Welcome to Cola!

With USC orientations happening and move-in just around the corner, Columbia is filled with dozens of unique restaurants, coffee shops, and activities of all kinds! Whether you’re visiting campus for the first time, attending orientation, or getting ready to call Columbia home this fall, we’ve put together some of our favorite spots around town!

COFFEE & STUDY SPOTS

Need a caffeine boost or a place to study?! There are dozens of spots in and around campus, but here are some of our favorite spots to grab coffee, meet up with friends, or catch up on work.

Lazy Daisy

Piecewise

The Graduate

Godspeed

South Caroliniana Library

J-School Rooftop Garden

Azalea Coffee Co

Thomas Cooper Library

Knowledge Perk

The Study Center

ADPi House Formal Library (!!!)

WHERE TO EAT

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat between classes or out to dinner with your parents, Columbia has no shortage of spectacular food options!

Tupelo Honey

Cantina 76

Tsunami

Monterrey's

The Gourmet Shop

Chopt

Tasty as Fit (Erewhon smoothie dupe!)

DESSERTS GALORE

We LOVE sweet treats and have found what we think to be the perfectly curated list. From sit-down dessert at Kaminsky’s to a freshly baked cookie at Baked Bear, Columbia has it all! And we can’t wait for Jeni’s Ice Cream to open their newest location near campus!

Pelicans

Ritas

Kaminsky's

Baked Bear

Ally & Eloise Bake Shop

16 Handles

Crispy Cones

Jeni's Ice Cream (coming soon!!)

ACTIVITIES & STAYING ACTIVE

Columbia is known for it's summer heat, but don't worry there are plenty of both indoor and activities year round! Whether you’re looking for a workout, a weekend adventure, or a fun way to spend an afternoon, here are some of our sisters favorites!

The WRKT

Cayce Riverwalk

Finlay Park (play pickleball or going walking!)

Barre3

Saluda Riverwalk

Studio Fire

Soda City Market

Congaree National Park

Riverbanks Zoo

South Carolina State Fair (open for a few weeks in the fall!!)

SHOPPING

Need a new game day outfit or want to treat yourself after a hard exam? Dozens of perfectly curated boutiques around Columbia are sure to match your style!! From workout sets, dresses, to denim, there is a wonderful variety, and you will never want to leave! 

Vestique

Cola Stacks

Scout & Molly's

Copper Penny

Just the Thing

Salty's Board Shop

My Kim Collection

Slate

Kendra Scott

A Little Happy

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Hopefully, this guide helps give you a taste of the heart and capital of South Carolina. We know you will grow to love Cola just as much as we do! Whether you’re grabbing coffee, studying on Campus, or exploring Soda City, the possibilities are endless! We can’t wait to welcome you to USC!!

See you soon!!

XOXO ALPHA DELTA PI - BETA EPSILON