University of South Carolina, Columbia (must see)

The University of South Carolina (also referred to as USC, SC, South Carolina, or simply Carolina) is a public, co-educational research university in Columbia. Its campus covers over 359 acres (145 ha) in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House. The U-shape quadrangle of eleven buildings open to Sumter Street, became known as the Horseshoe. During the 20th century the campus began to spread out dramatically from the Horseshoe. Today it includes the student union, 24 residence halls, numerous academic buildings, Longstreet Theatre, the Koger Center for the Arts, the Carolina Coliseum, the Colonial Life Arena, Carolina Stadium, and various facilities for Olympic sports. The University is categorized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as having "highest research activity.

The College of Art and Science of University of South Carolina houses the McKissick Museum. It exposes natural sciences, history and art materials related to mineral collections - different types of minerals, silver from the 18th century, gemstones and other types of stones that were found in the southwest part of the USA.