I am from Australia and am going to study at the University of South Carolina for a semester over the fall on exchange. So I would like some advice regarding which dorm would best suit me
I don’t want to stay in a traditional style dorm (I would prefer to share a bathroom with a couple of people) but still would like to live in a building with great social atmosphere. I am looking for a dorm that will have fun and friendly people.
I will have just turned 21 when i arrive so am unsure if i want to live with 18 year olds and am also unsure if I want to live with other international students or Americans.
I have been reading and have worked out the Maxcy, Columbia hall and the quads are probably my options.
If any of you have any advice at all that would be great!!
From what I’ve heard, a lot of exchange students are placed in the apartment style upper class dorms on the Horseshoe. Most have individual bedrooms, but the students share a living space, kitchenette and a bathroom. These dorms are in the heart of the historic campus. It’s where you would want to be. Another bonus is these dorms are open during fall break and Thanksgiving. And fall is American football season – get football tickets and experience Williams Bryce Stadium. Go Gamecocks!
D lives on Horseshoe and they do often put exchange students in apartments with openings. The other benefit besides location is that honors students have preferred housing and are more likely to stay on campus as upperclassmen than other students. In honors housing you are more likely to be with students closer to your age. Most other dorms primarily house freshmen (they have to live on campus and are guaranteed housing) and a small number of upperclassmen.
Just talked with my USC student. I didn’t realize Maxcy was just off the Horseshoe, so would be a good choice as well. As for the football games, if you google search something like “game day dress University of South Carolina” you will get an idea of what a lot of students wear. If you are girl and have cowboy boots – bring them – the girls do wear them with dresses to the football games. There are plenty of stores in Cola with inexpensive (under $50) dresses and many more websites that specialize in game day chic. I’m making it sound like dressing “right” is super important – it’s not; it’s just fun. Don’t stress. After one game you’ll understand as long as you cheer for the Garnet and Black, you are in the family.