Three students wearing Gamecock t-shirts walk through Gibbes Greene surrounded by blooming shrubs.

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.

Large white columns adorn the front of Barnwell College with a few students walking down the steps.

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.

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.

Tour Tips Guest Accessibility Services

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.

University Ambassadors

Group of ambassadors gathered around the Cocky Statue smiling at the camera.

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.

McKissick Museum sits at the top of the historic Horseshoe with large garnet banners featuring tailfeathers.

Drone photo of the Gervais Street bridge over the Congaree river going into Columbia with the skyline in the background.

Get to Know our City

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.

Explore Columbia