It's hard to believe that yet another school year is beginning and Columbia is about to be overrun with college kids, new and old. For the returning students, the restaurants, bars, and most attractions off the main USC campus, are all familiar. However, for the new freshman, USC and the city of the Columbia is a whole new playing field with places that seem foreign. 

I remember my first day of college, feeling trapped in my dorm room, not even sure if I could make it to Russell House. My Carolina Card was fully stocked with Carolina Cash and I thought that I would be eating at Gibbes for the next few months because I lacked a sense of direction and wasn't sure I would be able to find a good, cheap restaurant off campus because Carolina Cash could only be used on campus. 

Though there are some great options on campus, Carolina Cash can now be used at a number of places around Columbia. Many restaurants -- and even dry cleaning places -- have paired with the University of South Carolina. This is not only convenient, but allows for a nice change of scenery if you feel like there's not much beyond the dorm room or Russell House.      

Here are a few of my favorite places that accept Carolina Cash. You may have some of these in your hometown, but if not, you’re already a step closer to seeing what Columbia has to offer. 

Harper's. Located on the corner of Harden and Devine, Harper's has just about anything on it’s menu that you could want. There are cheap, yummy salads and more expensive ribs, but no matter the price you pay, it will be worth it. There's a lingering smell of mouth-watering food before you even walk in the restaurant, so come hungry if you're looking to have a nice meal.  

CVS Pharmacy. CVS has everything you could need and it's walking distance from the Horseshoe, located right on Assembly Street. There will be times when you go to class and don't have your wallet, but realize you need to pick something up last minute; time for Carolina Cash. Most times, you will have you Carolina Card since most, if not all, dorms require your Carolina card to enter the building, so don't leave the dorm without it.   

Yoga Masala. Even avoiding the dreaded freshman 15 is becoming a possibility with the acceptance of Carolina Cash off campus. Investing some Carolina Cash in a nice workout routine will help you stay in shape and put that cash to good use. Yoga Masala already offers student discounts year round ($7.50 for a class pass or $99 for unlimited monthly if you're a true yogi), so swiping the Carolina card should feel like a rewarding investment when it's going towards your health!    

Tripp's Fine Cleaners. Tripp's is located on Harden Street, in the heart of Five Points. With fraternity and sorority life come initiations, cocktails, and other formal events. These events call for nicer clothes that require a little more care than your dorm's washer and dryer. Being able to spend some Carolina Cash at the dry cleaners is a nice way to keep your clothes looking nice and in good shape. You never know how long you'll have that freshman year semi-formal dress that may come in handy a few years down the road.      

Carolina Cash is accepted at many other places off campus. To see a full list of the places that have partnered with our University, you can check out USC's website and click on "Carolina Cash" for more info!