<p>My daughter is applying to University of South Carolina.</p>
<p>We have not yet visited Columbia – what kind of city is it? Is there any kind of public transportation? Is it cute or ugly? etc.</p>
<p>It’s a very pretty city – live oak trees, Spanish moss. I don’t know about public transportation as I only spent a couple of days there once.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s very nice. But not the extensive public transportation that you would find in large urban areas. It has the benefits that come with being the center of government and having a large university. Good cultural events, good nightlife. Lots of stuff for political or news junkies to get involved in.</p>
<p>Pleasant but definitely small city/ small town lifestyle. Not to be confused with Chapel Hill, NC or Athens, GA.</p>
<p>Can you equate it in terms of size and style to any Northeastern cities?</p>
<p>fendrock
S is a junior at USC/Columbia, in the Honors College. Columbia is a pleasant city (and I’m a New Yorker used to the big city).It has a definite southern charm, but all the attractions one would want in a “city”. There is “culture”…ie, a symphony, art museums, ballet,quite a nice zoo,live local theater, big touring acts coming through,etc. Theres a nice regional airport quite close to the school (about 10-15 minutes tops).Nice shopping areas ,any big box store or chain restaurant you would want,better upscale dining than we expected.The downtown is being revitalized for residential use and the waterfront is being revitalized too (there is riverfront).Faculty at USC come from all over the US ,I met people from everywhere.The new President is originally a New Yorker but has been there in various capacities for many years.
One thing that is sorely lacking is public transportation. Students at the U however, can survive quite nicely w/o it. S didnt have a car his first year. Theres plenty to do within walking distance to the campus…as well as on the campus…and so many kids have cars getting a ride somewhere,including the airport, was never an issue.He never needed a cab although cab companies do exist.
The University has instituted a shuttle this year that runs off campus to the two nearby “entertainment districts”.Its been a proposal of the student govt for years and they finally pushed it through.
I’m trying to think of a Northeastern city in size to compare it to but am coming up blank. The core “downtown city” is pretty small sized to me…maybe like Syracuse but with better weather 
There is a forum for U South Carolina in the alphabetical school listings. Maybe you can take a look there for more info,and if you post there other people/parents might answer you.
PM me if you’d like more info on applying,visiting,the city ,etc.What major is your D interested in?S has lots of friends in various majors, perhaps he can put her in touch with someone. And he loves giving personal tours ,as he’s done before for CC members who have visited the campus!
My northeastern S loves being a GAMECOCK (the mascot)!!!</p>
<p>Perhaps it’s similar to Albany New York in that it’s a small city that also is a state capital and has a university. Unlike Albany (which is near my hometown), Columbia isn’t known for fierce winters. :)</p>
<p>Albany, however, is a very ugly city (at least in this person’s opinion).</p>
<p>Yes, Columbia has a big plus over Albany: beauty (though the countryside outside of Albany is more scenic than is the area outside of Columbus IMO). Albany also is more economically depressed than is Columbus.</p>