Lana Oconnell
The University of South Carolina is a public research university located in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. With a total enrollment of over 54,000 students, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields. The university is committed to providing a holistic education, ensuring students have access to resources and support to succeed academically and personally. With a vibrant campus life, USC offers extracurricular activities, sporting events, and over 550 student organizations to foster a well-rounded student experience. The university's sports teams, the Gamecocks, compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. USC also boasts a diverse and inclusive community, with a range of diversity-focused programs and organizations, contributing to a welcoming and engaging campus climate.
What You'll Learn
Student life and support
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. USC offers a wide range of student support services and resources to ensure that students have a positive and successful academic experience.
Transitioning to College Life
USC is committed to helping students transition to college life, offering support to students no matter what year they begin their studies. Freshmen can enrol in University 101, a first-year programme designed to help students adjust to university life, and are required to live on campus. Transfer students from technical schools can take advantage of the Bridge Program, an academic support system to ease their transition.
Academic Advising and Resources
USC provides comprehensive academic resources and support to help students succeed in their studies. Academic advising and coaching are available to help students define and achieve their goals from freshman year through to graduation. Advisors also offer ongoing learning support and assistance with changing majors. The Student Success Centre provides academic support services such as tutoring, peer writing, time management, study skills, and money management guidance.
Student Health and Well-being
USC prioritises the health and well-being of its students, offering a range of resources and services to foster a healthy campus environment. The Student Health and Well-being centre provides support through highly trained clinicians and staff. The university also offers mental health resources, including online, in-person, and self-care tools to help students identify and manage contributing factors to mental health concerns. Basic needs are addressed through the CommUnity Shop, which provides food, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and other essentials to students facing insecurities.
Student Disability Resource Centre
USC's Student Disability Resource Centre ensures that registered students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations and have equal access to all aspects of the university experience. The centre coordinates efforts to provide support and accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.
Student Organisations and Athletics
With over 550 student organisations focusing on academics, sports, dance, games, and careers, USC offers abundant opportunities for students to get involved and connect with others. Students can also cheer on the university's sports teams, the Gamecocks, who compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference, or attend various sporting events for free.
USC's vibrant and supportive community offers a well-rounded student experience, ensuring that students can thrive academically, socially, and personally during their time at the university.
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Student health and well-being
The University of South Carolina is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its students. The university prioritizes mental health and recognizes its crucial role in overall student well-being and academic success.
The University of South Carolina offers a range of resources and services to promote and support the health and well-being of its students. The Student Health and Well-Being unit is dedicated to elevating the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of the student community. This includes counseling and psychiatric services, with a range of in-person and virtual treatment options available to currently enrolled students at the Columbia campus. The university also offers a 24-hour support line for students who need immediate assistance with their mental health.
Academic Advising and Support
The university provides comprehensive academic advising and coaching to help students define and achieve their goals from freshman year to graduation. Advisors are available for in-person or remote sessions to guide students through changing majors and provide ongoing learning support. The Student Success Center offers academic support services such as tutoring, peer writing, time management, study skills, and money management assistance. The university also offers programs like University 101 and the Bridge Program to help students transition to college life and provide academic support.
Basic Needs and Campus Recreation
The university addresses basic needs through the CommUnity Shop, which provides food, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and other essentials to students experiencing insecurities. Campus Recreation offers programs and services that promote fitness and quality of life, contributing to the overall well-being of the student body.
Student Disability Resource Center
The Student Disability Resource Center ensures that students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations and have equal access to all aspects of the university experience. The center coordinates efforts to provide registered students with the support and accommodations they need.
Health Insurance
The University of South Carolina requires all students to have health insurance to ensure easy access to physical and mental health care and prevention screenings. Students can choose coverage under the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or provide proof of insurance through another approved plan.
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Student accommodation
The University of South Carolina offers a range of housing options for students, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living, to cater to different preferences and budgets.
First-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing and are typically placed in one of the many residence halls located across the various campuses. These halls offer a traditional dorm-style experience, with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas. Upperclassmen, on the other hand, have more housing options available to them, both on and off-campus.
On-campus housing for returning students includes apartment-style accommodations, which offer more privacy and independence. These apartments usually feature single or double bedrooms, a private bathroom, and a kitchenette or full kitchen. Some of these apartments are located in the same residence halls as freshmen, while others are in separate buildings or complexes designated for upperclassmen.
Off-campus housing is also an option for students, especially those seeking more independence or desiring to live with friends. The university provides resources and services to assist students in finding suitable off-campus accommodations, including a database of rental properties and advice on signing leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
In addition to the standard housing options, the University of South Carolina also offers special interest housing, such as substance-free or quiet living communities. These options are designed to cater to students with specific preferences or lifestyles. Additionally, living-learning communities are available, which group students with similar academic interests, majors, or themes together, providing a more academically focused residential experience.
Regardless of the housing option chosen, the university prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and provides support services through residence life staff, who are available to assist with any issues or concerns that may arise during their time on campus.
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Student employment
The University of South Carolina offers a wide range of employment opportunities for its students, both on and off campus. These jobs are designed to help students develop essential, marketable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. On-campus employment is a convenient way for students to build their skills, gain valuable work experience, and earn money while pursuing their academic goals.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs at the University of South Carolina offer flexibility and convenience for students, allowing them to balance their academics, work, and extracurricular activities effectively. These jobs can range from customer service roles to lab-based research positions, providing students with diverse options to explore their interests and gain practical skills. International students are also permitted to work on-campus and can seek guidance from the Office of International Student and Scholar Support to understand their specific work authorizations.
Part-Time Employment
The University of South Carolina recognizes that part-time employment can be a great starting point for students' careers. The university's Career Center provides resources and support to help students find part-time job opportunities. The Center offers an online job search resource called Handshake, where students can search for a variety of part-time jobs and internships, both on and off-campus. Some off-campus part-time jobs are located close to the university, providing added convenience for students.
Federal Work-Study Program
The University of South Carolina participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, which provides on and off-campus employment opportunities for students to earn money to fund their education. This program is coordinated by the Office of Student Financial Aid and is available to students who have been awarded FWS as part of their financial aid package. The Federal Work-Study Program allows students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their degrees and is a great option for those seeking financial assistance.
Eligibility and Working Hours
To be eligible for student employment at the University of South Carolina, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Graduate students without graduate assistantships do not have a minimum enrollment requirement. In terms of working hours, students are advised not to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic term to prioritize their studies. This guideline applies to undergraduate and graduate students, with specific restrictions outlined for international students and Federal Work-Study students as well.
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Student organizations
The University of South Carolina offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs catering to various interests and passions. With over 550 student groups, there is something for everyone, whether they are interested in academics, sports, dance, games, or careers.
The university's student organizations provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests, develop new skills, and build leadership qualities. These organizations also contribute to the vibrant and diverse campus community, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among the student body.
One of the unique aspects of student life at the University of South Carolina is the Garnet Gate, which serves as a gateway to the extensive student organization directory. Through Garnet Gate, students can explore and join the various clubs and organizations that align with their passions and goals.
The University of South Carolina recognizes the importance of student engagement and encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom. By participating in student organizations, students can enhance their college experience, develop valuable skills, and build a strong network of friends and colleagues that will last a lifetime.
Whether students are interested in academic clubs, cultural groups, community service initiatives, or recreational activities, the University of South Carolina's diverse range of student organizations offers something for everyone to get involved and make the most of their time on campus.
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Frequently asked questions
The foreign language placement exam is mandatory for most students and is used to determine which course is right for your level in a given language. Placement exams are offered in 11 languages, including Ancient Greek, Arabic, and Spanish. You can find more information on the University's placement website.
To change your major within the College of Arts and Sciences, visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies or make an exploratory advising appointment with the University Advising Center. If you want to change to a major in another college, you must make an appointment with the University Advising Center to learn about eligibility and requirements.
Students are responsible for seeing that their balance is paid by the payment deadline. Checks, money orders, and cashier's checks should be made payable to the University of South Carolina and mailed to the Bursar's Office. You can also pay online via the Payment Gateway on the University website.
Current students can log in to the University website and sign in to the Self Services Carolina (SSC) Program to register. Non-USC students should apply for admission depending on their circumstances and the level of the course or program of study they are interested in.
