My student house is in a bit of a dodgy neighbourhood near a council estate. Quite a few gangs hanging out on the streets. I've lived here two years and I've never had a problem, everyone has been very polite and courteous to me.
After nights out I walk home with my friend who lives five minutes from me, but she's the first stop and then I have to do the rest of the five minutes on my own. Btw we walk because we live very close to the city centre. Because of the way the roads are, I can't really get a taxi from hers to mine. I would if it was a viable option but just take my word that isn't. Also most people live on the other end of town which is why it's normally just the two of us walking.
Like I said, I've never had any problems and I've generally felt reasonably safe walking at night. Also despite the gangs etc, we never actually have any burglaries or crimes. It's always the other student areas that are mentioned in the news for muggings and rapes.
However, last month someone was raped on my road after a night out. I haven't been out since cos of dissertation but I'm a bit worried now. Like I said, a taxi really isn't an option and it is just a five minute walk but you never know what could happen.
Going out this weekend and will probably have to do a bit of walking on my road at night. I have a rape alarm on my keys but is there anything else you'd suggest doing to maximise safety?