Experience in San Francisco, United States by Irfan

What is it like to live in San Francisco? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I would not recommend living in San Francisco for more than two months, in order to remove any curiosity than anyone might have about the place. When I first visited for conferences and to interview, I expected a much more European style of living and public transport, considering the first impression one receives. Unfortunately, public transport is incredibly inefficient and slow, accommodation is highly overpriced and depressing, people are not friendly in the least, and it's very difficult to enjoy a healthy social life. Lots of nerds and weirdos, while being healthy is officially encouraged, if you look like you are athletic and sociable you will be deemed 'not odd enough'.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Francisco?

Lonely, expensive and scary. I wish I could say otherwise, but this is the reality. It is mostly cloudy in SF, do not be fooled by a few sunny days in the summer. Always carry a jacket, because sunset even in summer gets very cold. SF is a great tourist city, but a terrible place to actually live. Expect drug addicts and homeless people everywhere, it can get scary.

How much does it cost to live in San Francisco?

If you are willing to live in filth and eat questionable food, it's not too bad. If you want quality ingredients on a budget, it's doable with a lot of effort. If you shop and whole foods, you'll barely scrape by. Some things are cheap, but usually you get what you pay for, there's only a (very) limited supply of surprisingly good hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in San Francisco? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding accommodation is not difficult, there are plenty of online options to look through. The best advice I can give is to visit any accommodation before you book, if possible. It is very common to find flattering pictures and descriptions that do not match reality. Sometimes, you will find great deals if you're willing to do the leg work.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is so-so. Typically the food in South Bay is better, around the San Jose/Silicon Valley area. You can find a dozen or so very good restaurants of various cuisines. I love anything that actually tastes good, from Korean BBQ to Ramen to Sausages to Curry. I wouldn't recommend relying too heavily on Yelp reviews, it is heavily skewed by the local population who seem to lack taste buds and are mostly driven by hype. Try Koja kitchen, Ippodo, Brazilian BBQ, Hog Island Co. clam chowder,

What places would you recommend visiting in San Francisco?

Muir woods, Lombard street, Alcatraz, Napa Valley, Santana Row, Stanford University, Berkeley, the typical tourist spots. For more adventure, try skydiving and surfing at Santa Cruz - be warned, the water is freezing all year around.

Is it good to eat out in San Francisco? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I covered this in the previous question about food, it is undoubtedly better around San Jose, for unknown reasons (more sun?). In South Bay, try: Winchester BBQ (brisket sandwich with hot sauce), Chez Sovan on Oakland Road (curry chicken, both kebabs, Amok), Clover bakery for breakfast, Super Duper burger at Westfield mall (with Jalapenos), Panino, R&R (Prime rib steak), IKE's sandwiches,

Is the nightlife good in San Francisco? Where is good to go?

No, the nightlife is terrible. You could try Science Museum at night. Marina is a tiny street, slightly upscale, but boring. Mission is a slightly longer street, mostly grungy, dark and dirty, but with unreasonable prices. Valencia, which is one street over from Mission is cleaner and slightly more upbeat, I usually try to find places there, although honestly I don't go out much anymore.

What advice would you give future students heading to San Francisco?

Be safe. The city is getting more dangerous, yet also more expensive. Try to afford a car, it will improve your life significantly. Keep healthy, be active, and remember: being social isn't a bad thing! :D