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Im from Tampa, Fl and im thinking about going to USC in 2009 but i have my reservations about going to Columbia bc its soo small. Does Columbia have a mall? Museums? Aquarium? Amusement Park?
I'm currently a Gamecock originally from a big city as well (Baltimore, MD). If anything, Columbia's "big city" amenities are MORE accessible because the city is smaller. I'm assuming you will live on campus...Richland Mall about 5 min does not have very much along the lines of stores, but has a really cheap movie theater. Most students go to Columbiana Place Mall, which is about a 10 min drive from campus on the interstate. Two movie theaters here, all of your big name stores, and the Harbison Blvd area (we just call the whole place Harbison) has a ton of great restaurants. Columbia's nightlife is great do to a nice mix of College students and young professionals. Two major areas (5 points which is the more college themed area, and The Vista which has more upscale clubs and bars) make up an awesome area to visit within walking distance of campus. The state museum, Columbia museum of art, and EdVenture (children's museum) all have free/discount days for students. The State House gives free tours as do most other historical sights ( like the governors mansion). No aquarium (closest is in Charleston about 1.5 hours-2 hours), but there is a nice Zoo and Botanical Garden. Closest amusement park is Carowinds which is about an hour drive up I-77. As for things to do in Columbia & USC, the list could go on and on. USC alone brings big name acts to campus such as Ben Folds, Kanye West, & Gym Class Heroes. We have three large venues (Colonial Center, Coliseum, and Columbia Convention Center) as well as many others on campus. I really look at Columbia as the best of both worlds since you are still a short drive from the "country" and all of the outdoor activities that come with it. Carolina has been an awesome experience and I am continuing my graduate studies here. You will not be disappointed.
Almost forgot, the brand new Village at Sandhill is an even bigger shopping area. Unlike anything I have ever seen. If you can think it, they have it. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from campus. Suburban Paradise
I can't add much to what Southern Tide had to say. As far as Columbia being small, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you come to visit. Columbia's metro population is well over 700,000, but in South Carolina we have restrictive annexation laws, which mean individual cities' populations will be small compared to metro population figures. There isn't a large aquarium here, but there is a nice small aquarium at Riverbanks Zoo. In between times that you can get up to Carowinds, there is a Frankie's Fun Park in town. Carowinds isn't a bad drive, though, it is all interstate, about an hour away on I-77.
This will be good news for my daughter. An hour for a theme park is hardly any time in the car, really. I regularly drive an hour to go to less fun places in Houston.
Everything seems so close and accessible - I love the idea of being so close to everything. The more I read, the more I think Columbia really has a lot more to offer than most people realize. Plus, it's a beautiful area.
"Soooo small", eh? Columbia isn't gigantic, but last I checked it was on (just barely, but still on) the list of the top 100 MSAs, population-wise. It's also the state capital and the home of quite a few universities. It's got plenty of amenities.
It begs the question: You have visited USC, right?
I'd like to add to that their are still stores at Columbia Mall also....lol...it's not like that mall is on it's last leg like Richland Mall is. Also check out the nice local shops in 5 points and on Devine St...during your time at USC the "Shoppes of Lady St" downtown should begin to come together also.
Also keep in mind that while you are in Columbia...you will be central to access a lot of areas easily with the interstates. If you miss the coast to much...the drive to Myrtle Beach [2hrs 15min], Hilton Head [2hrs] and Charleston [1hr 20min] and if you want more shopping....Charlotte is about 80min up I-77. The upstate area of SC are the foothills of the mountains is an 90min drive up I-26....
Contrary to popular belief...they're buildings, paved streets and etc in Columbia and even SC for that matter.
Various parks like Finley, Riverfront, Granby, Maxcy-Greg, Sesqui, Dreher Island, and etc are in the area and we have a wonderful lake "Lake Murray" within a 30min drive away. You can find some nice Asian, Mexican and etc grocery shops on Decker Blvd...the campus of USC is growing...as is the city of Columbia with less traffic as the Tampa area.
And if push come to show....Atlanta is only about 3hr 15min away
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