I have lived in Columbia for the past five years, and we have NEVER gotten 25 inches of snow. Maybe a few inches here and there... and super cold weather from November- End of February, but thats about as bad as it gets. I came from Southern California, so the weather was a HUGE adjustment for me... but its not that bad. In terms of housing, there are TONS of places to rent downtown and within walking distance to campus. East campus is affordable, but mostly filled with undergrads and lots of partying. I live just north of the court house and its really quiet and the cost of living is really affordable (1000 sq. foot two bedroom one bath house for only $625/ mo)
If you have any questions feel free to message me!