The western portions of the city, like the Sunset and Castro districts, are generally more family-oriented and quieter. If you're not getting the help you'd like from the University's housing office, consider looking online. Savvy San Franciscans use Craig's List to search for roommates and apartment openings. Life in the City Getting around shouldn't be a problem. Like NYC, this is a walkable city.
Public transportation is also fairly reliable.
BART , the Bay Area Rapid Transport subway system, stretches across the major portions of the Bay Area and even has a line to the Oakland Airport. The only downside is that many of the stops within the city are along the eastern side, near the financial district. To get to the Golden Gate Bridge on the northwestern tip of the peninsula you' ll have to take a bus. Once you can navigate the city, you'll want to know where to find the fun stuff. Shopaholics will no doubt head first towards Union Square.