<p>I've heard that the area around JHU is quite dangerous? Is this true, or just a rumor? Also, how are the people at Johns Hopkins? (Open and friendly? )</p>
<p>JHU is in a city. City's have good parts and bad parts. I feel safe walking around the JHU campus alone at 2AM. At that time of night there are a lot security guards keeping the place safe. However, there are some places pretty close to the campus that I don't feel safe going to alone during the day. Ever since some tragic incidents last year security has really been increased.</p>
<p>There all kinds of people at JHU. You will meet people ranging stereotypical pre-meds to drunks. However, most people are hardworking students who like to have fun.</p>
<p>I heard that there is no student union building at JHU. Is that true? Most colleges have very nice student unions, where kids can hang out, eat, relax, do clubs, etc. (I'm a parent.)</p>
<p>Levering Hall is technically the "student union" here on campus, but frankly it is pathetic. So to answer your question there isn't really a student union where people actually go to hang out.</p>
<p>My two biggest complaints about Hopkins have always been the lack of "student union" and lack of college atmosphere in the surrounding area. Hopefully with the new improvements coming to Hopkins in the next few years both of these issues will be addressed (of course long after i'm gone :))</p>
<p>There is a neighborhood within 5-10 min walk from JHU that has houses that are so huge and expensive you'd think you're in 90210 and the tulip garden is so beautiful at the right time of year. Why do people only see the ghetto? Of which, I should add, I've seen very little during my year there.</p>
<p>Agree with scorp. Just west of campus is a more than decent residential area (classic Baltimore row houses) which segues into one of Baltimore's most beautiful residential neighborhoods. Just east of campus is an area of shops/cafes which is quite pleasant. I'm sure there are rougher areas somewhere in the vicinity, but it <em>is</em> city living.
You will find that most urban schools have a range around them (Yale, BU, Harvard, Trinity, George Washington, Columbia....)</p>
<p>You can find some great information about student's opinions on Baltimore and Hopkins location here:</p>