”Students also need to take safety precautions when it comes to off-campus housing. “Look at where you are renting,” Besong said.  “Meet the landlord and see if they are familiar with college students.  Switch the locks and have your own set of keys.”Other obvious tips include always locking doors and not letting strangers into the home.”We have a doorman so you can’t get through unless someone checks you in,” Johnson said. Checking that doors and windows in off-campus houses and apartments are secured is important for students who live anywhere in the city, especially those who live in South Oakland, where a student from the University of Pittsburgh was recently raped in her home. “My roommates and I talked about the rape,” Zagorac said.  “I live on the top floor. However, one of my roommates lives on the ground floor.  She wanted to leave her windows open the other night, but because of what happened and how close it was to us, she decided to close her window and lock it.  I feel [that] if you’re smart about things, it’s easy to stay safe.”Although students may be tired of hearing seemingly obvious safety warnings, city-dwellers know that this time of year, the city fills up with college students, many of whom may not be very familiar with the city.. It is crucial that students stay alert and remain aware of their surroundings in order to ensure themselves a safe semester.”Your sense is the best defense.  If you feel something isn’t right, you’re better off safe than sorry,” Besong said.  “Take advantage of your inner voice.  […] Safety is number one.”