Possibly having to move to SC (Columbia area) very, very soon. Can someone answer a few general questions for me?

If anyone knows about the area, or knows South Carolina pretty well, please tell me. I'd like to PM most of the questions, just because it's easier to handle. The questions are mostly about schools, and assistance. The gist of it is, I'm being kicked out by family (I'm in southern california) and the only person who can save me is my best friend in the Air Force, in SC. He'll put me up but I have to try my hardest to get on my feet, so I don't end up hobo-ing it at his house. I'd just like information about the state, so I don't make an idiot out of myself and end up wasting an opportunity to get things right. Thanks in advanced!