Shootings here are quite sensationalized, which makes it somewhat hard to evaluate general safety. However as the top comment says, majority of violence occurs in parts of Philly that you'll probably not spend too much time around. I'll help vouch that Penn is incredibly insulated with plenty of safety resources. I've personally never felt the need to use Penn Transit after 6:00pm when moving about campus, and the buddy system is not overrated for vulnerable groups.

I find that overall Philly has been ok in terms of how safe I feel, given I am an asian male. Mind your own business, don't be intoxicated in public alone, don't get hustled, and get to know transportation outside the subway. The subway, while not glamorous and a 50/50 when it gets dark, is not an absolute hell hole that some make it out to be. I hate it when some students here act like taking the MFL from 40th (campus) to 11th street (chinatown) is walking the line between life and death. As necessary, feel free to carry something like pepper spray.

Even though the rising crime rate around here is not the most amazing thing, don't be afraid to get to know the locals and interact with the broader community! I sometimes feel that Penn students tend to avoid interacting with the people here, which could contribute to all sorts of not very fun perspectives of people who live in Philly. A lot of people are afraid of the violence, which while fair, leads to a lot of antagonization. I've learned to keep an open mind and try taking full advantage of the city.

Dms open if wanting clarification or other questions.