Graduation is less than 2 months away (YIKES!). While we’re sure that you’re busy applying for jobs, internships, and/or grad school, you don’t want to miss out on these great opportunities. To avoid FOMO, be sure to check these out before you move on to bigger and better things.
1. Take a (FREE!) Cooking Class
(https://www.groupon.com/deals/ethos-gallery-55)
Every UofSC student can sign up for cooking classes taught by a certified nutritionist. They have a variety of themes to suit your eating habits, from how to make your favorite take-out foods, to meal prep, to eating locally. Participants learn tons of techniques and get to eat a healthy, delicious meal. Typical cooking classes can cost anywhere between $40 and $100, so take advantage of this free opportunity!
2. Eat at Top of Carolina
(https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/dining_services/restauran…)
Not every University has a rotating restaurant overlooking its beautiful campus and surrounding city. Top of Carolina is known for their brunch and barbecue, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate graduation (especially if your ‘rents are in town).
3. Participate in a Service Saturday
(https://thesummerlady.com/community_service_south_america.html)
UofSC offers so many opportunities to get involved with the community, and service Saturdays are a great way to meet people and serve within the area. While there will always be chances to serve the community in life, you won’t always get free pizza and transportation, which are some perks of UofSC’s service Saturdays.
4. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art
(https://www.greenvillearts.com/artist/columbia-museum-art/)
The Columbia Museum of Art is newly renovated and totally beautiful, with ever-changing pieces that are sure to catch your eye. Plus, their admission price for students is only $5. They have tons of different events that are perfect for your next girls’ night out, like Arts n’ Draughts, where you drink, eat good food, and make your own art pieces.
5. Go Tubing on the Congaree River
(http://westmetronews.net/river-west-columbia-focal-point-activity-summer/)
College is a great time for adventure, and Columbia has a lot to offer to feed your wild side. For just $20, you can rent a tube and travel along the Congaree River. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this, and it’s fun for everyone regardless of skill level.
6. Go to Soda City
(https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g54184-d7142417-i113…)
Soda City market is undoubtedly a favorite for Columbia locals and UofSC students, alike. You can enjoy amazing food from around the world; some great food options include Belgian waffles, Venezuelan Arepas, and Spanish paella. There’s really something for everyone, and it’s a great way to support locally owned businesses.
7. See a Show or Performance at Longstreet Theatre
(http://www.city-data.com/forum/columbia-area/325467-major-show-coming-co…)
Seeing shows put on at UofSC is a great way to support fellow students while enjoying an awesome performance yourself. Tickets for students are only $15 and they have some great shows throughout the rest of the semester, like The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nighttime and a ballet performance featuring UofSC dance students alongside dancers from the New York City Ballet.
8. Climb Strom’s Indoor Rock Wall
(https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/campus_recreation/)
Typically, the cost to use indoor rock walls can vary from about $15 to over $30. However, as a UofSC student, you can conquer the 52ft rock wall in Strom without paying anything, plus get training on how to climb properly.
9. Visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
(https://www.thereserveonthesaluda.com/tag/riverbanks-zoo/)
There is absolutely no age limit for visiting the zoo. The Riverbanks Zoo has a lot to offer, from lion cubs to a petting zoo to a kangaroo walkthrough, you don’t want to miss out. Plus, the gorgeous garden is enough to make any plant nerd drool. While they don’t offer student discounts, you can save 15% by ordering online, making tickets $16.95 per person.
10. Order Insomnia Cookies
(https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/12/01/bakery-chain-plans…)
NGL, Insomnia Cookies played a key role in some of our college decisions. If you haven’t had a craving for warm chocolate chip cookies during a late night study sesh, you’re definitely lying. Insomnia delivers fresh-baked cookies until 3 am every night, and they are an integral part of the college experience.
Although the end of senior year can be a stressful time, hopefully, you can find something fun on this list to do in Columbia before you skip town.