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University of South Carolina
- Local Atmosphere

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University of South Carolina - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Local Atmosphere

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Local Atmosphere Grades:

Quick Stats

Points of Interest
  • Colonial Life Arena
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • Congaree River Walk
  • Downtown Columbia
  • EdVenture
  • Frankie’s Fun Park
  • Koger Center for the Performing Arts
  • Lake Murray
  • McKissick Museum
  • Nickelodeon Theater
  • Riverbanks Zoo
  • Sesquicentennial State Park
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • State House

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Located in the heart of Columbia, USC delights many students with the mix of Southern charm on campus and the fast pace of the urban setting. The campus grounds are scattered with gorgeous greenery, secluded gardens, and beautiful buildings. USC also harbors a vast array of historical treasures. On campus, students are able to visit McKissick Museum, which features rotating exhibits highlighting Southern culture. Additionally, many of the buildings on central campus pre-date the Civil War and are now used as upperclassman apartments, faculty office buildings, and even classrooms. Being in the South and smack in the middle of the “Bible Belt,” there is a lot of conservative thinking in the city of Columbia; however, USC’s campus is moderate in its views, with both extremes present. Many are involved in the political scene, and students make their voices heard on issues such as budget cuts, educational funding, the war in Iraq, and state and national elections.

A short drive from the University of South Carolina rewards students with Columbia's recreational staples such as the Riverbanks Zoo, the State Museum, and Lake Murray, all favorites among students. If you’re willing to travel a bit, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are all within a few hours. The Southern atmosphere, the urban setting, and the variety of activities in the area combine to make the atmosphere at USC ideal for many students.
 

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South Carolina Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Carolina

wyattms

'14

Public Relations

3.8
B+

Big Town With College Vibe

Columbia is a great city, it is the state capitol of South Carolina and is by all means a big city, but it definitely maintains a college town vibe. There is always something to do in Columbia!

Jan 30, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Carolina

JasmineRHolt

'15

Early Childhood Education

4.2
A-

Downtown Columbia Is a Great City

There are several things to do on campus as well as off of campus during the week and on weekends for students. Many students go to 5-Points or the Vista to hang out with their friends and go to clubs. There are many theaters and events that happen in the Columbia area and there are decent shopping malls that are no more than a 20 minute drive. USC sports are very entertaining and draw large crowds as well.

Jan 21, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at University of South Carolina

dtnell

'15

Hospitality Management

3.5
B

Could Be Better

Columbia is actually smaller than what I thought it would be. There's still plenty to do, with two shopping districts and plenty of opportunities on campus. Everthing is relatively close so there is no need for a car, unless you need to go to Target or Walmart. The club scene is alright, helps if you have a fake, because only about two bars allow studnets under 21.

Dec 18, 2011

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Page 1 of 13

Photos of University of South Carolina's Local Atmosphere

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University of South Carolina - Fountain in front of Thomas Cooper LibraryFountain in front of Thomas...
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Fountain in front of Thomas Cooper Library
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University of South Carolina - HorseshoeHorseshoe
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Horseshoe Some scenery near USC's legendary horseshoe.
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University of South Carolina - USC SceneryUSC Scenery
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USC Scenery
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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Columbia Place
  • Columbiana Centre
  • Dutch Square Mall
  • Midtown at Forest Acres
Major Sports Teams
  • Columbia Blowfish: minor-league baseball
  • Columbia Inferno: hockey
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Atlanta: GA: 3 hours, 30 minutes
  • Charleston: SC: 2 hours
Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Columbia:
• Columbia is home to the first free-standing American college library, the South Caroliniana Library (1840).
• Located on the outskirts of Columbia, many birds flock to Bomb Island on Lake Murray to roost. This island has been declared a bird sanctuary, and many like to watch the birds return to the island each day around sunset.
• Columbia has attracted acts such as Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.
• The Carolina Center in Columbia has attracted acts such as Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, and President George W. Bush.
• The Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center features state-of-the-art equipment and a 52-foot climbing wall.

Famous People from Columbia:
Whispering Bill Anderson (Singer)
James Mark Baldwin (Psychologist)
Joseph H. Burckhalter (Inventor)
Alex English (Basketball player)

Local Slang:
Cola – Columbia
Sketchy – Suspicious or unusual.
Straight – Okay or all right.
Ya’ll – You all.

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

AMC Dutch Square 14
800 Bush River Rd.
Columbia
(888) 262-4386

Carmike 14
122 Afton Ct.
Columbia
(803) 781-3067

Carmike Wynnsong 10
5230 Forest Drive
Columbia
(803) 781-8100

Columbia Place Stadium Cinemas
7201/802 Two Notch Rd.
Columbia
(803) 419-5454

Columbiana Grande
1250 Bower Pkwy.
Columbia
(803) 407-9898

Nickelodeon Theatre
937 Main St.
Columbia
(803) 254-3433

Pastime Pavilion 8
929 North Lake Dr.
Lexington
(803) 951-3603

Regal Columbia Cinema 7
3400 Forest Dr.
Columbia
(803) 790-9001

Regal Sandhill Cinema 16
450 Town Center Place
Columbia
(803) 736-1811

St. Andrews Cinema 5
527 St. Andrews Road
Columbia
(803) 772-7469

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at SC

Name: Gregory Goetz

Hometown: Fort Mitchell, KY

Major: Media Arts/Entrepreneurial Business

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