When it comes to your safety while living in USF apartments, it's very important to do your research on the neighborhood to which you're moving. You need to make sure you are comfortable with the area and that you understand that even though an area may historically have a lower crime rate, nothing is guaranteed. Your safety is of utmost importance to communities, so many have offered certain amenities, such as gated apartments, to help. Some communities even have parking garages, which usually are gated access as well.
Apartments near USF which are gated offer a variety of benefits. Besides the obvious peace of mind it brings, gates communities will help with various safety concerns. If you are attending the University of South Florida, you may have a crazy class and/or work schedule. This means you may be away from home at hours on end. You could potentially be returning home well after nightfall. Living in a gated community will help you feel assured that there are no random people hanging around, especially those who do not live in your community. If they do not have a gate code, they are not allowed to enter the apartments. This could potentially cut down on the threat of vehicle or apartment break-ins. Of course, it is no guarantee that this can be avoided, no matter what apartment community you're living in, so always be aware and secure your belongings.
USF apartments with a gate may also help with unwanted solicitors. Many communities have rules against this type of thing anyway, but adding the extra barrier of a gate may add extra protection. If you're interested in adding even another layer of security, you may want to look into finding communities which offer a gate guard at the gate. This will be a part of the apartment staff or an outside security firm which will check everyone's identification at the gate, before entering the community. For visitors, they may even call the person who they are visiting, to make sure they are expecting them.
Some apartments near USF also offer a courtesy officer as an added security measure. This is a police officer which typically lives in the community. This is helpful, since they know the grounds well and can be very quick to respond to any issue within the community. Also, having a police cruiser parked in a very apparent area of the community can potentially deter crime.
Many USF apartments also offer alarm systems for your own individual units. This may ease your mind a bit when it comes to protecting your loved ones and valuables inside of your home. Since crime really has no address, it is best that you as a renter stay alert and take the proper preventative measures to ensure that your safety and the safety of your household is given top priority.