Crime
Overall, crime is relatively low (compare to south LA). And there's noticeable police presence everywhere. Its really dependent on what you're use to.
Furthermore, after the whole incident with one of the Medical students, the school step up measures and sure we were looked after when we go home at night through the use of escorts. (The building is 24 hrs, yea we study a lot) I tried finding information on crime statistics for you but I wasn't too successful.
But basically, its like what they say in the army, stay alert stay alive! Stick to major streets with lots of foot traffic. But if you have to stray of into a residential, then, keep an eye out for someone that may be following. Often attackers won't do anything if you can see their face (allows you to profile them later). Lastly, walk in groups and don't hold things out in the open like a cell phone. Most of the crimes occur from after 4 PM up till 2 AM.
Places to Live
Unfortunately there are no dorms so you will have to resort to looking for an apartment by yourself. Finding a good apartment for a good price could be very difficult and very hit and miss. With the bad economy now, I suspect that rent and better apartments maybe easier to find now (so therefore, some of my advice maybe a bit dated). Rent in New York is higher compare to other cities, for example my apt cost 2.5k for 3 bdrm/2bathrm.
So basically, give yourself some time to search. (Usually atleast 2-3 weeks to month or so, you won't find anything in a week.) You might be able to stay over at current student's apt if they're generous enough. If you want a school-like environment, there are non-school-specific graduate dorms (such as the international house - very expensive).
Apartments usually aren't walk-up friendly. So often, you may need to resort to a broker (usually the easiest option). To avoid the broker fees, there are RDNY, craiglists, and free apt listing online.
School/ Location
The school is a commuter school. Hence, no dorms. The program here is design to be a 2+2, which means two years of heavy coursework and two years of practical experience. So yea, its tough, but many of the teachers reasonable in their expectations and basically have all-day office hours. (I swear they're always in their office...
). Location wise, its in a culturally rich neighborhood. If it helps your imagination, we're right across the street from Apollo Theater. And of course, its NYC - the city that never sleeps.
