The University Of South Carolina: 8 Things To Do And See When Visiting As A Prospective Student | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The University Of South Carolina: 8 Things To Do And See When Visiting As A Prospective Student

Spending one day as a tourist could turn you into a Gamecock for life!

1.8k
The University Of South Carolina: 8 Things To Do And See When Visiting As A Prospective Student

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!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

70095
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

3782
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

7863
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments