FWIW my son lived at the Woodlands for 2 years. I stayed there many time and never once felt unsafe in the parking lot or in his apartment day or night. The biggest issue I had there was the noise level. He only left because of roommate issues.
The Woodlands backs up to Target and I’d say most consider it a safe retail area and is only about 3-4 blocks from the Lofts and any crime that occurs at one can just as easily occur at the other. The fact is with young adults on their own for the first time, experimenting with alcohol and potentially other drugs, and dealing with young adult relationships there are going to be isolated incidents anywhere.
My son now lives in a townhome which he says backs up to the ‘ghetto’ a lower income more residential and less student oriented neighborhood in town. Last winter break (2015) his apartment as well as the neighboring apartment were broken into and his TV was stolen as well as his roommates video gaming system and games. He’s still living there this year. Unfortunate incidents happen sometimes and could have happened at any other complex over an extended break when student units are targeted because they are expected to be vacant. There are even thefts in the dorms on occasion.
Being aware of safety and security are always good habits, being overly worried is not. Although I’ll admit I haven’t ventured through all of Tuscaloosa’s neighborhoods, I haven’t seen any student oriented areas that surround campus that I have ever felt unsafe in.
@mundanewarrior - the short answer is the living costs vary - some businesses are close enough to Tuscaloosa that students stay in their student housing which is what my son did, some provide stipends, others expect you to provide your own housing. If you work away from town, since the co-op sessions alternate with class sessions you have the option of getting a lease in town and then subletting while on your work sessions or not getting your own lease and then finding a sublet for the semesters you are in class.