Print this page. The college experience is about more than academics. Here at Carolina, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do both inside and outside of the classroom.
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to join one of our nearly 300 student organizations. From Model UN, to the Clay Club, to the Association of African American Students, there’s something for everyone. There are also 33 active fraternities and sororities. If you can’t find a club for your particular interest, you may always start one. Every semester, you can tour the student organizations at the Student Organization Fair on Greene Street, in front of the University Union.
There are also several intramural sports competitions. You and your friends can compete on football, tennis, softball, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball teams among others. And, as a USC student, you have access to one of the best sport and fitness facilities around, the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center. The new 192,000 square foot, $40 million facility has both indoor and outdoor pools, a 52-foot climbing wall, an indoor track, and five basketball courts, among other spaces. This spot is a favorite hangout for students.
After all of that activity, you are sure to have an appetite. There are more than 30 dining options at Carolina, including Chick-fil-A, Einstein Brother Bagels, and Taco Bell. There are also several traditional dining halls, healthy eating options, and cafes across campus. The Russell House University Union features the largest Starbucks café and Barnes and Noble bookstore of any US college. Freshmen are required to purchase meal plans; these can be used at restaurants and cafeterias across campus.
After you’ve had dinner with your friends, you’ll find that Carolina has plenty more things happening on campus at night. Carolina Productions, the student-run organization managing entertainment events, show movies weekly in the Russell House Theatre. Movies are free for University students. Recent screenings include Dreamgirls, Children of Men, and Night at the Museum. Carolina Productions also brings music groups and special productions to campus. Recent performers include Ben Folds, Kanye West, Nickel Creek, and the Goo Goo Dolls. Bob Saget, Cirque Voila, and Dave Chapelle have also appeared.
What better way to end an evening then by taking in some culture? Performances by the USC orchestra, Palmetto Pans steel band, USC opera, Jazz Combos and others occur through out the semester at the USC School of Music . The theatre department stages plays each semester at the Longstreet Theatre, while guest speakers such as Senator John Edwards and writer Salman Rushdie lecture each semester.
Your years at the University are guaranteed to be exciting—full of fun and learning. Come for a tour of Carolina, and see all the great things we have to offer. Read our student blogs, and find out what current students are up to.