I think there may be a few more people living in the city compared to the suburbs (east falls, manayunk, roxborough). It's really easy (you do go through parts of the ghetto, though) to get to the MERB from the suburbs and takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. I believe it takes roughly the same time to get from the city to school...the only downside about living in the city and taking SEPTA is that it does not run 24/7
I live in Manayunk and would definitely live here again.
-pros:Main street has a lot of good restaurants, shops, bars, etc and is always hopping at night and the weekends. Has the feeling of a college town at the bar scene (which reminds me of college...some people may not like it). I really like the townhouse/rowhouse feeling of the area and it's for most parts safe.
-cons😛arking around here can be really annoying if trying to park after 7pm or on the weekends (hopefully you can/learn parallel parking). It is really hilly...you'll see if you check it out.
The parties after exams/quizzes usually switch from taking place in center city and manayunk so you get people to experience each place...and there is a very high turnout at these events
that's all I can think of now...if want anything specific answered i'll be glad to help