Hmm, it can be a bit dodgy, but I would say it is a hell of a lot safer than London. It's the price you pay for living in a city really. I find most of the UoB areas are pretty alright, but Clifton village isn't very well lit at night and I do get a bit scared (not really relevant for you unless you decide to live there in 2nd year). The city centre is a bit rough but I haven't had any trouble, and nor has anyone I know. Nightclubs are fine, and pretty much the whole city is dominated by students, I've never seen a fight in a club or anything. It has to be said though, it isn't the safest place on earth. I have encountered fights in the street and have had to step over a pool of blood to get home once (a one off though), car crime is very high and you should never walk back on your own or even get a taxi on your own really - unfortunately there have been a few rapes recently. Still, I wouldn't say there is anything that makes Bristol rougher than any other city though.