Guide to San Francisco: Quality of Life

Live and Learn in a Cultural Hotbed

Can you live with January temperatures dipping to 46° F and September temperatures rising to 70° F? Are you disciplined enough to attend classes faithfully despite the distractions provided by dozens of professional sporting events, cultural activities, and outdoor pursuits? Can you rationally choose between an evening at a trendy dive bar or an all-night study session? Can your stomach tolerate the diverse range of ethnic cuisine offered by over 3,200 area restaurants? If so, you may be ready to start your college career in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Get In Touch with Your Roots in San Francisco

If you've ever wanted to study abroad, but can't quite give up Monday Night Football, San Francisco is your solution. With an ethnically diverse population and cultural exhibits and activities rivaling those of any major European city, the Bay Area allows you to experience an intercultural adventure without forgoing the comforts of home. Performing arts options include the opera, symphony, ballet, and theater, and San Francisco's world-class museums showcase Asian, classic, and impressionistic art.

Go Green: Ditch the Car with Bikes and BART

If you plan on studying in the Bay Area, you can leave your car at home. Despite the hilly terrain, San Francisco is one of the most bike-friendly regions in the U.S. If you're too pooped to pedal, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rail system will take you almost anywhere you want to go, from the San Francisco Peninsula to Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and beyond. BART's 43 access points include 15 surface, 13 elevated and 15 subway stations. And don't forget the city's signature cable car system.

With the energy and ethnic diversity of a vibrant urban city and the cultural attractions and scenic beauty of a premiere vacation destination, the San Francisco Bay Area beckons as an extraordinary backdrop for your college experience.
Sources:
Bay Area Rapid Transit
Bay Area First