I went to Tech too. This was all > 8 years ago though. Staying on/near campus you are much better off, in the sense that access to the building is more restricted and people are going to notice someone sketchy in the hallway. But even on campus cars were frequently robbed, especially at night when I was there. I remember seeing a guy with a backpack full of LCD monitors getting arrested outside the College of Computing once. And bikes were stolen left and right, I lost one.

I once did a Habitat for Humanity build out the Bankhead (not Buckhead, big difference) highway. The had to have Atlanta PD watch the lot DURING THE DAY because multiple cars had been stolen from Habitat Volunteers. I still think that was crazy cars were stolen that brazenly in broad daylight.

I don't have a pulse how things are these days. But don't get scared off by these stories, there are lots of good things about living in the city too. Go Jackets. :)