Take a deep breath and relax. You’ll have a wonderful time and learn tons.

I would not worry about your personal safety. I would worry about your belongings. Rome is a home to lots of pickpockets and purse snatchers. These folks haunt the tourist areas and since ancient Rome is what the tourists want to see, they’ll be where you are.

Wear a money belt for passport, credit/ATM cards and the majority of your cash. Keep only the cash you need for the day in a pocket. Limit the amount of things you carry to a max of 1 — day pack, purse or other bag, with camera, guide book, notebook and whatever else you need in it. You don’t want to be worrying about several bundles bags and packages. You also don’t want to be lost in note-taking, photography or day-dreaming. Remain alert and aware. Go to a cafe (preferably indoors) or back to your room to write up your notes, etc.

You may attract some unwanted attention from males. This isn’t all that likely in the touristed areas, but can happen on the streets near where you live or eat. Best advice is to ignore them and loudly tell them "no" "go away" etc. if the attention persists. If they’re really persistant raise enough fuss to attract a crowd. A big smile and "hello" to everyone you meet may be merely friendly in your hometown, but it MIGHT be interpreted as a come-on in Italy. Sun glasses can help avoid making eye-contact that might be misinterpreted.

Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. AA = Alert and Aware.

I can’t speak to the solo female experience in Rome, but I can say that the touristy spots are definitely rife with pickpockets. Of course you can do a lot to secure your belongings, but it’s also good to have backups: carry emergency cash in a shoe or sock, have access to your credit card customer service phone numbers in case you suddenly are missing your card and need to cancel it asap. Have prepaid calling cards (see onesuite.com) in case your cell phone goes missing. If you have a laptop with you, back up your information on a jump drive, or just email it to yourself, so that if you lose your laptop you won’t lose your entire thesis. You shouldn’t actually need any of the above, but it’s best to be safe, right?

I’d seriously look at NOT carrying a cell phone or laptop unless you’ve got a pretty secure place to stay. If you have an apartment or private hotel room, your stuff should be safe. If you’re staying in hostels or dorms it can be a hassle to keep track of expensive items.

I’d use pen and paper for notes and then go to an internet cafe (there’s a big one that’s only 3 euros per hour on Via Volturno near Termini station) to type and upload to a website or e-mail them to yourself. If you do take a laptop follow tomM’s advice and load your thesis on a jump drive (and wear it as a necklace).