What’s new for fall 2023
Some of the openings and changes students can expect
Posted on: August 16, 2023; Updated on: August 16, 2023
By Koby Padgett, kpadgett@sc.edu, 803-576-6701
The University of South Carolina has spent the summer — and the past few years in one case — improving the Columbia campus for everyone. Let’s look at some of the biggest changes debuting this fall.
Campus Village
For two years, crews have been working to bring to life this new south campus landmark of four buildings set to house over 1,800 students. The largest project in the university’s history, Campus Village includes ample greenspace and courtyards, anchored by pedestrian promenades and a clocktower. Each building features innovative study and classroom spaces, community kitchens and suite or pod-style room options.
The Pavilion at Campus Village
Also coming online at the start of the semester is the largest residential dining hall at USC, the Pavilion at Campus Village. With seating for over 600, this space occupies most of the first floor of Campus Village Building 1 and is 1,400 square feet, much larger than Gamecock Park on the second floor of the Russell House, the previous biggest space. This all-you-care-to-eat space will be a new option for all campus community members for their meals, especially for students looking for lunch after classes in Swearingen or the band and dance facility.
Halal Shack, BerryBliss, Qdoba at the Russell House
Carolina Food Co. also shifted some of its concepts on the first floor of the Russell House to match student cravings. The Halal Shack brings an authentic Middle Eastern-street food concept to campus; BerryBliss takes over the former Carolina Creamery next to Panera and offers acai bowls and smoothies; and Qdoba will offer students an array of Tex-Mex fare.
New parking options
Parking and Transportation Services has expanded in many areas around campus. Four surface lots for on-campus students are located on Flora Street near the new Facilities Center, including the newest addition near Habitat for Humanity. Both on-campus and commuting students have new lots available next to Colonial Life Arena on Greene Street, with spaces accommodating hundreds of students. Both Horizon and Discovery garages return to the on-campus parking system for all campus community members. For more information on permits and parking options, check out Parking’s website.
One-stop support
Get answers to your questions, referrals to resources and advice on navigating the university all in one place. The Office of Student Advocacy is your source for information that will help you manage your college experience and steer you in the right direction when things don’t go as planned. Pro tip: If you ever need help verifying an excused class absence, be sure to attach documentation in the online form.
New shuttle stops
Shuttle routes for USC Transit powered by the COMET have shifted, offering improved access to south campus. Now four daytime routes — the Red, Blue, Green and Yellow routes — will come near new housing buildings, which also will be serviced by both evening shuttles. For those parking by the arena, the Red line will take them to their cars quickest, while Blue should get them from the arena to Campus Village in the shortest time. Download the Transloc app (Apple, Google Play) to see all routes and stops and plan your trip.
On-demand shuttles
The late-night on-demand shuttles from USC Parking and Transportation Services can now be summoned via a reservation in the Transloc app. Open the app, click on the OnDemand tab and schedule your pickup. This service is available:
- Sunday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Monday-Thursday 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Friday 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
- Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
You can also call 803-777-1080 for the shuttle.
Solar powered charging stations
Facilities Services has three new solar-powered charging stations set up around campus: Davis Field, near the Colloquium, and next to Currell College. These new green energy stations can charge your phone or laptop while you're studying outdoors.
New postal lockers at Russell House
Students can now get their packages at any time thanks to the new lockers set up outside the Russell House first-floor dining area near the ATMs and Thompson Student Health Center. These lockers, installed by USC Postal Services, enable students who can’t get to their normal package pickup places of the Blatt Center and Russell House basement during business hours to get their items anytime. These are for normal USPS, UPS and FedEx deliveries to students. All community members can also use one of the eight Amazon lockers located throughout campus for their convenience.
Printing on the go
You’ll find convenient, cost-effective printing in color or black-and-white and free scanning at the Student Printing Kiosks located in over 30 convenient spots across campus. You can upload your files by email, web or flash drive and pay at the kiosks using your CarolinaCard or a major credit card. Learn more and find a location near you at the student printing website.