Safety
Paris is a generally safe city when it comes to violent crime and has a reassuring police presence. Still, some 2000 Americans report their passports stolen or lost in Paris every year and like any big city it’s recommended to take certain precautions to avoid being an easy target.
Our general website has an extensive section dedicated to student safety with all the practical information you should keep on hand such as emergency numbers; safety tips related to pickpocketing, aggression, assault, or dating risks; and how to report a crime. Similarly, the campus security page lays out which AUP administration and staff bodies can help you in these situations.
Reach out the Student Development Helpdesk if you have any concerns or questions about safety in Paris.
All AUP students are enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a 24/7 emergency assistance provider available wherever you may be in the world.
Their number is at the back of your AUP ID card: 00 33 1 55 63 36 35.
Paris by Night
Paris by Night can be an incredibly festive city, from Football World Cup celebrations to block parties in the streets for example during Fête de la Musique and Nuit Blanche, with certain neighborhoods seemingly dedicated to nightlife all year round. During these cultural events and holiday celebrations, or even on the average weekend night out, students can be at their most vulnerable, so this is where it’s most important to look out for each other and use common sense.
De-escalating a potentially dangerous situation is more often than not simply a matter of someone making the effort to apologize. Whenever things are getting out of hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to security staff at your venue, the police, or the University. While students are encouraged to develop the soft skills required to navigate a bustling urban environment in relative safety, there is no such thing as zero risk and it is important to know they have a strong support network at AUP.
When it comes to protests, strikes, and safety concerns related to terrorism, staying informed via local channels as much as possible will ensure students can avoid any high-risk areas or situations. Refer to local news channels, the American Embassy website and social media accounts, and communicate with each other to keep an ear to the ground.
You can refer to the Student Development Helpdesk for all safety-related needs and questions.
Self-defense
Graduate students have usually acquired a certain level of independence and self-reliance, so it is important for those arriving from abroad to know a little about the local laws and regulations when it comes to personal safety.
While in the USA it may be common to carry a personal self-defense weapon, in France this is strictly prohibited. Although, barring firearms, anyone has the right to own weapons inside their home without any kind of license, the potential risk of crime in everyday life is not considered legitimate grounds for carrying a weapon. If you were to defend yourself from with disproportionate force, you could be liable to criminal charges even in cases of self-defense. It is important to remember that most will never be exposed to violent crime in Paris, but students should know that responding with violence should only ever be a last resort and only with proportional force.