University of South Carolina was just ranked number one nationwide for Best First-Year Student Experience by U.S. News. Here is 5 reasons why I agree.
1. University 101
University 101 is University of South Carolina’s baby. It’s their pride and joy. Several universities have adopted the idea since Carolina had success with it. They will try to make every freshman sign up for it, and I tried to get out of it “because I already know how to study”. But it’s so much more than that.
Since the 5 weeks I’ve been here I made friends in that class, learned the ins and outs of tailgating safely (because it is so big here), talked about UofSC traditions, and resources to go for anything from a health check up to a paper edit. We talked about safe places to go outside of campus and some neighborhoods to avoid.
They introduced to us how to work through roommate issues, and how to pick out off-campus housing for next year.
The class is very much like an open discussion and a very welcoming environment. If you don’t want to take it for any of those reasons, take it for the easy A.
2. Housing
If you didn’t see my dorm tour, click here first: https://sincerelymeghanann.com/dorm-tour-at-university-of-south-carolina/
A big part of making campus feel like home, is dorms that aren’t stingy and gross! There are a few buildings that are better than others, but in general, University of South Carolina’s dorm life is much better than others!
High ceilings, dry wall, free in building laundry, suite style bathrooms, individual air conditioning controller, new-ish hall carpets and linoleum flooring in the room are some of my favorite features.
The dorms are also very secure. I have so many check-ins that I have to swipe my Carolina Card which is annoying now, but I’ll be thankful later.
3. Greene Street
There is always something happening on Greene Street! Sometimes it’s a club fair. Or a job fair. Or a religious organization fair. Every Tuesday UofSC hosts it’s own little farmers market for the students and invites popcorn makers, fruit farmers and juicers to vend to the students on the street.
You will know you’ve stumbled across Greene Street when you hear blasting music and see people handing out free food, drinks, or even t-shirts.
4. Free Sporting Events
Every student wants to go to the football games, at every University, but definitely here at Carolina. The special thing about South Carolina though, is that it is the only school in the SEC to give football tickets to students for free!
The special point system encourages students to be school spirited and go to more athletic events such as volleyball and soccer which earns points that then go towards football tickets.
This gets students more involved and doesn’t break the bank! Win-Win.
5. USC Wants You To Get Involved!
Just like any University, South Carolina wants you to get involved as a student. Every week, the administration emails students about upcoming events that week.
Carolina has a club that puts together activities and entertainment for the students and from a distance it might seem lame, but it is so much fun!
My friends and I participated in one of the activities held every week called “Carolina After Dark”. It is a free event every Thursday night to give students something to do other than go out. For example they have done bowling, roller blading, and movie nights.
My friends and I went to a free painting class in the Vista of Columbia provided by the school and had a great time.
How I got involved on campus:
The school also has almost 500 clubs and organizations that you can be apart of! I decided to get involved with the Her Campus club.
Her Campus is a nationwide blog for college students and University of South Carolina is one of the several chapters!
I am apart of the editorial and content creation/social media teams. We host lots of events, tables at Greene Street fairs to promote our blog and partner with big brands like Garnier to promote them and hand out free stuff to our peers!
I am so excited about my involvement with Her Campus and whenever I write an article for them, I’ll be sure to post it here as well!
Stay up to date with Her Campus at UofSC on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HCSouthCarolina/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hcsouthcarolina/
Website: https://www.hercampus.com/school/south-carolina
I am so glad that I chose University of South Carolina as my home. I truly believe that it deserves the title “Best First-Year Experience”. Getting involved, making new friends, and having great classes has made the first month fly by! I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Sincerely, Meghan Ann
