🏠 Housing
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around $1000/month
Where was it located?
South Quad, 10-15 minute walk from all the relevant places in campus
How can someone find this place?
https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/housing/residence-halls/all_halls/south_quad/
Would you recommend it?
I think it depends on your priorities. It had a prime location so if being close and being able to walk to classes, dining halls, library... is a priority South Quad isn't a bad option. Now, don't expect any luxury living conditions. You'll share your flat with 3 other people and the rooms aren't spacious at all. Other exchange residences like Park Place are objectively better but they're pretty far away. In short, if you value locations and closeness, South Quad is decent.
🍻 Social Life
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
If you wanted to go out every day of the week you could. Bars are pretty good but I wouldn't recommend going to USC on exchange if you're not 21: bars are really strict with IDs (they've got scanners and will know if you've got a fake - police can be involved and you will get in big trouble). Frats have got a big presence on USC's social life. They are not allowed to throw parties in Greek Village and the official frat houses so bars will frequently (pretty much every day) be rented by frats. Without a doubt the best part of USC's social life were football matches on Saturdays. The whole city of Columbia is transformed. Frats will throw a tailgate in what is known as the Frat Lots which pretty much is a festival before the game (best parties of my exchange experience hands down, it's a must if you're on exchange at USC). That is also why I would recommend going on the fall semester, spring semester is more about going out to bars which is nowhere near as fun.
🎓 Uni life at USC Columbia
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
My courses were: 1. CONSULTATIVE SELLING WITH CERTIFICATION with Prof. Beth Renninger: great experience. Breth was the best teacher I had duirng my exchange at USC, she really cared for her students. You are taught how to sell and pitch things which is really useful regardless of your major. You need to go to class and make an effort to get an A. 2. CONSUMER BEHAVIOR: filler class. Is taught in those type of American classrooms shown in movies that can fit hundreds and hundreds of students. I didn't learn anything new from this class that I hadn't been taught previously during my first years of university. However it is a great options if you want an easy A and assistance is not required. 3. PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: took it online. Another filler class to be honest. You don't even have class, you will receive weekly assignments and complete them during the week at your convenience. Easy A. 4. CSR & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: really liked this class. You would have to review/read assigned readings before each class and then we would have class discussions. Discussions were great and as en exchange student you get to know and explore different perspectives which I believe is what going on exchange is all about. We would have weekly quizzes on the assigned materials so you need to keep up to date if you look forward to getting an A. This was my favourite exchange class and I would 100% recommend.
Do you have some tips?
Campus was cool. Facilities were excellent (free gym - possibly the best one I've ever been to). I recommend purchasing a meal plan, will make you life easier rather tahn cooking and cleaning in a shared kitchen. I would also recommend being quick with class registrations, the best classes with the best hours will be gone the fastest.
✈️ Travel
Best trips to do?
Your options will be limited. Roadtrips will be your best option. The Columbia airport is very expensive and doesn't have too many options so people wouldn't usually fly out from there. The best option for flight travel would be to book a shuttle and fly from Charlotte (which all around is pretty expensive). Roadtrips I would 100% recommend would be: Charleston, Atlanta and Nashville.
🌆 Columbia (South Carolina) vibe
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Columbia (South Carolina)?
Living in South Quad I could pretty much go anywhere walking. Not the most vibrant city in the world to say the least, but it is a college town that offers options so I wouldn't say you'll get bored.