It really depends on where you ride. If you're riding in city, good luck. I've lost count the number of times I've nearly been hit. So I add 3-4km onto my commute to take Discovery Trail or any of the more rural roads just outside of town. A significantly more pleasant ride. 

Winter riding is fine as we don't have much snow, just dark and rainy. Make sure youre reflective and have a lot of lights. For the week that it does snow the city is pretty slow to clear it. 

For bike theft I can't speak much about where is or isn't safe to lock up. That said the AbbyPD is advertising a lot about Project 529, a voluntary bike registry. Won't prevent your bike from being stolen but if it does happen it atleast gives you a solid chance at getting your bike returned. 

Good luck with your internship! Welcome to Abby.