University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

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About

Founded in 1801, we enjoy a rich history of more than 200 years of academic leadership, and we're building on that tradition. South Carolina is one of a select group of universities to earn the Carnegie top-tier designation in both research activity and community engagement. According to national publications like Kiplinger’s Inc., Forbes and U.S. News and World Report, our programs stack up against the best in the nation and around the world.

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Personalized tour

Personalized Tour

Answer a short questionnaire, and we will generate a custom tour based on your interests.

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View of the Close-Hipp Buildings during the day

General Campus Tour - Walking

Get to know our campus by seeing the major sights along our suggested walking route. To see additional areas of campus, we recommend hopping in your car and taking our driving tour. Estimated time to complete this tour: 60 minutes.

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Entrance to the Riverbanks Zoo

General Campus Tour - Driving

Looking to see parts of our campus that are located a little bit farther from the center? Or maybe you want to explore Columbia? Our driving tour will take you around the edge of campus and into the city of Columbia. Estimated time to complete this tour: 60 minutes. *For your personal safety, please refrain from cell phone usage while driving.

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View of the front of Maxcy College during the day

Housing Tour

Each one of our residence halls has its own personality, community and unique opportunities for students. Check out this tour to learn about which residence hall might be the right fit for you. While some lobbies are open to the public, individual rooms are not available to be viewed by the public. Please use the videos provided at each stop to get a better idea of the what an individual room could look like.

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View of the front of DeSaussure College during the day.

Historic Horseshoe

A visit to the University of South Carolina isn't complete without a glimpse of the historic Horseshoe. The U-shaped original campus — once called South Carolina College — has seen more than two centuries of history unfold, earning it a position on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also the place where the university took the necessary step of acknowledging that the picturesque grounds and the daily life inside its walls relied upon enslaved workers.

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View of the front of the ROTC Center during the day

Veteran & Military Tour Route

Explore buildings around campus that our veteran and military students utilize most.

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Black and white view of the Pickens Street Bridge

Ghost Tours

Ready to get spooked?

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View of the front of the Booker T. Washington Building during the day

African-American Historical Tour

This tour is a captivating journey that explores the rich history, contributions, and experiences of African-Americans on this esteemed campus. As you stroll through the grounds, you will gain a deeper understanding of the significant impact African-American students, faculty, and alumni have had on shaping the university's culture, progress, and social change.

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View of the front of Rutledge College during the day

Love Tour

Love is in the air!

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Compass

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Photo Gallery

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View of Pickens Street Bridge with pedestrian traffic in daylight

View of Pickens Street Bridge with pedestrian traffic in daylight

Maxcy Monument with fall foliage in the background

The Maxcy Monument was erected in the center of the Horseshoe in honor of South Carolina College's first president, Jonathan Maxcy.

McKissick Museum with red and purple flowers in the foreground

McKissick Museum, open to the public, is the only 20th-century building on the Horseshoe and is home to more than 140,000 objects.

Students in front of Rutledge College

Students gather on the steps of Rutledge Chapel, one of the oldest buildings on the Horseshoe.

Students walking on the Horseshoe in front of the President's House

The Horseshoe has seen more than two centuries of history and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Three students work in a small group on the main floor of Thomas Cooper Library.

Thomas Cooper Library, opened in 1959, is the campus’ main library.

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StudentBridge Inc. 2025