Best & Safest Parking Lot / Garage for a day trip?

Hi there!

So, my friends and I are planning a day trip to San Francisco to look for apartments. However, after checking the train prices from Sacramento to San Francisco, it might be more cost-effective to drive instead. We're considering driving to SF, parking in a garage, and then using public transit to get around.

Do you guys know of any good places to park for the day? And overall, is it even worth driving instead of taking the train? (Right now, it's about $70 per person round trip.)

Side note: Does anyone know of any good single studio apartments for a college student?

Edit: My situation is: I’m going to SFSU and looking for a studio apartment. Ideally, I’d like something close to campus, but I’m okay with commuting if it makes things more affordable. I’m leaving my car with my parents, so I don’t need a parking garage. It’d be great to have a washer and dryer included in the apartment, and as long as the neighborhood feels safe enough, I’m good with that too.