Abstract

Campus safety remains a critical concern in higher education, making it essential to understand how physical environmental features shape students' sense of security. This study investigated the influence of landscape layout and lighting on perceived safety at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) campus, evaluating key landscape features including pathways, vegetation density and placement, and open spaces, alongside varying lighting levels. Data were gathered from 111 Master's students in the Architecture Department using structured questionnaires across selected campus locations, including high-traffic areas, isolated pathways, parking facilities, and recreational spaces. Grounded in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and environmental psychology theories, the study identified patterns between specific environmental features and perceived safety levels. Findings revealed overgrown vegetation (mean=4.630) and poor lighting (mean=4.928 priority) as top concerns, with open visible spaces enhancing safety (mean=4.937). It concludes that targeted lighting and maintenance improve perceptions; recommends prioritizing streetlights on isolated pathways.