Tour Tips

As you plan for your upcoming visit, keep these tips in mind to help make your time on campus enjoyable and worry free.

Visiting Guidelines

To help protect the health and safety of the University of South Carolina community and all our visitors, we have put in place the following measures for campus visitors based on public health directives from the State of South Carolina and the City of Columbia:

• Monitor our UofSC COVID-19 Dashboard: Our COVID-19 Dashboard is a helpful resource to learn about current campus conditions. 
• Face coverings are required: Visitors are asked to bring a face covering to wear when coming to campus. In accordance with UofSC policy, all visitors are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times inside any building on campus. Visitors are required to wear a face covering when outside a building as well, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Maintain physical distancing: Visitors should maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet of distance from others at all times while on campus.
• Maintain proper hand hygiene: Visitors are asked to maintain proper hand hygiene while on campus by washing hands or utilizing hand sanitizer that is provided on campus. 
• Monitor your own symptoms prior to your arrival to campus: If you feel sick and/or have a temperature of 100.4 or above, please stay home and reschedule your visit, even if it is the morning of. 
• Please be aware of COVID-19 symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Do not visit campus if you or a guest are exhibiting any of these symptoms. An updated list of current COVID-19 symptoms can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
• Limit gatherings: Meetings or gatherings in public and office spaces are limited to no more than 24 visitors at any time.
• Refrain from arriving at the Visitor Center (McKissick Museum) any earlier than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour.

 

If a date (or a campus tour) is fully booked or blocked off, be prepared to waitlist or show yourself around.

We offer campus tours Mondays through Fridays (except holidays and extended student breaks) throughout the year. If we make a date (or campus tour) unavailable, it's for a good reason - to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. Please note that dates will show as green/available in our system as long as a campus tour is offered that day. It does not guarantee that a campus tour is available. We do have a self-guided tour available on our busy days. If you want to check out campus without formal guides, please come by! 

Waitlist Policy

We may be able to accommodate walk-ins for tours through our waitlist. Please note that the waitlist is reserved for admitted students only. Requests to be added to the waitlist for a campus tour will only be taken on the same day as the tour and in person. Visitors must be physically present at the Visitor Center to request to be added to the waitlist. Waitlist requests are first-come, first-serve and do not guarantee a space on a campus tour. If space becomes available, visitors on the waitlist will be notified as early as 10 minutes before or as late as 15 minutes after the preferred tour time. If we are unable to accommodate your waitlist request at your preferred tour time, we will do our best to accommodate you at another tour time. Your flexibility and patience are greatly appreciated. Please note that visitors are limited to choosing one tour time when requesting to be added to the waitlist. 

 

Register for your visit before booking transportation/lodging.

Tours can fill up quickly during peak visit times and in the worst-case scenario, you can amend your booking by contacting us. If visiting UofSC is a high priority, book your visit as early as you can, before booking any transportation/lodging. Plane, train and bus tickets cost money and can become very expensive to change or cancel - so it's better to keep an eye on prices, but to book them after confirming your visit. If you cannot attend after all, please cancel your registration using the link in your confirmation email or by calling us at 1-800-922-9755 - it allows us to offer your spot to another prospective family!

 

Visit Confirmation

As soon as you complete your visit registration, you will receive a confirmation email with important details. Attached to the email, you will find your parking pass and our Visitor Parking Guide. You must print the parking pass prior to your visit. If you will need special assistance while you are on campus, please notify the Visitor Center as early as possible at 1-800-922-9755. You can also request accommodations when completing your visit registration. Learn more about guest accessibility.

 

Changes and Cancellations

You can use the “edit or cancel your registration” link provided in your confirmation email to make changes or cancel your visit. To reschedule your visit for a different day, first register for your preferred new date, then cancel your existing reservation. For assistance, call 1-800-922-9755 or email cvisits@mailbox.sc.edu.

 

Late Arrivals

Please be advised that we reserve the right to forfeit your seat if you arrive more than 10 minutes after the campus tour begins. We encourage all visitors to check-in 30 minutes before their tour.

 

Visitor Parking

The Visitor Center is located in McKissick Museum on the Historic Horseshoe. Although there are many metered parking spaces on many of the streets that surround campus, we may be able to provide you with complimentary parking. Please check in with our parking attendant for more information.

Directions: At the intersection of Pendleton and Bull, enter the small driveway and stop to speak with the parking attendant.

 

 

What to Wear

Check the weather and dress appropriately. The student-led walking tour of campus can last up to two hours, so please wear comfortable, closed-toes shoes and pack an umbrella in case of rain. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to campus. We have various locations for you to fill up your water bottle along our campus tour route.

 

While You're in Town

If you're planning to stay in town for a while, consult our calendar for events and check out Explore Columbia for attractions and accommodations. Remember to ask about special rates for UofSC visitors when making your hotel reservations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand allWhen do you offer visits?

Campus tours are offered weekdays at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with an additional 11 a.m. tour on Mondays and Fridays. Please note that tours may be unavailable during holidays and extended student breaks.

What if I can only visit on a weekend?

We do not offer guided tours on major holidays or weekends. If you're trying to visit on a day when we do not offer guided tours, we recommend doing a self-guided tour. We have a self-guided tour map that you can pick up at anytime from our mailbox in front of the Visitor Center.

What are the busiest times for tours?

March and April are our busiest months. Monday and Friday are generally the busiest days of the week because of their proximity to the weekend. Please remember, many high schools all over the country often take the same holidays. These days are a great time to visit our campus; however, they can fill up quickly.

How early can I register for a visit?

We release campus tours based on current student ambassador availability.  Therefore, we wait until our students have solidified their class schedules and summer plans before announcing campus tours. During this unprecedented time, we are only scheduling tours four weeks in advance.

How late can I register for a visit?

We close our visit registration within 24 business hours of a visit date. However, you may come in the day of and request to be added to our day of waitlist.  View our waitlist policy. 

Is there a cost to visit?

No! All of our visits and events are completely free.

Is it possible to visit UofSC and another college/university in the same day?

While two colleges/universities might be in the same city or geographic region, it might not be possible to visit them both in one day (without the aid of a teleporter). Google maps is fairly reliable, but make sure to note how traffic might change depending on the time of day. Make sure to give yourself time to stay hydrated, well-paced and comfortable.

How do I set up a campus visit?

You can sign up for a campus visit online. Please be sure to have the student’s information prior to registering. Coming with a friend or sibling? All students should be registered separately.  

What if the tour date/time I want to join is full?

We cannot guarantee space for guests who have not pre-registered. If you are an admitted student, we may be able to add you to our waitlist. View our waitlist policy. If we cannot accommodate you and your guests on a tour, we will be happy to set you up with our self-guided walking tour.

Can I sign my friend up as my 'guest'?

We do not recommend signing up multiple students for a visit under one registration. We ask that each individual student signs up separately online for the visit. We need each student’s information so that we can have an accurate count of students and guests.

Can I be with my friends during my visit?

Of course! We love when students visit together, and we will be sure to allow you to enjoy your visit experience together. We encourage you to email your name and your friend's name to cvisits@mailbox.sc.edu prior to your tour.

How do I know that my visit is confirmed?

Once your visit is confirmed, you will automatically receive a confirmation email sent to the email address you provided on the online registration form. Your confirmation email is very important, as it has information on where to meet, how to get here and where to park. Attached to the email, you will find your parking pass and our Visitor Parking Guide. You must print the parking pass prior to your visit.

What if the number in my party changes after I sign up for my tour?

You can either use the “edit or cancel your registration” link or the “update guest count” link in the email communication you received post registration. You can also call us at 1-800-922-9755 to update your guest count. We cannot guarantee that there will be space for guests who have not pre-registered.

Do you offer school excuse notes?

We can only give out or sign school excuses for students who are registered for an official campus visit (self-guided visits are not considered registered). Excuses can only be given for the exact day that a student participates in the campus visit. All visit participants will receive a detailed email 24 hours after the visit experience to serve as an excuse note for school or work.

What will I see during my walking tour?

You will get to see the main area of campus during your 75-90 minute campus walking tour. Your University Ambassador will be a current student who will not only discuss areas of campus life but will also talk about the history of certain areas of campus. As part of our COVID-19 risk mitigation plan, we are unable to take tour groups into academic buildings, residence halls or the library. Due to time constraints, we do not show athletic facilities, Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center or Greek Village as part of our regular tour route.

Do you offer tours of the residence halls?

At this time, we are unable to show residence halls on our general campus tour. Inside the Visitor Center, you can find a mock residence hall room and interactive housing displays. You can also virtually view our residence halls.

Will I get a chance to visit the bookstore while on campus?

Yes! Your tour guide will show you where our bookstore is located on campus. You will be unable to stop during the actual tour; however, you will have the opportunity to stop by after you finish with the tour. Don’t forget to use the 10% off coupon that is emailed to you when you check-in for your tour!

Who gives the tour?

The tour is given by trained current students (called University Ambassadors) who are able to give the history and current uses of university buildings, inform visitors of university traditions and provide their own views and perspectives of the UofSC student experience. Learn more about our University Ambassadors.

Can I have a private tour?

We do not offer private visits.

Are the tours capped?

Yes, we keep our tours small as a way to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. 

Do you have separate “admitted student” tours?

We strive to provide a quality experience for every student. However, we find that admitted students have more questions. If ambassador availability permits, we will separate admitted students from the general campus tour to provide additional time for questions. In addition, we offer Honors Admit Tours and Capstone Admit Tours. Students must be admitted/invited to these programs to participate. Information about these tours will be available through the admitted student’s application portal. 

Do you offer group tours?

We offer virtual group tours for high schools who are interested in scheduling a visit for their students. Virtual visits are offered on Tuesday - Thursday at 10 a.m. during certain times of the year. You may request your group visit online.

Are family members and guests allowed on the tour?

Of course! We highly encourage family and guest participation. In order for us to accommodate the highest number of prospective students, we do ask that you limit the number of guests you bring to no more than two.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

The University of South Carolina welcomes patrons and their service animals to our campus. Service animals must remain under control of their handler at all times. Pets and emotional support or comfort animals are not allowed inside UofSC buildings. However, animals and pets are allowed in outdoor spaces.

Is lunch provided?

We do not provide lunch for our weekday visits; however, you are always more than welcome to stop by the Russell House University Union for lunch on your own before or after your tour. Our University Ambassadors can also provide recommendations for on- and off-campus places to eat.

Can I sit in on a class?

We do not offer opportunities to sit in on a class. We find it much more beneficial for you to meet with someone in a specific department rather than sitting in on a class. One-on-one appointments are typically reserved for seniors and transfer students. 

Can I schedule a one-on-one appointment with a specific department?

If eligible to request a one-on-one appointment, you will receive an email within a few days of registering for your visit. Using the link in the email, fill out the appointment request form. After submitting the form, you will receive an email stating that your requests were received. If we are able to accommodate your appointment(s), you will receive an additional email with your specific appointments once they are scheduled. If we cannot accommodate your appointment(s), you will receive an explanation email. Please note that all one-on-one appointment requests must be made at least two weeks in advance for the courtesy of the departments we work with in scheduling these appointments. Please be patient with us because we process appointment requests by the order in which the visit will take place.

Can I meet with an athletic coach?

Due to NCAA compliance rules, our office is not able to schedule athletic meetings. You will need to contact the athletic office for assistance (803-777-4202).

What if it rains?

We hope that it will not rain on your visit; however, if it does, we will still offer tours. Our tours are mainly outdoor walking tours, so please be sure to check the weather before you come so that you can be prepared. In the case of severe weather, your University Ambassador will present a virtual tour to you. You will have the opportunity to speak with an admissions representative if you would like. If the university closes for inclement weather, you will be notified via email. Information will also be available at sc.edu/weather.

Where can I stay in Columbia?

Columbia has multiple hotels to choose from, all within a very close distance to campus. View our recommendations. Remember to ask about special rates for UofSC visitors when making your hotel reservations.

Is my student able to spend the night on campus?

Due to liability, we do not offer overnight accommodations. You are more than welcome to check out our various hotels located close to campus.

Can I bring my luggage to the information session and tour?

We are not able to store any visitor luggage during tours. We recommend leaving your luggage at your hotel until the completion of your visit.

Where is the closest airport?

The closest airport to UofSC is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). It is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from campus. The next closest airport is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, NC. It is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from our campus.

Is there a shuttle from the airport?

We do not offer a shuttle service to and from the Columbia airport. There are, however, several taxi companies and car rental companies available. We also do not offer shuttle service to and from the Charlotte airport; however, there is a shuttle company: Columbia Charlotte Shuttle. Car rental companies are available at the Charlotte airport as well.

Where can I get athletic tickets?

Unfortunately, our office does not sell or give away any athletic tickets. You can purchase these through the athletics ticket office (803-777-4274) or online.

 

Further Questions or Assistance

Just contact the Visitor Center by email (visitor@mailbox.sc.edu) or call 1-800-922-9755 and we'll be happy to help.