University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, SC, USA

Reviews

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Detria from Florence, SC

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Academically, I have learned so much this semester. All of my courses were fairly hard, and I anticipated the challenge. I believe a firm education is based resisting the urge to take easy courses.
Am enjoying being here
Joining different organizations really helped me meet different people on campus. These people have become my best friends in such a short time. I've really formed a small family and a home away from home.
Bang for the buck
I received a healthy amount of financial aid from the university, excluding my academic scholarships. Upstate is definitely worth every penny. I know that I'll leave this institution with professional connects/resources and a useful degree, which will carry me in to my future career.
Tips for prospective students
I encourage all freshman planning to attend Upstate to become active in student life. Join at least two or three organizations and be completely devoted. Also, remember to stay focused on academics. Its easy to become distracted with friends and events. At the end of the semester your GPA matters the most.
Great for these types of students
If you enjoys to school that isn't too large or too small, this university is perfect for you.

Brittany from Lyman, SC

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At Upstate, I have learned so many things about writing papers, how to manage my time, achieving my goals, planning ahead, and how to study for tests and exams.
Am enjoying being here
Even though, I commute I love USC Upstate because it's so close to my home. I know that I am safe at Upstate because of the environment. I would enjoy living there if I could find more scholarships to help me do so.
Bang for the buck
I believe when you're a student at Upstate you get the bang for your buck because there is a small ratio of student to teachers. You are able to know your teacher on a personal level and they are able to help you while getting to know you. Our teachers care so much about our goals and they want to help you unlike other colleges with 300 students in each classroom.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you park correctly or you WILL get a ticket. Coming to school 10 minutes early, if you commute, isn't a bad idea at all since parking is always an issue at Upstate.

Kimberly from Columbia

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned a great variety of things. I have been academically prepared for the future for a promising career and mentally coached for independence. The instructors are awesome and they are available whenever you need them.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy Upstate for the academic environment. Socially, however, people tend to stay in their cliques; it's very easy to notice the freshmen. You HAVE to be willing to get to know people for yourself, and not wait for people to come to you all the time. It's not like high school; the upperclassmen are more than willing to help anyone get around or just need some advise. Mostly everyone is friendly, but like I said you have to speak up!
Bang for the buck
College anywhere is expensive, but Upstate is reasonable. Their prices definitely math the quality.
Tips for prospective students
If you're in high school try to earn college credits in your last years or the summer of your senior year. Look for as many scholarships; www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.com is a great site.
Great for these types of students
USC Upstate is great for students who prefer smaller classrooms, seeking a nursing degree, educational degree, ROTC, criminal justice, or any type of IT degree. There are many other degrees that's offered here. You can check them out at http://www.uscupstate.edu/academics/default.aspx?id=26472 .

KaTrina from Rock Hill, SC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
i am learning a great amount! Upstate has broadened my insight on college life as a whole. honestly coming straight out of high school i did not have to study a thing.. i quickly realized that college is totally different. i never knew what MLA style was when writing a paper, or what In-text citation was but upstate has taught me all of this.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love it. From their student life center to the student success center everyone is out to help you succeed. They want you to learn. teachers are actually concerned about your performance in the class and they honestly and sincerely want you to do well. they are always available when you need them. the student teacher ratio is awesome. so if you really need that one on one time with your teacher just request it an you will get it.
Bang for the buck
MAKE SURE YOU APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! they are out there..yes do do have to do a little extra work to find them but they are out there. no college is cheap if that's the case no one would every take out a loan. don't be upset if you end up having to take out a loan either. but if you do aim for the subsidized loans not the unsubsidized one. sub loans are where the government pays your interest. unsubsidized you are paying crazy interest by the time you get out of school
Tips for prospective students
Try to make it to every class and do not skip out because it would be your luck that the day you skip out the teacher will have a pop quiz and missing out on that could truly bring you grade down. Try not to procrastinate! that was a major issue of mine. i waited the night before the test to even open the material. trust me that does not do you any good! stay on your teachers good side and make frequent meetings with them, the better they know you the more potential you have to pass the class with at least a B. get involved. there are so many organizations to choose from. remember this isn't high school and the teachers wont just send you outside in the hall. the teacher has the ability to completely withdraw you from their class and never let you come back for the rest of the semester. REMEMBER: YOU ARE PAYIING FOR THIS!
Great for these types of students
USC Upstate is a great place for students is you are interested in any type of nursing. they are known because they have the best nursing program in the state of South Carolina.

Allison from Pauline, SC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Upstate is a school where you are challenged academically. Everyone thinks that because it is located in Spartanburg that it is an easy school but it not. The Professors challenge you in every way possible, from Religion, to World History to Biology. All of the classes are challenging but give such a reward when you receive an A or a B at the end of the semester! I have learned so much at Upstate. If you are a diligent student who is responsible, studies hard and gives it your best, you will definitely succeed at Upstate!
Am enjoying being here
There have been times when Upstate isn't so enjoyable, because it seems like there isn't much to do but if you seek out the groups, you will find lots of groups to join! I am not a part of any groups except one, Teach, but that is because I am involved in many extracurricular activities, outside of school. One thing about Upstate is that it is a commuter school, so it is hard to make it back to all of the nighttime activities and groups that meet. But all in all, I am enjoying myself at Upstate and can not wait to officially become an Alumni! I tell all of my friends that they should consider Upstate as one of their choices, if not the ultimate one because it offers so much! It is not too small but not too big, the professors are great, the activities are great and it is not too far from home!
Bang for the buck
I received a full ride to Upstate through Teaching Fellows and the Life Scholarship! If you receive the Life scholarship, it will help pay for most of your schooling, which is great! However, the summer school classes are fairly expensive! That is why I am applying for so many scholarships, to help pay for summer school! But all together, Upstate is at a great price for the great education that you will receive! Financially, I am very happy with Upstate and glad that I chose to go here! You will receive just as good of an education and sometimes better than another University in South Carolina, such as North Greenville, Anderson, Clemson, Furman or Wofford but much cheaper!
Tips for prospective students
I would suggest that you make sure that you get involved in some way or another on campus! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! However, don't get so involved that you put your studies aside. I have had many friends who decided to be lazy, not come to class or do the homework because they thought Upstate was just a community school that they could get way with anything and ended up losing their scholarships! If you manage your time well, you will be able to have fun, make friends, keep your grades up and keep your scholarships!
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who want to go to a smaller school but that is not too small! It is great for students who want to commute or live on campus. It is great for students who want an intimate setting with their peers and with their professors! This school is great for anyone who wants a great education!

Lindsay from Spartanburg, SC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
College is never easy. But I feel challenged here in such a way that I enjoy. I've learned more at Upstate than I did at the other school I attended. The teachers are always willing to help and are dedicated to student learning. I feel that I will excel in my career due to what I have learned so far at Upstate.
Am enjoying being here
I transferred here from a different university the second semester of my freshman year. I was scared about having to readjust to a new school but I found it to be a lot easier here. The atmosphere is so inviting. I was more comfortable getting more involved on campus and immediately started making new friends. I'm now very involved in several campus activities which has definitely been worth my while.
Bang for the buck
No college tuition is cheap. But I feel like I am getting my money's worth. I enjoy being on campus everyday and I enjoy all of my classes. The atmosphere alone is worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
Come in with an open mind and a goal of getting involved. College is all about putting yourself out there and making a name for yourself. Upstate is the perfect place to start that process.
Great for these types of students
If you love a diverse atmosphere and a small,intimate campus, this is the college for you.

Student

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Upstate is a small school, so the staff is very dedicated. The dormitories are pretty nice and there are always on-campus activities. Even though we are a small school, you can find something on-campus for you.
Tips for prospective students
Don't drive freshman year because parking is not that great.
Academic Rigor
Science classes are said to be very difficult.
Dorm Life
Walls are thin, so you need to respect people by controlling your volume. Most RAs are respectful, but there are a couple that should never be in charge of other students.
Food and Dining
The food at Upstate is very good, but the meal plans are a bit expensive. If you live on campus in Magnolia House or Palmetto House, you are required to buy the most expensive meal plan. That meal plan is the only reason that I do not have a full ride.
What to do for fun
Clubs and choir. There are many different clubs on campus that you can join. If you don't see one that you like, you can create one. The choir is decent, but not close to being amazing, so if you are a serious singer, I would suggest that you find a community choir. The Wellness Center on campus has many different exercise classes.
Bang for the buck
The courses are the same rigor or more difficult than the main USC Campus, so there is no difference. This school is what you make it. It is relatively cheap and has an excellent staff, so you should use that to your advantage.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many things that you can do!
Campus Safety
The campus police patrol very often and there are emergency buttons all over the campus. If there is anything going on around campus that is a threat, a text alert and email are sent out to students.

Brianna from Goose Creek, SC

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The school is really nice, everyone is very friendly and they try to help you. The environment is very relazing and the campus is fairly large. Upstate is a great place to make friends and have a great college experience.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready for a whole lot of walking in order to get around campus. Make sure to have a ride because the post office is not on campus. Also cafeteria food isnt all that it is cracked up to be they basically serve the same food but the school has many resturants around campus but the main one open at night is Sandellas also the best day to eat lunch is on wednesdays. Also make sure not to slack off during the school year you dont want to do that because then it is tough to pull back up at the end of the year. Make sure to check out all your teachers on ratemyprofessor.com in order to see what you are getting into trust me it saved my butt plenty. Dont worry about trying to make alot of friends that will come naturally. Also make sure to talk to your teachers and advisors, they are people too and it can help you in long run.
Academic Rigor
Upstate is very tough on academics. Make sure that you do great. They have a variety of different course that you can take and then even offer tutoring for most subjects. The have SI which is basically tutoring by someone who has passed the class that you are taking.
Dorm Life
The dorms are pretty great. They are spacious and have couches and microwaves and a refrigerator. It all depends on where you live. Last year I lived in Magnolia House which is a great dorm what messes up the dorms is the people that live there but other than that its great.
Food and Dining
The food isnt all that great but it has its moments. The best time to eat lunch is on Wednesday thats when they do fried chicken, macaroni and cheese etc. Their breakfast is always great. Make sure you try the omelettes. Upstate has a variety of places to eat. Jasmines which is basically like starbucks, Subconnection which is like subway, wholly habernos which is mexican food and sandellas they are all very good but Sandellas is the only one that is open at night.
What to do for fun
Upstate has alot of events for the students. CAB hosts most of them but they are really fun. Not only that but many people go clubbing or to the movies or even to the mall.
Bang for the buck
Upstate is pretty cheap at least to me. I pay about 8,000 something a semester which is much compared to other colleges and thats including room and board, fees, credit hours etc.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs are great. You are able to see every club around campus and it is perfect if you want to make friends.
Campus Safety
campus police is always around. They have blue buttons on almost every corner. The police are able to text you when there is an emergency.

Taja from Ladson, SC

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
USC-Upstate is a great medium-sized school to attend. I would rate it a 3.5. The professors here are great people to work and succeed with.
Tips for prospective students
The dorms are suite style and huge. If you're a science major don't freak out about the information being thrown to you, just study everyday and you'll be fine. Get involved and meet a lot of new people to make your college experience fun.
Academic Rigor
All the professors are most certainly qualified. They all want to help you succeed.
Dorm Life
Dorms are huge! Big living room, big rooms, big bathrooms, what more can you ask for?
Food and Dining
The food is okay. They like to try new things and sometimes, they try to hard.
What to do for fun
There is all types of things like, trips, alternate breaks, parties, and fun clubs to join
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We call it the First 48. Which is the first 48 days of school there is always a fun activity to do everyday. Like laser tag, paint party, pajama party, etc.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who want to make something of themselves at a low cost.
Clubs and Activities
Clubs are good. It's all about helping and giving back to the community.
Greek Life
There are so many greeks here, its hard to pick one.
Campus Safety
You will always see a campus police car, everywhere.

Christopher from Lancaster, SC

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is very nice and clean. They have a lot hills, but you'll get use to traveling on them them. Their campus has a lot of restaurants on it
Tips for prospective students
Do everthing early and make sure that you have your school work on time.
Dorm Life
I love their dorms on campus, I plan getting one as soon as possible
Food and Dining
I love to eat
What to do for fun
write music and sing.
Great for these types of students
So far I see a lot of people i can relate to on this campus
Campus Safety
I love their safety. I feel like im in good hand when I go to there campus.