So when I was accepted to UC Riverside I was actually excited. New school. Major classes! Big workshops, and lots of new experiences...but lately I'm beginning to reconsider my decision. The housing situation has really put a strain on my "have fun, experience things" bit. It's not my roommates. No, my roommates are great! I have a feeling I'm going to be able to tolerate them just fine. No, it's a much bigger problem.

Okay, so my first problem: Location. The housing--as I hadn't anticipated--is off campus. So while the minor annoyance of my meal plans being inconvenienced is happening it's not what worries me. The fact that it's off campus means I have to be able to get from there to campus for class. And with all my classes being night classes I am NOT walking. So I decided...driving. Driving is good. Problem. I have parking permit that's ONLY valid AFTER 4 PM. So basically up until that point I'm screwed. I have to walk three blocks in rough areas and past the 60/215 freeway to get there. Now my friend told me to look on the bright side. I can't. I just can't. It's not reality. Things are not good. Broken glass bottles. Scary people giving me weird looks. Bums dawdle around there. I was followed for a short distance by someone. This isn't a safe area. It's not a safe environment. Sure I could use the campus escort service, but that's only on campus. They can only take me as far as my car...and on top of that the escort service only goes Sunday-Thursday so I have a night class on Friday...what then? Also, when I got back to the parking structure for the University Towers I had to walk down five stories in order to take an elevator up four stories. There's no walkway or stair case that takes me to the floor I'm on. So this bottom floor area has the elevators that take an eternity to get down there. While walking to them the other day I was followed by a bum who was playing ring around the rosey with a plastic bag. I was afraid I was going to get molested. The elevator is not guarded off. It's in an open area....which brings me to my next problem...

Second problem. My place--while it looks nice--is not guarded. People can meander around. I was told this placed was "gated". So I thought, "well that's good". Yeah, right. The only "gate" is a black gate that surrounds the housing complex. There's no securing of locks on it. No passcode. No security guard questioning them. No policemen. Nothing. Buddy system doesn't mean anything. I was stared down by people even WITH someone with me.

Okay so now I bet you're syaing "Melinda...you know karate. You're a green belt. You know basic blocks right?" Yes. I do, but I shouldn't have to use them just to get to my freaking living area. It should be a safe environment. I prefer to have a safe environment. I want my monies worth.

So now you say "use your weapons!" buzz! Wrong again. If only. No weapons allowed.

Mase...how about some pepper spray? So they can take it from me? Again, no.

I came home the other night to go to karate--and I had a hard time coming up with a reason (apart from monetary obligation) to go back. It's not safe. I don't feel safe. What now?

Your feedback is welcome.