UIUC vs Columbia Physics

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I got offers from UIUC physics and Columbia too. I got a faculty fellowship at Columbia, and TAship at UIUC for aid. I am interested in cond-mat and I need some help making a decision. I have heard that UIUC is in the middle of nowhere, and it pretty much sucks with regard to anything but academics. Columbia, of course is in NY :-) Subject wise, I think UIUc is a clear winner, but if you have suggestions about that, please let me know. If anyone has been to UIUC or has visited, please let me know what problems you foresee or if things are okay. Thanks a lot !