In your search for the perfect college, be sure to consider the University of South Carolina! There is so much to do and see on campus and in Columbia, South Carolina. Spending one day as a tourist could turn you into a Gamecock for life. So, y’all start making your way to Columbia, the place you will want to soon call home. There is no place like Carolina!
1. Take an official tour of the university.
There is nothing quite like taking a tour of USC! Something so unique to the university is that the University Ambassadors do not have a tour script. Every Ambassador gives a different tour, each covering facts about the University, but it is far more personal than any college tour. Your tour guide will take you on a stroll through the university, highlighting the things that make the University and Columbia, SC so wonderful based on their own experiences at Carolina. The tour will cover University history, campus resources, academics, athletics, student organizations, the campus dining experience (tours include a free beverage), and what life is like living in Columbia, SC. Not only will you learn about everything that USC offers to students, you will also experience the beautiful campus as you take a 90 minute stroll through your potential new home!
2. Look for President Pastides’ Mini Cooper.
The president of the university, Harris Pastides, drives a black mini cooper that is painted like a Gamecock. President Pastides parks in the same parking lot that visitors do because his office neighbors the USC Visitor Center. Be sure to snag a picture with his awesome car. You may even see President Pastides himself! Be sure to high five him, it’s on the University of South Carolina ”100 Things To Do Before You Graduate” bucket list!
3. Ask your tour guide to take you to the clapping circle.
The clapping circle is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! On a brick pathway on the way to the library, you will notice that the bricks form a circle. You will step onto the center brick and when you clap you will hear a chirping sound. What makes this even crazier is that only the person standing in the middle of the circle can hear the chirp. Those standing on the outside of the brick circle can’t hear it. You’ll have to try it for yourself! You’ll be mind blown!
4. Check out Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center.
Strom is one of the best college campus fitness facilities in the country. Strom features workout machines, cardio machines, weightlifting machines, indoor and outdoor pools, a track, group exercise rooms, locker rooms, a sauna, equipment services, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a rock climbing wall, and much more! This is a place that you will want to visit regularly as a USC student, so make sure to check it out, you won’t be disappointed!
5. Take a free tour of the South Carolina State House.
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina. When visiting the capital city you will want to take a free tour of the state house. A new tour starts every 30 minutes and includes a video that highlights the unique history of the South Carolina State House, followed by a walk through the building that will include the House of Representatives, the Senate, and many other rooms in the facility.
6. Grab a meal at a local restaurant unique to Columbia, SC.
There are many places in Columbia to grab a delicious meal. A few local favorites are Andy’s Deli, The Gourmet Shop, Pawley’s Front Porch (featured on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives"), Southern Belly BBQ, Carolina Café, and many more! If you are going to be in town for a while and have some time before catching your plane or making a long drive home, make reservations at Top of Carolina for brunch. Top of Carolina is a rotating restaurant located at the top of an on campus residence hall, Capstone. While dining on the 18th floor of Capstone, you will rotate around Columbia several times, witnessing views of the Columbia skyline and Williams Brice Stadium. Also, take a drive through Main Street, the Vista, and 5 Points. You will be sure to land yourself satisfying food and experiences!
7. Drive by Williams Brice Stadium.
Football Saturdays will be a huge part of your experience at Carolina! Some of your fondest memories will take place in Willy B. And don’t forget, USC is the only school in the SEC that doesn’t require students to pay an additional fee for football tickets. You simply enter a lottery system and are awarded a ticket. All you have to do is swipe your Carolina Card to enter the stadium!
8. Take a picture on campus and tag #VisitUofSC on social media.
Your picture may be featured on one of the official University of South Carolina social media accounts!
Go Gamecocks!
