University of South Carolina—Columbia (USC)

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."

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.

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 spread 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 studentfriendly 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 students, and "offers so many things to help the students here to succeed."