Veteran planning to find an apartment and use GI Bill to go school; any sound advice?

Like the title says, I am looking forward to finding a better apartment than what I have now; while I live there, I'd like to use my GI Bill to go to school and get my Associates.

At the moment, I'm trying to learn what areas to avoid and what areas to stay in instead.

Honestly, I'm looking for a cheap, studio or one-bedroom type of apartment.

I was thinking that I'd like to get the cheapest I can find, but then my parents are saying that I also should make sure I get the safest apartment I can find.

What are some good areas to stay in?

What areas have the least amount of crime?

What would y'all recommend?

Thank you all in advance. I'll shop around and talk through things with my social worker at the VA.