Find out more about the Columbia and the Surround Area...

Many applicants to our program are not from South Carolina. For those of you who are less familiar with Columbia and the surrounding area, we have put together some links to help you access information about the community, and what it might be like to live here. Columbia is a city with approximately 120,000 residents in the city and over 300,000 residents in the metro area. It is the state capitol of South Carolina. The cost of living is relatively low, yet it is large enough to offer a range of resources and opportunities.

Yes, graduate school is a lot of work. But in between that work most of us find some time to do other things. There are a variety of recreational activities available in or very near Columbia. In addition, Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC are two nearby cities (each approximately 90 minutes away) that offer additional opportunities. The Blue Ridge Mountains and many beach and coastal areas are 2 to 3 hours away.

To compare Columbia to other cities in the U.S.:
  http://www.bestplaces.net/

Getting from here to there (and back again):

By airplane:	http://www.columbiaairport.com/ http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Home.htm
By train:	http://www.amtrak.com/
By Interstate bus service:	http://www.greyhound.com/

Information about recreational activities:

Statewide resource for activities:	http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/
Local resources for activities:	http://www.columbiasc.net/cofc_aac.html http://www.lex.lib.sc.us/webpages/irmowebpage/lakemurray/lminet.htm http://www.free-times.com/
Concerts / large venue shows in Columbia:	http://www.carolinacenter.net/
Local resources for outdoor activities
Nature:	http://www.adventurecarolina.com/
Cycling and  Riding Clubs:	http://www.outspokinbicycles.com/

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