poppyfield

Hello everyone, I will start my phd studies in 2011 fall. I am an international student so I am a little bit confused about the housing situation. Ok, I don't want a roommate and I want to live alone, this I know. But I am not sure about the safety issue and neighbourhoods. I have been offered an apartment in the Esplanade building. It is on the Prospect Street, close to Marsh Botanic Gardens and Farnam Gardans. Anyone has any idea about Esplanade? The other issue is that, while Esplanade is close to my department's building, I guess it's not that close to Downtown. Going to Downtown during the day shouldn't be a problem, I love walking. What I wonder is whether I will be able to go to downtown or walk back at night. I think Prospect St is in the campus, so I guess it shouldn't be a problem. But then again, I have heard such horrible stories about New Haven, I can't be sure. I don't go quite often and I know that courses will take most of my time. But I come from a big city in which walking at, say 11 pm, is not considered late. So New Haven is a new game for me. Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance.