Although police constantly swarm the pizza place across the street from Adrienne Benson's residence at 43rd and Pine streets, the College sophomore said she does not worry too much about safety concerns living off campus.
"The only thing between me and people on the street is the front door to my apartment," Benson said. "But it's not really something I'm concerned about. I feel pretty safe living there."
Each year students are lured away from the relative safety of dorms with their security guards and card access by the appeal of greater freedom and more amenities available off campus.
"You're closer to the social scene when you're living off campus," added Engineering junior Andy Zarate, who currently resides on "Beige Block" near 40th and Locust and lived in Hill College House as a freshman.
Although safety concerns may not be a student's first thought in deciding to live on or off campus, it is an important consideration, Vice President of Public Safety Maureen Rush said.
Rush warned students to consider lighting, locks, security systems and fire safety when looking for an apartment to rent.
"If the landlord doesn't care about the security, then they might want find another apartment," Rush said.
Penn Police patrol the area up to 43rd street. According to Rush, there are about 100 Penn police officers working for the University and about 15 on duty at any given time. There are also 350 Allied Security officers throughout all of University City.
"I haven't met a student who said 'I live on campus because I'm afraid to live off campus,'" Rush said.
Although students may not be afraid of off-campus living, Benson and Zarate said there are moments when they have been worried about safety when walking home late at night.
Security "has affected my decision on where to live off campus, but not my decision on whether to live on of off campus," Benson said.
Walking escorts and ride escorts are a few of the options available to students who prefer to be accompanied home.
For students living off campus for the first time, security presentations are available for groups through the Special Service Department. According to Rush, 250 safety presentations are given per year.
Additionally, the Public Safety department will have someone assess off campus property for students concerned about up to code living standards.
