Faults don’t deter students

City’s safety issues outweighed by its better aspects

Despite its reputation as violent and an unemployment rate currently in double digits, Philadelphia’s newest crop of college freshmen said yesterday that the city’s appeal still outweighs its faults.

Plus, new college students have four years until they have to worry about jobs.

“I’m optimistic it will turn around by the time I get out,” said LaSalle University freshman Haley Jennings, who has been living on the Olney campus since Aug. 10 with the rest of the field hockey team. “My goal is to work at [Children’s Hospital] and live in Philadelphia.”

Jon Grabelle Herrmann of Campus Philly said affordability and access to culture and entertainment continue to sway students toward the city.

“I don’t know that there’s any evidence that Philadelphia is more dangerous than any other urban area for students,” he said. “Students see it’s an accessible city that’s affordable.”