My first year at the University of South Carolina

My 2023 high school grads, home for the summer, are reporting back!

“My first year at the University of South Carolina surpassed all expectations. Coming into college, I was really nervous to be 12 hours from home. USC, however, made me feel so supported right away. A lot of the amazing things I experienced in my first year I attribute to going Greek. Going through Sorority Recruitment before classes even started was definitely stressful, but I believe it was one of the best decisions I ever made. My sorority immediately gave me friendly faces around campus and in classes, and it made a large school feel much smaller. I met some of my best friends through my (now) big sister, and I even traveled to California over Spring Break to see one of their hometowns. 

Something unique to South Carolina’s freshman year experience is our University 101 course, designed solely to help freshmen integrate to college. Because of the focus on friendship in this class, my peers and I got really close. Our Professor was also amazing, and invited us to her home for dinner with her family. Everywhere I went around campus I was so pleasantly surprised by the kindness and helpfulness of University staff. From peer leaders, to professors, to dining hall staff, and health center doctors, I got the sense that these people actually cared about me as a person. 

Southern hospitality is no joke. The University of South Carolina’s location also contributed to how much fun I had this past year. In Columbia, the state capital, there was always something to do - whether it was going out to dinner with friends, visiting our Saturday morning street market, going shopping in our little downtown “Five Points”, or watching a sporting event, I was never bored. 

Another amazing part of my freshman year was Gamecock Football. Coming from the North I had no idea what to expect with SEC Football. After a year of game days, I can safely say there is truly nothing like it. Families from all over the state pour into Columbia to cheer on our beloved Gamecocks. The energy of 80,000 people in Williams-Brice stadium is simply electric. Nothing brings our student body together quite like it. Although, I have to shout out our Women’s Basketball team for winning the national championship this year. And yes, I did jump in our school’s fountain to celebrate that. 

Overall, I could not have been happier or more grateful for my first year at college. I’ll be a lifelong Gamecock and I highly encourage others to do the same. Hayden, University of South Carolina, Class of 2027