Grad students in general carry laptops and occasionally cash in their pockets. Another interesting theory that sometimes drops in is resemblance to Latin-Americans who carry cash and are reluctant to approach the police (sorry, if this is a stereotyping thing, but this isn’t my own theory). That being said, Virgina Tech massacre was not directed at a community or race in particular, just a senseless, violent crime which sadly included Indian victims too.

Abhijit Mahato’s murderer was also named in the murder of another student who is not of Indian origin - the victims have nothing in common, except the perpetrator.

The 4-5 recent deaths out of an estimated 80,000 students an year for the past several years, is, in my opinion, not a high rate. I understand this is not just a statistic, life and death of people with dreams for their career and our heart would go out for their families when we hear of students in an alien land being killed.

As for the precautions:

Live in a safe neighborhood.
Use a car to travel around in Winter, or go in groups if you have to walk.

Always avoid narrow alleys and shortcuts while walking from school to home.

Pepper sprays and Tasers are NOT helpful tools, you need a good amount of practice, and loads of self-confidence to use it in a tricky situation, you cannot afford to injure yourself with those tools.

There are campus escort services or campus rides after hours that will drop you off at the nearest campus building to your home (but may not be until your doorstep).Use them.

The police, for a good reason suggest, not to attack the attacker to save money or things. You can always get them back (or earn them back yourself), you must be alive in order to do that. Use your strength not to get panicky and remain calm, so that you can think clearly.

WATCH your surroundings and be aware of them, when walking and when getting into your car. Look inside your car before you get in to drive.

Carry a cell phone, you can use a cellphone to dial 911, even if there’s no balance in it (pre-paid). This is not an internet myth, as long as there’s a network signal, dialing 911 works from any working cell phone with or without cash balance in it.

Sidhu,
You made some excellent suggestions. This one stood out in particular.

Grad students in general carry laptops and occasionally cash in their pockets.

I rememebr when I bought my first laptop as a grad student I couldnt wait to show it off and toted it with me wherever I went on or off campus.

Live in a safe neighborhood.

There are really no “safe” neighborhoods in America. That being said it would be prudent to avoid run-down and crime infested apartment complexes. Research research research before you sign a lease or buy a home.

Use a car to travel around in Winter, or go in groups if you have to walk.

I think desis do a great job of both of the above.

Pepper sprays and Tasers are NOT helpful tools, you need a good amount of practice, and loads of self-confidence to use it in a tricky situation, you cannot afford to injure yourself with those tools.

I honestly did not know that. Thanks for pointing it out.

Carry a cell phone, you can use a cellphone to dial 911, even if there’s no balance in it (pre-paid). This is not an internet myth, as long as there’s a network signal, dialing 911 works from any working cell phone with or without cash balance in it.

That is true. Often people donate their old cell phones to groups that fight against domestic violence for the same reason.

If I may add a couple:
1. Get an alarm system for your home/apt. Effective or not, they often act as deterrent. Even a simple alarm company sticker, often acts as deterrent and you can buy these from Walmart or Home Depot.
2. If you make a new expensive purchase, the dumbest thing you could do is to leave the box you brought it in, sitting in your driveway or near your garbage. These are burglar magnets.
3. Both desi women and men often wear yellow gold jewelery. That is fine but hide it or take it off when you’re walking the streets particularly at night.

can i earn a part time job in Eri , PA if i intend to study in Gannon university

Joe,
My understanding from being on a F1 visa for students is that you are allowed to work part-time on-campus jobs only. I would suggest you contact the student services at Gannon University to point you in the right direction.