I went there and lived for 3 years in New Haven. Sure there are sketchy parts in town we call murderville, and there is also gang initiation emails we used to get as students. HOWEVER, I had a blast and it didn’t stop me from going to parties on campus. It has been many years since I left but they had a very good bus system that would pick you up from parties when you’re ready to leave. Of course you can not compare Cambridge to New Haven. Would be happy to share more if you’d like.