tours at university of south carolina

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INTERESTED IN A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA?

If so, simply select a date from the calendar below and complete the registration form. Please note: registering for a certain date does not mean you are required to visit USC using our self-guided tour on that date. It just gives us an idea of when you plan to be on campus. Additionally, you are welcome to take a self-guided tour outside of the Visitor Center operating hours.  Once you complete the registration, we will send you an email with information that will help you make the most out of your self-guided tour!

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Experience The University of South Carolina

Virtually explore The University of South Carolina in a fully immersive 360-degree experience.

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General Campus Tour - Walking

Here's a preview of your tour, mckissick museum/visitor center.

Campus History · Admissions and Scholarships

Historic Horseshoe

Campus History · African-American History

Maxcy Monument

Campus History

McCutchen House

Dining · Hospitality

Harper/Elliott

Housing · Residence Life

School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Information & Communications

Longstreet Theatre

City of Columbia · Campus History

Scientific Pursuits

Science · Academic Support Services

Darla Moore School of Business

Wellness and fitness center.

Fitness and Wellness · Clubs and Organizations

Honors Residence Hall

Thomas cooper library.

Academic Support Services · Veteran Services

Center for Health and Well-Being

Fitness and Wellness

Russell House University Union

African-American History · Clubs and Organizations

Women's Quad

Cocky statue, east side of campus.

Arts · Science

Capstone House

Close-hipp buildings, other tours at university of south carolina, personalized tour.

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

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.

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.

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.

Veteran & Military Tour Route

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

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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UNIVERSITY   AMBASSADORS University of South Carolina

University Ambassadors provide a welcoming and informative first impression of the University of South Carolina (USC) to a diverse group of visitors. Our ambassadors give prospective students and their families information about student life as a Gamecock through campus tours, phone calls and email conversations. Our University Ambassadors are involved students who are committed to sharing their passion for USC with visitors.

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Discover What it's Like to be a USCB Sand Shark

Virtual Tour | In-Person Visit | Online Visit

We host tours of our Bluffton , Hilton Head Island and Beaufort campuses, open houses, academic information sessions and more throughout the year.

Check out USCB on Facebook or Instagram before you visit!

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University of South Carolina Beaufort Office of Admissions One University Boulevard Bluffton, SC 29909 Phone (843) 208-8055 Fax (843) 208-8290 Email [email protected] admissions staff

Visit Campus

Usc upstate is a vibrant community of learners, and we can’t wait to show you around.

Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our faculty and students, and discover why our university is the perfect place for you to pursue your goals. So, come and discover all that our campus has to offer!

In addition to our in-person tours and events, we are offering campus tours and events online. For information, please contact the Office of Admissions at 864-503-5246 or 800-277-8727. We look forward to hosting you!

I can tell my professor really cares about his students and his athletes. He goes over and beyond to make sure everyone’s needs are met. He is one of the kindest instructors I have ever met. His goal is for his students to be successful and he is dedicated to helping them achieve this goal. Nyhia Geer  ’23, Exercise and Sport Science, major

Daily Tours

Our daily tours offer an in-depth look at USC Upstate and an opportunity to meet current and future Spartans.

Fabulous Friday

Whether you’re in high school or a college transfer student, be sure to join us for Fabulous Friday and discover what college is really like.

Our Open House offers an in-depth look at USC Upstate and an opportunity to meet current and future Spartans.

Junior Day & Junior Scholars

Junior Day gives high school juniors a chance to spend some time with other prospective students, meet current students and faculty, and gain an in-depth overview of what to expect from USC Upstate.

Transfer Tuesday

These events are designed for transfer students to meet individually with admissions, financial aid, and advisement staff so that they can help with all of the details to make your transition to USC Upstate a smooth and seamless process.

Meet With Our Enrollment Team

We are offering online and on-campus meetings with USC Upstate staff who are ready to answer your questions about housing, financial aid, enrollment or any other concern you might have.

Book an Appointment

Book an appointment to meet with our Enrollment Team.

Note: On-campus appointments will not include a campus tour. If you would like a tour of the campus, please register separately.

Group Tours

Group tours are for 15 or more people.

We offer group tours every week, and our admissions counselors will help arrange yours to ensure your group gets the most out of the experience. Just complete registration form below, or contact the Office of Admissions at 864-503-5246 or [email protected] . Be sure to read the Group Tour Guidelines (PDF) prior to your visit.

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Travel Programs

California Rail Discovery

May 1-7, 2024

European Coastal Cruise | 80th Anniversary D-Day & the Battle of Normandy

May 12-21, 2024

Ireland and Northern Ireland

May 21-30, 2024

Cape Cod & The Islands

July 13-19, 2024

Danube Delights with Prague

July 24-August 2, 2024

Celtic Kaleidoscope

August 14-24, 2024

Courtyards & Colonnades

September 11-21, 2024

Flavors of Tuscany

September 26 – October 4, 2024

LGBTQ+ Island Life® Greek Isles and Ephesus

October 7-15, 2024

Island Life® Greek Isles and Ephesus

October 21-29, 2024

13 episodes

Follow along as our University Ambassadors guide you through the University of South Carolina campus.

University of South Carolina Self-Guided Tour UofSC Visitor Center

• 25 MAR 2022

Historic Horseshoe

Join University Ambassador, Olivia L., as she tells you all about the University of South Carolina's Historic Horseshoe. This episode corresponds with stops 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in our self-guided tour brochure. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode.

Athletics and Greek Life

Join University Ambassador, Olivia L., as she tells you about athletics and Greek life at the University of South Carolina. This episode corresponds with stops 10, 11 and some of our “must-see tour stops” in our self-guided tour brochure. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode. 

Join University Ambassador, Olivia B., as she tells you about the humanities side of campus at the University of South Carolina. This episode corresponds with stops 16, 17 and 18 in our self-guided tour brochure. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode.

Join University Ambassador, Michaela, as she tells you about the humanities side of campus at the University of South Carolina. This episode corresponds with stops 16, 17 and 18 in our self-guided tour brochure. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode.

Transportation, Health + Safety

Join University Ambassador, Michaela, as she tells you all about transportation, health + safety at the University of South Carolina. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode.

Join University Ambassador, Keliah, as she tells you all about housing at the University of South Carolina. This episode corresponds with stop 15 in our self-guided tour brochure. Please click here to access the transcription for this episode.

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Individual Visits

Explore our historic campus in person. Visit to learn how South Carolina can help you achieve your aspirations and ask your questions about joining our campus community.

A general campus tour is a great way to get a feel for what it’s like to be a Gamecock. We’ll guide you through campus and treat you to everything from the quiet of the majestic Horseshoe to the buzz of the busy Russell House. See why we think there’s no better place to be!

Weekday Campus Tours

Learn all about Gamecock life during a two-hour campus tour. Each tour begins with a 20-minute presentation covering the admissions process, financial aid and scholarships. Then, guests spend 90 minutes exploring campus guided by a University Ambassador. When classes are in session, campus tours are available weekdays at 9 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. with an additional 10 a.m. tour available on Mondays and Fridays. Tours during extended USC-Columbia breaks (winter, spring and summer) are subject to University Ambassador availability.

Academic Information Sessions

Investigate academic opportunities available to prospective students through department-specific information sessions. Sessions are limited when classes are not in session. You can see what sessions are available and sign up when you register for your campus tour. 

Prepare for your visit.

Meet our ambassadors.

Learn more about the University Ambassadors program at South Carolina before your visit, or connect with the ambassador who led your campus tour.

Visitor Center

Phone: 1-800-922-9755 Email: [email protected]  

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Select Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Visitor Center is located in McKissick Museum on the historic Horseshoe. After registering for your visit, you will receive detailed instructions for our complimentary Visitor Center parking. All other visitors are welcome to park in the numerous  metered visitor parking spaces  across campus and on many of the streets that surround campus. Please note that metered parking is not complimentary.

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It's no secret Columbia is a very special place that's just getting better with time. Get to know why South Carolina's capital city is perfectly situated to be your home away from home.

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At the South Carolina Honors College, you can choose from hundreds of engaging courses designed specifically for you, live with high-achieving classmates, and experience learning that takes you far beyond the classroom. 

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The 10 Most Beautiful College Campuses In South Carolina

• South Carolina is home to numerous beautiful college campuses that offer stunning architecture, historic appeal, and surrounding natural beauty. From tree-filled campuses to beachside locations, there is something for everyone.
• Each university in South Carolina has its own unique attractions and features. From full golf driving ranges to historic buildings and reflection pools, these campuses provide a range of activities and scenery to enjoy.
• Visitors don't need to be students to appreciate the beauty of these colleges. Plan a trip to see these campuses and explore the picturesque surroundings, charming architecture, and rich history that South Carolina has to offer.

The southern US states have a number of the most beautiful college campuses in America , from the pretty universities in Georgia to the gorgeous campuses in Texas . South Carolina has its own contenders; the state is home to beautiful views, historic sites, and numerous activities one can enjoy - from Myrtle Beach's tours and activities along its boardwalk to scenic South Carolina road trips - but that is not all the state is known for. It also boasts gorgeous universities offering state-of-the-art education for students.

From the illustrious foliage of the University of the College of Charleston to the mountainous view of Southern Wesleyan University and the oceanside living of Coastal Carolina University, South Carolina encompasses countless beautiful college campuses that satisfy tree lovers and beachgoers alike. It is home to renowned and diverse institutions aimed at furthering individuals’ educations, perspectives, and careers in city centers, mountainsides, and beach towns.

One doesn't need to be a student to visit, either; so, plan a trip to see any of these beautiful universities in South Carolina, each offering charming architecture, historic appeal, and surrounding natural beauty.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful College Campuses in North Carolina

Southern Wesleyan University, Central

This beautiful south carolina campus in the roper mountain range offers a full golf driving range, open to the public at any time.

Southern Wesleyan University is a private, Christian institution in Central, South Carolina. Founded in 1906, the school sits within the Roper Mountain range. Surrounded by trees and mountains, this university is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxing hike, the falling leaves accompanying Autumn, or budding flowers that come with Spring.

The campus also includes a full golf driving range, open to the public anytime.

• Start Date: 1906
• Campus Attractions: Full Golf Driving range
• Cost to Visit: Free

Wofford College, Spartanburg

Referred to as the "harvard of the south", wofford college is among the many beautiful colleges in south carolina, full of greenery and italianate architecture.

Wofford College is a liberal arts college in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Encompassed by greenery, this campus, known as the Harvard of the South , provides a beautiful view of the surrounding foliage.

The Main Building , designed in the Italianate style by Edward C. Jones, stands as the heart of the campus center. Accordingly, every student that attends Wofford College has a class in the Main Building, and inside the historic building sits the College Bell, purchased in 1854 from the Meneely Bell Company . In addition to indicating the time on campus, this bell rings three times for each student: when they initially enter as first-year students, the second time at their graduation, and the last time on All Saints Day.

Another notable facility is the Burwell Building . First established in 1969, this building constitutes Wofford College's main dining hall. The glass facade of the building allows for an inviting layout, adding to the structure's beauty. Moreover, this establishment staged the first Wofford College Theater Productions in the Montgomery Room .

• Start Date: 1854
• Campus Attractions: The College Bell , Cumming Street School and Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium
• Cost to Visit : Free

When visiting Wofford College, be aware that there are often more crowds during Fall and Spring.

Converse University, Spartanburg

Be transported back in time while walking through this beautifully gothic campus adorned with regal, neoclassical architecture.

With its Gothic and neoclassical architecture, Converse University is a picturesque institution for those wishing to study in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Established in 1889, Converse University originally allowed only female students, but the institution has admitted men since 1964 .

Its most notable building, Wilson Hal l , rises above the university. The beautiful Gothic, neoclassical structure is home to admissions, financial planning, and other administrative procedures. Established when the university came to fruition, Wilson Hall previously housed the entire student body population.

To the right of Wilson Hall, facing the building, is Twitchell Auditorium at the Zimmerli Performance Center. The 1,489-seat auditorium puts on concerts, grand announcements, and even opera performances.

The quad is situated behind Wilson Hall and provides an open, green landscape for students to enjoy the outdoors. Many student activities are hosted in this area, including movie nights. Additionally, near the college is Morgan Square , a quaint city center filled with the history of Spartanburg.

• Start Date: 1889
• Campus Attractions: Twitchell Auditorium at the Zimmerli Performance Center , Morgan Square , Wilson Hall

Converse College offers a video tour on YouTube , which people can watch to get a feel for its grounds.

Charleston Southern University, North Charleston

Visit charleston southern university, which offers south carolina's only aeronautics program, and discover its reflection pool surrounded by beautiful foliage.

The 300-acre scenic campus is home to nearly four thousand students nationwide. Charleston Southern University is only fifteen minutes from downtown Charleston and thirty minutes from the state's gorgeous beaches.

The campus (which people can watch a video about on YouTube ) stands out for its reflection pool outside the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium, while voluminous trees, bushes, and benches surround the body of water. Moreover, the Christian liberal arts university offers the only collegiate aeronautics program in South Carolina.

• Start Date: 1964
• Campus Attractions Collegiate aeronautics program, Reflection pool

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful College Campuses On The East Coast

Clemson University, Clemson

Historic properties, unforgettable scenic views, a planetarium, a botanical garden, lake hartwell, and much more await at this beautiful college in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains.

Clemson University is one of the most prominent institutions on this list, established on 1,400 acres in Upstate South Carolina with over 22,000 undergraduate students. Situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the impressive university is also adjacent to the magnificent Lake Hartwell.

In addition to the pervasive wildlife and nature at Clemson University, downtown Clemson sits right outside the campus, giving students and faculty easy access to an abundant social scene. In a reasonably central location, Greenville, South Carolina , is roughly 30 minutes away from the campus. Anderson, SC , is about 25 minutes away; Easley, SC is approximately 20 minutes away, while Central, SC , and Seneca, SC are only 10 minutes away via driving. Plus, the closest neighboring city, Pendleton, SC , is only five minutes away from the heart of the university.

The attractions that surround this institution are not the only notable features of Clemson University ; the establishment itself is breathtaking. The center point of the campus, the Robert Muldrow Cooper Library, is a white structure with long windows that span from the roof to the ground. In front of the building is a reflection pond with massive spewing fountains. Another primary area at the university is the Hendrix Student Center ; this building is a beacon for student life and offers facilities such as gathering spaces, a food court, and a bookstore.

Moreover, the campus has other exciting facilities for students and visitors, such as the outdoor amphitheater, the university's herbarium , the Bob & Betsy Campbell Museum of Natural History , the Bob Campbell Geology Museum , and a Botanical Garden.

• Campus Attractions: Bob & Betsey Campbell Museum of Natural History, Clemson University Herbarium , Botanical Garden, Bob Campbell Geology Museum , Planetarium

University Of South Carolina Beaufort, Beaufort

The university of south carolina has three beachside campuses in bluffton, hilton head island, and beaufort, the latter of which is arguably the most beautiful with its buildings with decadent columns and fountain.

This beach-side campus offers three locations in the South Carolina Lowcountry near the coast: Bluffton , Hilton Head Island , and Beaufort . These campuses are just a mile from the beach, with an accompanying bike path for students and visitors to access the beach easily.

The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a quaint, charming campus, rich in history, evident in the coastal campus's buildings. The Hargray Building, a central location for administrative processes, has four majestic columns that frame the front of the tan-colored edifice, while a beautiful fountain sits outside. The campus center is another notable building for student life. Outside the facility, there are plenty of areas surrounded by palm trees for students to enjoy the outdoors.

USCB's Beaufort campus offers a Center for the Arts , where the institution hosts exhibitions, art showcases, musical ensembles, theater performances, and movies for its students and faculty. Sea Islands Center Gallery is another USCB program that illustrates works of visual art by students, faculty, and recognized artists from around the country.

The university also provides the Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era (IRSE) , which features artworks from the Reconstruction era and different programs and research opportunities for students, faculty, and visitors to delve into this unfortunate reality in U.S. history.

• Start Date: 1959
• Campus Attractions: A beach one mile away , three campuses to choose from , the Center for the Arts , Sea Islands Center Gallery , and the Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era (ISRE)

There are three campuses at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. They are roughly 30 minutes away from one another, and Bluffton constitutes the main campus.

University Of South Carolina, Columbia

The 444-acre campus is home to excellent opportunities, stunning architecture, and a thriving football team, and is situated in the capital of south carolina.

Founded in 1801 , the University of South Carolina is a hub for activities in the heart of the state's capital, Columbia. Reaching the city center only takes one minute by car and eight minutes on foot. The black, white, and garnet-colored campus is nestled between a bustling city and beautiful palm trees for those who enjoy the city's fast-paced lifestyle but still wish to escape to nature occasionally. Both the beach and mountains are only 2 hours away.

The university (which offers a virtual tour) is home to many impressive buildings. Among them is the wellness and fitness center, which has an entire floor dedicated to weightlifting and strength training. There are countless cardio machines as well as an indoor track upstairs.

The school also offers indoor and outdoor pools, a multi-story climbing wall, and athletic trainers for students to customize their workout plans. Moreover, the University of South Carolina hosts group workout sessions. And because of the sunny environment at UofSC, one can often find students playing sand volleyball and corn hole outside the wellness and fitness center.

Meanwhile, Main Street in Columbia City is a bustling hub for student life. The area offers a farmers' market, also known as the Soda City Market, every Saturday morning. Regardless of the weather, over 150 small businesses and vendors populate the street with live music, good eats, organic ingredients, and handmade items to sell.

In addition to the weekly market, Columbia has countless festivals, events, and opportunities. For example, Main Street hosts the Palmetto Peanut Festival, the South Carolina State Fair, and the Famously Hot SC Pride Festival. It is also home to many businesses for graduated students and attractions, such as the Nickelodeon Theater.

• Start Date: 1801
• Campus Attractions: Main Street , Wellness and Fitness Center , Palmetto Peanut Festival , South Carolina State Fair , SC Pride Festival , Nickelodeon Theater

Related: 10 Most Beautiful College Campuses in Virginia

Coastal Carolina University, Conway

One of south carolina's prettiest campuses, coastal carolina university in conway offers seaside scenery, green lawns, glistening water bodies, and a full-range golf course.

One of the newer universities on this list, Coastal Carolina University , offers an experience unlike the rest. Founded in 1954 in Conway, South Carolina, the university houses over 10,000 students, some coming from overseas.

Coastal Carolina University is surrounded by bodies of water from the lake in front of the Wall Center building to Myrtle Beach , only nine miles away from the campus. In addition to water, the campus has a lot of greenery; one can find open fields surrounded by trees to enjoy the outdoors while remaining dry. For example, Prince Lawn (see the campus map for details) is the heart of the campus and student life.

Furthermore, the pedestrian-friendly campus (which people can see a video tour of on YouTube ) has a full-range golf course, the Hackler Course, and Waties Island. In addition to the main campus, an east campus is accessible through the university's shuttle system. These shuttles also take students and visitors to the nearby Walmart, the airport, and the train station.

• Start Date: 1954
• Campus Attractions: The Hackler Golf Course in Coastal Carolina , The Waties Island - Anne Tilghman Boyce Coastal Reserve , Prince Lawn

Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina

One of the beautiful and prestigious universities in south carolina, furman university in greenville is a scenic campus in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains, with historic buildings and views of lakes and waterfalls.

Furman University is an acclaimed liberal arts institution in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The streams and waterfalls that flow out of this mountain range are visible from the campus's main street and pour into the body of water adjacent to this beautiful university. Founded in 1826 and located in Greenville, South Carolina, the campus (which offers a virtual tour on YouTube) has a gorgeous reflection pond, advanced facilities, and alluring structures.

One of this campus's most beautiful buildings is the bell tower at the edge of Furman Lake. The eighty-eight-foot-tall building sits in the center of a stretch of land that imposes on the body of water next to it. One can find oak trees along the walkway leading up to the tower and benches surrounding the bell tower.

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, the campus's newest facility, was established in 2020. The stone structure has wooden columns that create a porch area in front of the building. Next to the building is an organic farm that promotes sustainable food production.

• Start Date: 1826
• Campus Attractions: Blue Ridge Mountains, Bell Tower , Main Street, Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

College Of Charleston, Charleston

Known as the "most beautiful college campus" in south carolina by the college today, college of charleston is set in a romantic college town with oak-tree lined courtyards (and has been featured in iconic movies).

The most beautiful campus in South Carolina is said to be the College of Charleston campus, located in Charleston, South Carolina, and established in 1770. Voted 'Most Beautiful Campus' in South Carolina' by The College Today , the city-center college offers some of the most breathtaking architecture and foliage in South Carolina.

Walking along the downtown area, oak trees stretch out, creating almost an arch over the walkway. Grand, pastel-colored buildings line the path, and oak-tree-lined courtyards fill the empty spaces. Renowned for its beauty, this romantic college town has appeared in The Notebook and Dear John, according to The College Today .

In the heart of the bustling city of Charleston, while visiting the campus, one can also frequent historical tours, museums, fantastic restaurants, and lively bars. Although the college is in downtown Charleston, constituting a substantial part of the city, the College of Charleston is near the Ashley and Cooper rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, offering scenic views and wildlife for nature lovers.

• Start Date: 1770
• Campus Attractions: In addition to the museums, restaurants, and nightlife downtown nearby, the college itself has a number of places of interest to see , including several National Historic Landmarks like Blacklock House, John Rivers Communications Museum, President’s House, Randolph Hall, and Towell Library

Visit Campus

Take a closer look at what makes a University of South Carolina education special. Explore campus. Get a taste of student life. We believe you'll be ready to join our Gamecock family for good.

They say seeing is believing and, as Gamecocks, we can't help but agree. Our campus community is a special place that holds your heart long after you graduate into the wider world.

From walking the age-old brick paths of the historic Horseshoe to seeing how sustainability integrates into everyday life at the Green Quad, South Carolina is a place to experience. Plan a visit and get your future started here.

Schedule your Visit

Take a closer look at our downtown campus in Columbia, South Carolina. Tour options make it easy to see how South Carolina fits your goals and life. Have a big group? Schedule a group visit to campus. Short on time? Explore on your own with a self-guided option.

I chose USC because when I stepped on campus, it instantly felt like home!

Explore Virtually

Experience the University of South Carolina campus on your time. You can take the tour all at once or jump to an area that interests you from the menu on the left side of the screen. 

Speakers On: Tour audio will auto-play when you begin the tour.

Prepare for your visit.

Before your tour, check out tour tips to prepare for your visit. You'll learn what to expect and see our suggestions for making your visit as comfortable as it is fun.

Explore Columbia

Columbia is an ideal place to call home. Small enough to feel comfortable and large enough to help you spread your wings. See why our hometown is a place you'll want to come back to for years to come.

Use the interactive map to find your way around campus or get the scoop on where to find university services such as parking, dining and even gender neutral restrooms.

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University of Lynchburg

April 30, 2024

Army veteran, Access student plans to turn love of history into career he loves

Mike Muñoz ’24 has the U.S. Army to thank for his love of history.

Over his 22-year military career, the Access or nontraditional student was stationed in New York, Kentucky, Virginia, California, Kansas, Washington state, Texas, Missouri, South Carolina, and Japan. He did four combat tours — three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

At every new post, one of the requirements was to “learn the unit’s history,” Muñoz, a history major with a minor in archaeology , said. “Part of the reception process was a requirement to visit the post museum and I found the information very interesting.

“I felt a sense of pride to be a part of units that participated in major historical events. I served with famous units, such as the 101st Airborne Division, the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Corps, and the 1st Infantry Division, to name a few.”

In the Army, Muñoz was an air defense early warning systems operator and maintainer. As he describes it, his job was to “operate and maintain air defense radar systems and/or the computer systems that showed everything in the air.”

Muñoz rose through the ranks, eventually supervising and training other soldiers and advising officers on air-defense planning. After retiring from active duty as a sergeant first class, he and his wife, Sarah, moved to Lynchburg to be closer to her family.

Once in Lynchburg, he started looking at colleges.

“I knew I was planning on getting my degree after retirement, so I wanted to attend a university in Lynchburg,” Muñoz said, adding that he initially reached out to another local university but was told he “could not get accepted there.”

When Muñoz called the University of Lynchburg, he got an encouraging response.

“I … was told to attend [Central Virginia Community College] for a year and reapply,” he said. “Being that U of L was willing to guide me on my path to my degree, I decided to keep my loyalty with the school that was willing to help me.”

At Lynchburg, Muñoz declared his major and minor and started a work-study program at Historic Sandusky , a house museum owned by the University. This spring, he’s been working on an archaeological project involving Sandusky’s privy, or outhouse.

The privy, which is being encroached upon by a huge tree, is being relocated on the property after careful excavation to avoid damaging or destroying historical artifacts.

“I’m currently taking the archaeology lab class, which required me to do work at the privy site,” Muñoz said, “however, with my work-study, I got to do more work under that role. I also helped out with the kitchen excavation last spring in that same capacity.”

During the privy excavation, he discovered nails, glass, ceramics, and other items. “In my opinion,” he said, “anything found that’s over 100 years old is really interesting.”

On at least one day, Muñoz was joined at the dig site by a group of local elementary school-aged homeschoolers. Historic Sandusky welcomes school children, the general public, and University students, faculty, and staff to participate in its archaeological excavations.

Like his post-to-post military experience, Muñoz thinks it’s important for people to learn about the history of where they live.

“Local history is really important and should be studied by everyone in their own towns and cities,” he said. “Local history gives people an understanding of why their home is the way it is, from culture to economics, to how it looks, to how people act.

“Even if you’re not from where you live, you can learn a lot about your new home from learning the history. It’s great for children to get to experience history in the capacity of archaeology because they get a chance to find something important about their own hometown.

“In a way, these kids get to become a part of that history.”

Muñoz also believes learning history — or not — has an impact on the future.

“Even if a person isn’t a historian or archaeologist, learning about their history gives them a better understanding about why things are the way they are now,” he said. “It could also help them predict what may come in the future with patterns in history.

“They always say that history repeats itself, so knowing these things can help prevent the bad things about history from repeating.”

After Muñoz graduates on May 16, he wants to work at a historical site, perhaps with the National Park Service. He’s currently applying for jobs and believes his experience at Historic Sandusky will be a plus.

Most importantly, however, Muñoz wants to do something he loves. “They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” he said. “That’s what I’m shooting for: to do something I love and get paid to do it.”

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