Best neighborhood for being close to USF and having easy access to the whole city would be Cole Valley (and the bordering Upper Haight, but Cole Valley specificially). The 43 bus will take you right to the campus... or, if you d prefer, it s only about a 10-15 minute walk (depending on what part of Cole Valley/what part of the campus). Likewise, not only would you be close to several bus lines, but right off the N Judah train line, which will get you around to other areas (including downtown) way faster than a bus. Otherwise, the Richmond (particularly Inner Richmond) would be good, especially between Fulton (south) and Geary (north), where you re never more than a block from a bus line taking you right to the campus. Likewise, those same bus lines will take you downtown (and connect to trains). Still, not as versatile and convenient as living off a train line. Also, while the neighborhood is my personal favorite, many people in SF (especially transplants, it seems) find it dull and boring (though I d say they re full of crap, but, still...). Cole Valley is more appealing to most. Also, USF is technically in the Richmond (eastern border), and the Richmond continues immediately west of USF, NOT north/south as someone else said (just for reference on a map). North Panhandle is also nice and convenient to school, but has the same issues as the Richmond in terms of transportation (no train line).
Inner Richmond, Panhandle, Haight-Ashbury, sunset is further but cheaper.
richmond district. usf is more or less just north of richmond, pretty safe, easy access to all parts of the city
Yes, richmond or sunset will be better for you and cheaper.
haha im going to USF too but not until fall 2010!