I just moved into my new apartment (my old one flooded), so I have no idea of the make or model of the unit-it is a two part unit with the fan outside and the air handler inside. When the unit kicks on, it makes a sound like a UFO taking off... and it seems to struggle. Once it is on, though, it is very cold and runs great... I am assuming the noise I hear is electrical because the wires are very poorly managed and it looks like the ground is not even connected (sorry, I don't have a pic). Any ideas?

You need to determine exactly where the sound is coming from,, and then voice your complaint to your landlord as most good landlords would rather find out and fix early before it gets worse and possibly cost much more to fix later

Well, a work order has been put in (about a week ago). I am just curious as to what the noise may be and if it may be dangerous... I know a little about car AC units, but really don't know a whole lot about house AC units... so, I am a little nervous about the AC unit making this noise...

Did you decide ? Is the noise coming from airhandler or the condenser unit, is it from the fan/blower area ?