The University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, the state's capitol city and cultural hub. It has been in this location for over two hundred years, with the old section of campus (the "Horseshoe") being widely recognized for its lasting beauty. Greater Columbia has over 583,000 residents, over 600 restaurants, 8 major hospitals, and 5 large shopping malls. The city of Columbia is located 2 1/2 hours by car from the Grand Strand at Myrtle Beach, 2 hours from historic Charleston, and 2 hours from the scenic Smoky Mountains. Average annual snowfall is less than 2-inches and rarely lasts a day. Recreational opportunities include boating, fishing, and skiing on Lake Murray (located only 20 minutes from campus), music and arts festivals, and a nationally recognized zoo.
The economic climate is vibrant and the cost of living much less than is usually associated with urban areas. The University community is ethnically diverse, as demonstrated by its national ranking of tenth in the number of master's degrees awarded to African Americans. Columbia is a vibrant place to live.
Informational Links for Columbia, South Carolina
- Columbia has a rich history. Historic Columbia offers tours of sites that showcase the city from its inception to the present-day.
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www.sc.gov, the official website of South Carolina, and includes information on Government, Education, Business, Health, Public Safety, Environment and Tourism.
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Yahoo! Columbia has a city guide and other info.
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Columbia A to Z... enough said.
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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Columbia Museum of Art, the Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, and the South Carolina State Museum are a few of our attractions.
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South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the Columbia City Ballet, three community theaters (Town Theatre, Workshop Theatre, and Trustus Theatre) and the Koger Center for the Arts provide local entertainment.
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The Congaree Vista is within walking distance of campus and home to numerous restaurants, hotels, shops, and entertainment venues.
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Lake Murray, Sesquicentennial and Dreher Island State Parks, and the Congaree Swamp National Monument are enjoyed by outdoors enthusiasts.
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Golf with over 20 courses in the area, is popular year round.
Housing
Columbia has a plethora of cozy and affordable housing options! Columbia is home to many off-campus student housing complexes , as well as a multitude of options not targeted to students. Looking for a roommate? Visit USC’s message board or the USC Housing, Sublets, & Roommates Facebook page. Contact a student representative for advice related to housing options in Columbia.