I've been living here since 2010 and can happily say I have never felt unsafe in the city centre or any place frequented by students. People are warm and friendly and like another commenter said, the 2 bad experiences I've had were in 2011 and during the day, and that was just some druggie cussing me out for not offering my number after he asked me for a light and I said I didn't smoke, and another guy with cut up knuckles trying to sell me and my friends and smashed phone.

Police are always around and very helpful. There's a station just down the road from Plymouth uni, next to PCAD.

I've walked down union and been there at night too and it's been alright, just be alert. Worst I had was while waiting at a bus stop, a drunk woman asked for a cig and overshared, lol.

Never a dull moment here ;)