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Student Blog

From starting your application to clicking the submit button, get the inside scoop about the admissions process and life at South Carolina directly from USC experts and our current students!

Lauren Chambers

A Day in the Life of a Freshman at USC

Join me as I take you through a typical “day in the life” as a freshman college student at USC!

State fair at night

Ask the Interns: What’s Your Ideal Fall Weekend in Columbia?

We asked our interns how they would spend the perfect fall weekend in Columbia!

Student carving a pumpkin

6 of Our Favorite Fall Traditions at Carolina

Here are six of our favorite things to do at Carolina when the fall season rolls around!

Cocky statue in distance with pink flowers on trees

3 Benefits To Taking Carolina's University 101 Course

Curious about University 101? Explore a current peer leader's three reasons to take the course!

Students in Library

6 Tips To Finding a Major You'll Love

Starting to explore your major options? Be sure to keep these six tips in mind!

Students running and cheering

A Guide to Gamecock Gameday

Curious how gameday works for current students? Let us show you the ropes of gameday.

Soda City

27 Free Things To Do in Columbia for the Class of 2027

There are tons of fun, free things to do in Columbia! Check out some of our favorites.

Bubble students

5 Things Every Gamecock Should Cross Off Their USC Bucket List

Heading to USC? Here are five things that every Gamecock needs to add to their "USC bucket list."

Student at laptop

5 Tips To Help You Prepare for Your Senior Year of High School

Check out this list of things you can do this summer to help you prepare for your senior year of high school!

Boy biking on campus

4 of the Best Spots To Bike On Campus

The University of South Carolina recently won the Silver Bicycle Friendly University Award from the League of American Bicyclists! Check out some of our favorite spots to bike!

Student on ENO

4 Fun Things To Do During the Summer in Columbia

Staying in Columbia for the Summer? Check out these four fun activities!

Students at the aaas cookout.

10 of the Best Spots To Take Photos When You Visit USC

Be sure to check out these 10 photo spots when you visit our campus!

Gamecocks

4 Places To Buy Gamecock Merch When You Visit USC

Check out these shops for your Gamecock merch when you visit USC!

Williams-Brice Stadum

Understanding USC's Ticket and Reward System

Here’s the rundown on how the points and reward systems work so that you can get tickets to all your favorite sporting events! 

Students in a eno.

3 Ways To Practice Mindfulness as a College Student

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Practice mindfulness while balancing college life with these three simple steps.

Home

9 Things To Look for When Choosing Your Perfect College Fit

When you take your next college tour, take note of these nine things that are sure to impact your college experience! 

Market on Main

6 Places To Watch Football if You're Visiting/Attending Carolina During Super Bowl Weekend

Visiting Carolina during Super Bowl Weekend? These six places are great for football watching!

Going Garnet Student

10 Things Every Future Gamecock Wants This Holiday Season

Check out these 10 items that would make the perfect gifts for your future Gamecock this holiday season! 

Cocky Statue

5 Reasons I'm Thankful To Be a Gamecock

There are endless reasons why I'm thankful to be a Gamecock. Here are a few!

Carolina and Clemson logos

Rivalry Of The Ages: Carolina Vs. Clemson

Want to learn all about the history of the Carolina and Clemson rivalry? We've got you covered!

First-generation student ssticker

6 Tips for Preparing for College From a First-Generation Student

Check out these six tips for preparing for college – written by a first-generation Gamecock!

Pumpkin on The Horseshoe

Your Weekend Trip to USC Based on Your Favorite Halloween Movie

Planning to visit South Carolina in the upcoming weeks? Here are a few activities you should check out based on your favorite Halloween movie! 

students walking on the Horseshoe

26 Walkable Spots From Campus for the Class Of 2026

There is always something new and exciting to explore just steps away from campus. Check out some of our favorite spots!

pumpkins on the Horseshoe

Hallmarks of Fall: 4 Fall Festivities to Enjoy When You Visit Columbia

We love the autumn season at USC! So, we wanted to share four of our favorite Columbia fall festivities.

Students drinkng coffee at Cool Beans.

Lattes and Lectures: 4 of the Coolest Coffee Spots for Your Next Study Break

Whether you're looking for a good study spot or just want a fresh cup of coffee, we know some of the coolest local coffee spots in town! 

Cheerleader at a UofSC football game.

Gamecock Essentials: 4 Tips to Maximize Your Gameday Experience

Planning to attend a USC football game this season? Check out these four tips to help you prepare for your Gamecock football experience.

photo of the maxcy monument on the Horseshoe

From Senior to Senior: 5 Must-Know Tips for Your Senior Year

College senior Miranda Butler shares advice that she wishes she knew before starting her final year of high school.

UofSC Visit Guide Series

USC Visit Guide Series

Visiting USC? Keep reading  to discover a visit experience catered towards your interests!

Smoke stack on the UofSC campus.

One...Two...Which application is right for you?

The University of South Carolina accepts two applications: The Common App and the USC App. Learn more about each application! 

Student roller blading on Greene Street

Instagrammable Campus Tour Spots

Heading to USC  for a tour? Get your camera ready for these six “Instagrammable” photo spots.

Students studying together at a table at Russell House.

USC's Best Study Spots

Are you on the hunt for the best places to study on campus? Well, look no further — we’ve got it covered! 

Student paitning artwork on the side of a building.

Art Galleries in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina prides itself on creating a warm and welcoming art community.  Check out these local galleries! 

Cocky on Greene Street standing next to sign that reads" Preson, this way" with an arrow pointing to the Preston dorm.

6 Tips for Living With a Roommate

Living with a college roommate is a new experience that can be very exciting! Read these quick tips to make your roommate experience as great as it can be.

Students at tailgate

REAL Advice: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Freshman Year

Feeling excited but a little nervous about your freshman year of college? Fear not, we’re here to help! We gathered useful advice from current students. 

Pumpkin on the Horseshoe

USC Ghost Stories

Gather 'round the virtual campfire for some seriously spooky tales of chilling encounters at USC. 

Cocky at a football game

Meet Cocky!

Meet Cocky, our tail-shaking, wing-flapping Gamecock who is never too "chicken" to pump up our Gamecock spirit!

Students on porch before game day

Game Day Ideas for Watching at Home

It's finally time for Carolina football! Game days might look a bit different this year. Find out ways to make watching the Gamecocks at home just as exciting as watching in Williams-Brice Stadium.

Honors college students standing together on the Horseshoe wearing Honors College apparel including hats, shirts and sweatshirts.

An Insider's Guide to the South Carolina Honors College

Get the inside scoop about the South Carolina Honors College including courses, professors, housing, activities and more!

Cocky dancing at pep rally on the horseshoe.

Your First Week at South Carolina

Each fall, we roll out the garnet carpet for our new and returning students and their families. The bustling week of activities, which begins on Move-in Day, includes a number of fun, on-campus events such as First Night Carolina, Convocation, the start of classes and more.

Student waving spirit flag at a football game.

University of South Carolina Traditions

USC is a special place, with a vibrant community and caring spirit. There are many reasons to call South Carolina home, but the campus traditions are some of our students' favorite.

Girl on top of parking garage watching the sunset

Columbia Connection: Best Places to Watch the Carolina Sunset

There are few things that beat watching the sunset over the city of Columbia skyline, and our students agree. 

Students and cocky posing in front of letters spelling HOME.

Ready, Set, Transfer: 6 Tips for Becoming a Gamecock

From the application process to transitioning to South Carolina, Rob McCartha, assistant director for transfer recruitment, gives insight on becoming a Gamecock.

Group of students in front of the Thomas Cooper library fountain

Finding Your Community at South Carolina

Bri Broomfield, coordinator for diversity and inclusion, tells how you can find your community on campus.

Front view of visitor center

How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Brittany Wilson, communications manager for the Visitor Center, gives her perspective on how to make the most of your South Carolina campus visit. 

Students in a lab.

Undecided on a college major? You're not alone.

Brian Hayes '23 talks about his experience as an undeclared major.

Tour group in front of visitor center

6 Things To Do Before or After Your Campus Tour

Visiting campus? Miranda Butler '22 outlines six things to do in Columbia while you're here.


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