New Orleans for a college undergrad? (movers, houses, dorm)

[spargel]

Hi all, I might get a substantial scholarship at UNO. I'm female and mildly sheltered, so the prospect of a dangerous city concerns me. I've heard the area near the lake is relatively safe and good, and I would be living on campus.

Though I'm not looking to go out every single night, I would still like to have an experience of the city while I'm there. Could I get around safely on bike/walking at daytime?

I know there's a couple of other universities in the city- Tulane and Loyola, so at least it looks like there's a lot of students. In general, what's the quality of life in New Orleans for a college undergrad?

If I end up going, what advice would you give me?

Also- is NOLA still very gay-friendly?

[Prytania]

1. New Orleans is gay friendly. However its not liberal like SF, but I'd call it a live and let live city.

2. I wouldn't live near UNO but that's my opinion...its very suburban out there and not as friendly to bikes or walking. I go to Tulane (evening school) and I live Uptown and haven't had a problem with crime.

[mnr3]

Originally Posted by Prytania

1. New Orleans is gay friendly. However its not liberal like SF, but I'd call it a live and let live city.

2. I wouldn't live near UNO but that's my opinion...its very suburban out there and not as friendly to bikes or walking. I go to Tulane (evening school) and I live Uptown and haven't had a problem with crime.

it's true that the lakefront area is more suburban, and uptown is nice, but not very convenient to UNO for someone talking about getting around on bike and foot.

so, back to the original question, you would be fine around the UNO area. it gets dicier as you head south and east. but you can head back west to the City Park area, and there's now a bike bath along bayou st. john.

as for quality of life for an undergrad, if living on campus is cheap enough (rent is higher than cheaper college towns, but no worse than other metro areas) the biggest problem might just be the distractions and the risk of the freshman 15--there's plenty to do and good food.

[emilybh]

I transferred as an undergrad to Tulane from a womens college in Boston after not even ever having visited the campus and after getting over a little homesickness and getting used to the heat and humidity, I loved the city and all the restaurants especially. I'd go out often with house mates or dorm mates to different places. This was way PRE Katrina in the late 70's. I lived in the Garden district on or near the Tulane Campus and during the day would walk or take the street car various places but would drive at night.

[Drouzin]

Hon, my son and niece have been going to UNO for the past 4 years and have had no problems; you'll be fine. The Lakefront in that area is a good neighborhood. (Sigh, don't you miss the old house T?)

My boy rented a place near the school. He enjoyed being so close to school and there is shopping close by. The neighborhood isn't exactly something for movers and shakers or if you are wanting that old shotgun neighborhood. It was mostly built up in the 50s - 60s so a lot of retro loving people are seeking houses there now a days. Keep to biking on campus because you will most likely be uncomfortable dodging the traffic. There is always the bus if you need to travel and don't have a car. I hope you get that scholarship; it's always awesome when someone else foots the bill!