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06-27-2019, 02:36 PM | #1 |
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Massachusetts or South Carolina
An opportunity has come through work to take up some study. The program is available in two places only. University of Massachusetts and University of South Carolina.
I have been to neither area. Was wondering what area would be best? In terms of things to do off campus, places to eat, living costs etc. Thanks |
06-27-2019, 02:43 PM | #2 |
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Grab some flights and visit both? Even a quick visit can be enlightening.
I’ve been to both and like them both, and wouldn’t choose on anything other than the program quality. If it is identical, then which area has the most enjoyment (weather, activities, history, whatever you like)? For me another factor is which is the most different from my experiences to date. I’d go there. Good stretch! |
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06-27-2019, 02:55 PM | #3 |
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I'm in Boston and can possibly help with that area. Which University of Massachusetts? There are 4 locations and are nowhere near each other. 45+ minute drive from each other.
The cost of living at the Boston location is going to be very high but it would be great to live in the city. The other 3 will be much more reasonable for rent but also have much less to do. |
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06-27-2019, 04:39 PM | #5 |
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I live in SC.....grew up here. But I'm up near the NC border. Your mileage may vary, but I hate Columbia anytime I have to go there.
But I'm older and not into the night life, but even then I think Greenville is better in that aspect. The only reason I like Columbia is going through it on my way to Charleston. Weather is miserable in the summer. I've worked/traveled extensively through the Northeast, and would much prefer being North if visiting for a long period of time!
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06-27-2019, 04:44 PM | #6 |
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I guess the Southerner (Native Texan) in me will come out, but I’ll go with South Carolina.
Full disclosure: I lived in Boston while attending Law School, and now live 25 miles South of the city. Yes, there’s plenty to do, great sports town, etc. but I prefer South Carolina. It’s more laid back, cost of living is cheaper (Massachusetts taxes are crazy), people are nicer, and you don’t deal with the BRUTALLY cold winters, blizzards, and crappy roads. My wife is from Massachusetts; once I convince her to move - we’re moving back South. |
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06-27-2019, 05:03 PM | #7 | |
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Unfortunately....that seems to be disappearing rapidly. Add some road construction in during rush hour, and you get to experience what I did today....redneck road rage....and I didn't even know that I was doing anything wrong. I almost lost it for a second, but took the high-road and ignored the comment he made while turning past me into some business. But since we were stuck on the road, I was interested in what he looked like to have a mouth like that.....or if he was just trying to show off for his woman. Funny thing was he wouldn't exit his car until I was well passed him. But for one spilt second I thought who cares, I can make bond. But then I realized that tomorrow is my anniversary....so it would have been worse on me if something did happen.
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06-27-2019, 05:54 PM | #8 |
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Long term or just a quick course type thing?
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06-27-2019, 09:04 PM | #9 | |
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06-27-2019, 09:08 PM | #10 |
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I'd choose the better school in a better location for job prospects. I'm sure attending UMass will go a long way in the mid-Atlantic states where so many companies are located.
South Carolina doesn't have nearly as robust an economy, but that's still a big university and you can do alright depending on what your field is.
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06-27-2019, 09:39 PM | #11 | |
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06-27-2019, 09:48 PM | #14 | |
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06-27-2019, 09:53 PM | #15 |
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The Mt Ida campus is part of the UMass Amherst campus, but it is not in Amherst. It's in Newton, much closer to Boston. That will make a huge difference in housing costs. But with the added benefit of making it easy to get into the city.
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06-27-2019, 09:57 PM | #16 |
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I live North of Boston...…..
Amherst is a sleepy college town in W. Mass. There is not much to do in that area.. Its only 6 months so if its program is superior then I would factor that in. S Carolina is where my wife and I plan on retiring, need I say more. Certainly not W Mass!
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06-28-2019, 06:18 AM | #19 |
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They are very different. Boston is a world class city while Columbia is more of a small college town. As you’d expect in Boston, that while there is a lot to do and see from an entertainment, historical and cultural perspective - also great ethnic foods. Columbia has some of that, but on a much smaller scale and the area tends to cater to the college students. However, there is a lot of natural beauty in SC, you can get to the country and beach fairly quickly (traffic is a non issue), the weather is nicer and it’s much less expensive. Columbia is less hustle bustle of course.
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06-28-2019, 07:13 AM | #20 |
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UMass has a song about it by the Pixies. That's gotta be worth something, right?
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06-28-2019, 08:15 AM | #21 | |
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Personally, for me, I wanted my law degree from a school in the NE, which is why I moved from the South; I had a great time living in Boston. But that was over a two decades ago, and as I get older am less tolerant of the winters and more inclined to look for a slower - and more relaxed pace of life. |
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06-28-2019, 09:14 AM | #22 |
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Lived in Boston for 5 years as a kid, stick with the south.
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