University of South Carolina-Columbia

In what ways do you feel this college challenges students academically?

This college definitely has a great level of challenge when it comes to academics. Certain schools such as Darla Moore School of Business require you to maintain a 3.5 throughout your freshman year to maintain in the business school. This ensures students are going to class, and working hard towards their degree. South Carolina also offers a University 101 class to all first semester freshman to help them get accustomed to the campus. In this class you discuss tips for college life, how to navigate sporting events, and many other things that first year students struggle with especially at a brand new school. This is a great tool to use and is not a hard class at all, a perfect class to adjust to college life! In most lecture style classes, there is always a TA or someone to help with students who aren’t fully grasping the concepts. I know for the freshman accounting class there are 8 help sessions a week to help you if you don’t understand or need a different perspective of the content!

How would you describe the dorm life at this school?

I would describe the dorm life as very social. There is a big variety of dorms ranging from communal to apartment style, all accessible to incoming freshman. Also a huge variety in co-Ed, all male and all female dorms, which makes each dorm experience different depending on your preference. I did co-ed and met a variety of different people throughout my floor and community.

How would you describe the food and dining options?

I would say there are lots of dining options at the University of South Carolina. There are dining halls specifically made close to each dorm community which make going to your local dining hall super convenient. All of the dining halls always have pizza, a salad bar, and a hamburger bar. Other than those options, each dining hall varies. Some dining halls are made for healthier options and offer things like salmon, fruit desserts, and hummus. All menus are accessible online and change on a day to day basis, this makes it easy to see and plan out where you want to go throughout the week!! The Uofsc Instagram page also shows when big events are happening at the dining hall such as Midnight Breakfast, Appetizer nights, or cultural food nights as well!

In your experience, what is there to do for fun at this college?

There is a large variety of things to do for fun at this college. Besides the large sports atmosphere, student government provides weekly activities that are free for students!! This could be free tickets to the local Triple AAA baseball team, goat yoga, silent disco, or paint nights, student government always has something for you to do when you’re bored!! We also have annual events that bring a lot of attention every year such as homecoming concerts, end of year flick on Williams Brice field, and First Night Carolina with free food, games, and fireworks!! On a weekly basis, we always have little things happening on Greene Street, right in front of the Student Union. Normally, there is farmers markets on Tuesdays, Vintage Clothing Markets once a month, and Soda City market downtown every Saturday!! There is so much to get into and explore at the University of South Carolina which is why it is the #1 First year experience for many years in a row!!!!!

Are there any quirky or unique traditions that make your college special?

Definitely sandstorm!! Sandstorm is what we do to rally team spirit at all big events especially sporting!! It’s so fun and gets everyone on their feet for a few minutes when the teams are on a break or trying to build excitement for a big announcment!!