University of South Carolina

The night after moving in, don't be surprised if you see hundreds of students bunched in front of the Russell House and shuttle buses lined up for blocks down Green Street. This is part of First Night Carolina, an opportunity for freshmen to get to know each other, and a way for USC to welcome them to the college. Students are transported by shuttle bus to a secret location where a special program awaits them, which usually involves free food and loud music. It is a great way for students to get involved on their first night away from home, and also gives them a chance to meet new people.

At the end of every semester, the USC Honors College holds a Shopping Day. This is usually useful to freshmen and sophomores who have last priority on classes and are unable to register for a class because it is full. If an opening in the class becomes available after the Honors College registration deadline, students have the opportunity to vie for that spot on Shopping Day on a first-come, first-serve basis. The office opens at 8 a.m., but often, there are several students who camp out in order to ensure their place in line. Students do anything to pass the time—play games, read, sleep—and in the end, they usually get the classes they want and meet some new people at the same time.

The week before the big Clemson/USC football game, the University holds a variety of activities to get the students excited about the huge rivalry. One of these events is the Tiger Burn pep rally where the cheerleaders, pep band, and students come out to get pumped up about the big game. It is during this time of the year that school spirit is at its greatest. Even though all students may not be able to get tickets to the game itself, it gives them even more incentive to come to Tiger Burn and revel in the prospect of smoking the Clemson Tigers.

On Sunday mornings, the rotating restaurant on top of Capstone opens for a Sunday brunch. The brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet, including a belgian waffle station, omelet station, a hot buffet line, and other items to choose from. Just as impressive is the amazing view of downtown Columbia from the top of an 18-story building. Reservations are available from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and can be made by calling (803) 777-0848.