MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Madison students said they are concerned about safety around campus after a student was found dead in her home on West Doty Street on Wednesday.

Students said they are shaken by the homicide investigation and how close it is to them.

UW-Madison sophomore Whitney Bauer didn't know Brittany Sue Zimmermann, but she said that doesn't make her death any easier to understand.

"It hits harder to home because it's a student here, a girl just in her house," Bauer said. "Just knowing that it was kind of close to where I live and something like that can happen is scary."

The slaying is making students more anxious getting to and from class.

"People are the most nervous because they don't know why it happened and it kind of makes things scarier to just have it be a random act," said Christina Gorges, a UW-Madison senior who lives close to the scene.

UW police are sending extra safety tips to students and increasing their presence in the area.

"I think everyone in the university campus is shocked," said Sgt. Kurt Feavel, of the UW Police Department. "We've heightened the level of patrol in the downtown area that's adjacent to the campus."

"We're just trying to get out and be extra visible, answer any questions anybody has," said Kristen Radtke, an officer at the UW Police Department.

As the investigation continues, university police are urging students to exercise caution.

"You think a little bit more now, and I know if I'm going out by myself, I'm not going to be walking home alone," Bauer said.

"I live with five girls, and we live about four blocks away. We talked about it last night and decided that we're going to make sure our doors are always locked," Gorges said.

UW-Madison is reminding students of the SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus. Students can call 608-262-5000 for detailed information.

For more resources and campus safety tips, visit this Web site.