University of South Carolina, Research university in Columbia, United States
The University of South Carolina is a research university in Columbia with 15 colleges and schools offering academic programs across different disciplines. The campus extends over several city blocks downtown with libraries, laboratory buildings, and athletic facilities.
The institution opened its doors in 1805 as South Carolina College and initially educated only male students. After the Civil War it transformed into a modern university and opened to all genders and ethnic groups in the twentieth century.
The campus carries the nickname "The Horseshoe" because of its horseshoe-shaped arrangement of historic brick buildings around a central lawn. Students often gather in this green area between classes and use it as a meeting point.
Visitors can enter the buildings freely during weekdays, though some areas require a campus identification card. Most activity takes place during the academic terms from August to May, while summer months are quieter.
The Cocky rooster, official mascot since 1980, is actually a hen named Sir Big Spur who appears on the field during home games. Each bird belongs to a special breeding line and retires after a few years.
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