[marshray]

Speaking as one who lived in hip college towns for years and didn't attend. At the end of your stay, nothing about the town will be as memorable as the school itself (unless you get arrested or something).

Unless you have a spouse who won't be in the same univ, I'd suggest ignoring the city entirely. Plan to live (i.e., spend the entirety of your productive life) in the school. Avoid having a car if at all possible.

Of course there's a crapton of stuff to do in the area, it's a world-renowned city. But save it for when relatives come to visit!

[mattdeboard]

I'm sorry, what? Have you ever BEEN to San Francisco? I lived there for 2.5 years. It's unforgettable, and I miss it every day.

[marshray]

Been in the area once. Spent most of my time at the awesomest bookstore in the world on the Stanford campus.

[cema]

The "area" of San Francisco is nothing like the city of San Francisco.