About

See what students say:

Academics

More than 200 years of southern traditions and academic leadership provide the foundation for the University of South Carolina—Columbia, a historic institution that is “constantly working on being the absolute best university it can be for its students” and “open to any suggestions.” The school provides “a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and unique organizations,” and advisors and the Student Success Center are “always looking to help” students find post-graduation plans. “The University of South Carolina is about what you make it, as the university provides opportunities for everyone to make the absolute most of their time here,” says one student.

Those who teach here are “intent on getting their students involved outside of the classroom,” and “able to relate their in-class lectures to the real world.” “I’ve had a ton of professors present me with opportunities for research, internship, or part-time employment on campus which has all developed me into being a very employable prospect upon graduation,” says one student. While classes “can sometimes be very difficult,” there are tutors and supplemental instructors through the university (“for free!”) who “will always fill in the gaps that you are missing.” UofSC’s size “lends itself to interdisciplinary degree programs and individual projects,” and faculty fosters academic exploration in asking for student opinions

and “[encouraging] us to argue and consider other students’ opinions.”

Student Body

This medium-sized, genteel Southern institution is “all about being a family and feeling like the University of South Carolina is your home away from home.” There is a “good mix” of people of different ethnicity, genders, and personalities, and a lot of the student body is “relatively laid-back in dress and attitude.” There is “certainly that southern charm, especially because of the large Greek population” on campus, and this is “a unified student body in relation to each other and between students and faculty and staff.” “The university welcomes everyone with open arms to make everyone feel included in the Gamecock experience,” says a student.

Campus Life

The students at the University of South Carolina are “extraordinarily social:” “From tailgates to intramural sports to Greek life, there is always something to do.” Saturday football games are such a tradition that “traffic patterns are altered because it is such a huge deal.” Traditions are “highly important” to the school, and events such as Tiger Burn and Homecoming are dotted throughout the year. Greene Street (the main street on campus) is closed off to traffic 24/7, which allows students to walk freely between classes and also allows organizations and activities such as Hip Hop Wednesdays and a farmer’s market to take place. The weather is usually beautiful, and many students can be found “sitting on the horseshoe between classes or grabbing a bite to eat” or availing themselves of the “ton of outdoor recreation activities run through the university.”

On the weekends, many upperclassmen spend time in Five Points, a “very student-friendly bar district beside campus,” and Columbia’s central location “grants shorter distances to the beach as well as the mountains”; the town itself is very easy to get around on foot and “very artsy.” There is “literally a club for everything,” from “skydiving to Latin dance to language,” and service opportunities are also very popular. Additionally, the amenities that UofSC provides are “phenomenal,” and include everything from “free athletic tickets to twelve free counseling sessions a year.” UofSC really cares about the well-being and safety of its stu-

dents, and “offers so many things to help the students here to succeed.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Denise A. Wellman
Director

Address
Visitor Center
McKissick
Columbia, SC 29208

Phone
8009229755

Email
visitor@mailbox.sc.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center
Russell House University Union
Greek Village
Williams-Brice Stadium - Home of the 2012 Outback Bowl Champs
Historic Horseshoe
Carolina Baseball Stadium - home of the 2010 AND 2011 National Champions Colonial Life Arena Innovista National Advocacy Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens
S.C. State Museum & Eduventure Children's Museum
Robert Mills House & other historic homes
Trustus Theater
Columbia Museum of Art
The Congaree Vista, Five Points and Main St. areas are popular for shopping and dining. Nickelodeon Theater Mast General Store Mast General Store

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday - Saturday
8:30am-5pm M-F and 11am-3pm Sat, limited Sundays
8009229755

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 9am, 11am, and 2pm, Sat. usually at 11:30 am
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
At the start of each weekday campus tour

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact the Visitor Center for specific information

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements
N/A - not offered

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Other

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a 20-minute drive from campus. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for the trip to campus. Amtrack & Greyhound buses serve Columbia; the train station is 5 blocks from the center of campus and the bus terminal is 6 blocks from campus.

Driving Instructions to Campus
USC is located in the heart of Columbia, easily available from all area interstates. Check the following link for specific direction information.

Local Accommodations
Special USC visitor rates apply at some hotels and inns in the downtown area. Be sure to inquire when you make your reservation. While there are many lodging choices throughout Columbia, the following weblink will take you to partnering hotels close to USC.

Admissions


Applicants: 42,188
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Average HS GPA: 3.66







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