Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

The preparation process involves quite a bit of bureaucracy, so it is crucial to start early. It is particularly important to book your J-1 visa appointment ahead of time and carefully complete all immunization and health insurance forms. USC is extremely strict about these requirements, but the support from the coordinator on-site (Priscilla) is amazing. She is always accessible and helps with every step. I booked my flight to Charlotte early and took a shuttle from there to Columbia, which was very straightforward and worked perfectly. One major learning experience involves housing: living on campus is incredibly expensive. I assumed I had to accept the university's housing assignment, but other exchange students rejected the offer and found cheaper off-campus options on their own. In hindsight, I would highly recommend doing that.

2. Accommodation

For my housing, I lived in an on-campus student residence. The campus housing options are quite spread out, so the proximity to your classes really depends on where you are assigned. In general, everything is within walking distance, but it can take up to 15 to 20 minutes to get to certain university buildings. However, the university offers campus shuttles, which makes getting around much easier and very manageable. Regarding safety, Columbia has a reputation for not being the safest city, and since it is the US, it definitely feels different compared to Europe. There are always areas you should avoid, but in general, I never felt unsafe, especially when traveling in groups. I didn't hear of anyone having a bad experience either, as you mostly stay around campus or nearby restaurants and bars where there are always plenty of people. A major tip I wish I had known beforehand is to look into off-campus private apartments early, as on-campus housing is incredibly expensive. Additionally, I highly recommend actively inquiring about other on-campus housing options instead of just accepting the first assignment. We were simply assigned to the most expensive residence, even though cheaper housing options on campus would have been more than enough. The regulations around this were a bit confusing because some exchange students were actually able to choose their residence while others were not. It is definitely worth doing your research beforehand and sending an email to housing to request a cheaper option before everything is finalized.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus at the University of South Carolina has an incredible amount to offer, and the university organizes daily activities, making student life very exciting. The campus is huge and the facilities are outstanding. Students have access to two great gyms, and public transport via the campus shuttles is completely included. There are also countless dining options across campus, which you can easily use if you have a meal plan. When it comes to the academic culture, the workload and difficulty really depend on the classes you choose. The teaching style, however, is excellent. Unlike at WU, where you often (not always!) feel like just a number, at USC you truly feel seen by the professors, no matter how large the classroom is. The professors are incredibly open, accessible, and genuinely invested in your personal and professional growth. They push you to learn and advance your career, which made me feel highly motivated. It is a very personal and pleasant learning environment, though I know other students who had different experiences depending on their specific department.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life as a student in Columbia is incredibly active and fun. While public transport within the city is limited, the university's own shuttle system is excellent and makes getting around campus very easy. In terms of safety, I felt secure overall. Columbia might not be a massive city with endless sightseeing, but as a student, you always find something to do. The best part of the exchange experience was the community; you constantly find other exchange students who are down to hang out, and there is always a spot to go to, especially in the evenings. The nightlife is vibrant, with different student quarters hosting events almost every day of the week. People in general are extremely open, making it very easy to meet new people and make friends quickly. Sports and university events are a huge part of the culture at USC, though it depends a bit on which semester you attend. The fall semester is all about football and the famous tailgates, which define the whole campus vibe. Since I was there during the spring semester, I experienced the basketball season, which I highly recommend. The games are amazing, and you often get free merch or food just for attending. To make the most of your time, you should definitely keep your eyes open for student organizations. You don't have to join anything strictly, as many groups allow you to just come and go. For instance, I can highly recommend the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry). Even though it is a faith-based group, they are not pushy at all, anyone can join, and they were a huge support. Plus, they host a free lunch every Thursday! There are many other student organizations and clubs, like the Surf Club, which are great to join. My advice is to check the university's student involvement platform or follow the various student groups and fraternities (frats) on Instagram to stay updated on their events.

6. Testimonial

All in all, this exchange was honestly the best experience of my life, allowing me to make lifelong friends and grow in ways I never expected. What made it so special was the incredibly open culture where everyone is always ready for a chat, you just have to put yourself out there, step out of your comfort zone, and say yes to every opportunity. Even if it feels a bit scary at first, everyone is in the same boat and eager to connect, so my biggest advice is to simply immerse yourself fully in the campus life. It is a truly unforgettable experience if you just open up, talk to people, and enjoy every single moment of this unique student journey.