Specific areas to avoid near UMKC? (Belton, Overland: schools, colleges, live in)

[midwestmatt]

Hi guys!
So I'm going to be attending UMKC beginning in January of 2011 . I have family that I visit very often in the Raymore/Belton area, so I visit the south metro quite a bit. However, I do know my way around most of the metro, simply because I do get out when I'm visiting the family.
Anyways, so here's my question...I do know that UMKC is not in a necessarily bad area of town, but it's in one where you might be a little cautious. Are there any areas near campus where you would avoid altogether due to it being dangerous? I'm not as familiar with that area as I am with, say Raymore or Overland Park or Leawood. Also, do you all think it's safe to be walking on campus at night? I realize that there are risks with this at any college you go to, but are these risks elevated at UMKC?

Thanks!

[aragx6]

Campus security seems well run from what I have seen. I know there are a lot of emergency phones on campus and that it's generally been made a priority. I have on several occasison walked from UMKC to the Plaza and night and it was well lit and quite safe.

I think the major problems come in when young, naive kids walk around inebriated or alone. Stick with groups, take a cab if you've been drinking and use street smarts, and I believe you will be fine.

[midwestmatt]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Campus security seems well run from what I have seen. I know there are a lot of emergency phones on campus and that it's generally been made a priority. I have on several occasison walked from UMKC to the Plaza and night and it was well lit and quite safe.

I think the major problems come in when young, naive kids walk around inebriated or alone. Stick with groups, take a cab if you've been drinking and use street smarts, and I believe you will be fine.

Ok, thanks very much for your input! I got that impression from visiting the campus multiple times; I noticed that security was pretty well managed. And I also agree with you on the common sense/street smarts issue; I think I will be fine. Again, thanks for your help!

[brewcrew1000]

Well, at least it's not one of the 50 most dangerous campuses. It's funny on this list almost all the Boston Schools made the list (Harvard at #3), i figured Boston was a really safe and walkable area around the campuses.
50 Most Dangerous Colleges - The Daily Beast

Near UMKC, once you get east of Paseo I would be cautious but at night it should be fairly safe.

Most of the students live in the Plaza, Westport, West Plaza area, and if your a little poorer the Midtown area around 38-43rd/Warwick,Mcgee,Walnut

[aragx6]

Essentially any urban campus is going to be on that list.

[TabulaRasa]

Pretty much.

[lifelongMOgal]

Situational awareness will help you more than anything. Get yourself a little Surefire LED flashlight if you'll be on campus at night. They have a better beam than most and you can give a potential attacker a real case of night blindness.

http://www.surefire.com/Z2-S-LED (broken link)