Hi! We have not yet visited but plan to go to the admitted students day later this month. DD and I will be staying for a few nights in the hotel on campus. Thoughts re: whether or not we should rent a car and what we should see in the area to help her get a feel whether this is where she wants to live for the next four years? Thanks!!!
You don’t need to rent a car unless you want to visit suburbia. You can Uber. Are you staying on a Saturday? If so, go downtown from 9am-1 and check out the Soda City farmers market. Lots of good food trucks and stands. If around Friday night, find a supper place with TVs and watch the basketball team Likely to meet a lot of fans.
Pick up copy of Daily Gamecock newspaper to see what else is going on. What are some of D’s interests? For instance, if interested in religious life look up where those centers are located and drop by. Check out Cool Beans coffee house which is kind of across from Wardlaw at top of horseshoe or just hang out on horseshoe. If it’s a nice day you’ll see lots of students about. If you like to be outdoors, go down to riverwalk - several places have access - great walking trails and places to put in for rafting, etc.
Check out shopping areas. Vista has more food than fashion but is a fun area. Five Points has great stores.
Drop by the Office of Fellowships and scholarships in Legare (pronounced le-gree) on the horseshoe. They are available to all USC students and help a lot in making the kids aware of fellowship opportunities.
@icedlatte2 - Thanks so much! This is very helpful as we are coming from NY and unfamiliar with the area!!
I took my DD down in November of 2016, when she was a junior, just to see if it was a school she’d be interested in. We also stayed in the hotel there just off campus. We did an official tour, but just did a lot of exploring on our own and it was just SO much fun. She was sold after that trip, even after coming back to school and having faculty tell her the school was too “safe” for her. We both just loved it. Everything is very walkable, including Five Points, from the hotel. We used Uber to get to town (fairly short ride) from the airport and then anywhere else we wanted to go (the Vista, etc.) that was a little further. Have fun! We have another friend who has gotten in but hasn’t been to campus yet that is going down this coming weekend so we’re anxious to hear how he likes it!
What I love at SC is that you don’t need a car to get around. Uber if it’s cold or you are walking really long distances and want a break. Check out the sports calendar to see if you can catch a game. Even if you are not a huge sports fan, you can get a great idea of school spirit. If your dau. Has a specific club interest, Google for the contact info and I’d guarantee that someone would be willing to meet you over coffee to give you more info. Staff and students are friendly and approachable, Have a great trip.
Have to agree with what the others have said. My D is a senior and LOVES Carolina. Spend some time outside of Russell House and on the Horseshoe and talk to the students & profs. Everyone is very friendly.
If you can’t get to Saturday market (Soda City Market), there is a mini-food truck brunch version on Sundays down at Riverwalk. Be sure and check weather. It’s snowy and cold now but I think but will be close to 70 this weekend. So who knows by end of week.
If your student is interested I recommend a stadium drive by- (or Uber-by) -the renovations to the area are beautiful and football is huge at South Carolina- tons of fun and worth getting excited about!
Been down a number of times and my favorite thing by far is the Soda City Market downtown on Saturdays. Actually, this is one of my favorite outdoor markets in the USA. The food is great and so are the crafts and street musicians. Last time we even saw a lady walking her goats. I also enjoyed the shops at Five Points during the day. It is a completely different place day vs. night.
Thanks so much for all of the replies! My DD is really excited about this visit!
@nyskimom, did you and DD attend yesterday? My husband and son were there. We are from VA. They loved it. It definitely swayed him a lot more toward USC.
@x2018x We are in NOVA. My older son is a Freshman and loves it.
@VAMom23, thanks. That’s great to hear!