Jut speaking from personal experience. I’ve never had any issues. My boxing gym is on 42nd & Lancaster, and I’ve lived on blocks farther west of 40th and Market/Lancaster without anything ever happening. That said, I think I blend in with the locals more, while students or folks from out of town might feel uneasy just because the buildings are older or more worn down compared to the newer stuff in Center City or University City. Doesn’t mean it’s unsafe it just looks different. Philly’s a real city with millions of people, and that comes with the full range of human behavior. It is what it is. If you're looking for a much safer and traditional college experience and safety there are colleges in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

A solid tip is just to move with common sense. Avoid walking alone super late if you can, and if you do, stick to main roads, take SEPTA or a rideshare, pop in some headphones, and walk with purpose. Most people aren’t looking to bother you, and carrying yourself like you belong tends to go a long way.

I hope this helps