Plus, The Nickelodeon Theater + All Good Books are collaborating for a community event.
 
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10 tips for students living in Columbia, SC
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Tripping on bricks in the Historic Horseshoe is basically a right of passage. | Photo by COLAtoday
Classes for college students are soon to be underway, and we know a few new Soda Citizens will be walking around. Being new in town can be a little disorienting, but that’s where we come in. Here are 10 things you should know as a new resident.

For the Gamecocks

1. We hope you brought walking shoes. USC is 444 acres spread across Columbia + you’ll get your daily steps in. Here’s a map of campus so you don’t get lost.

2. One of the best things about being a USC student is rooting for the Gamecocks. Be up-to-date with the latest sports happenings + get excited about football season.

3. Join one of 500+ campus clubs to make new friends, branch out, and find something you enjoy.

Health + wellness

4. Columbia is known for its beautiful rivers + we recommend walking by a few of them:
5. Many local fitness centers, studios, and gyms offer student discounts. Check out our gyms around Columbia guide + Yoga guide.

Local eats

    6. We’ve got you covered for late-night bites + you may find less money on your card than usual. If you do, check out our $10 lunch guide.

    five points 2

    Several new businesses have opened in Five Points since last semester. | Photo by COLAtoday

    Our city

    8. Familiarize yourself with our main districts and cities — this will help you as you navigate around town.
    9. If you want to avoid parking you can call a rideshare service like Kola Kruze, or catch the COMET. Pro tip: USC students + faculty ride for free.

    10. There are two things you should know about our trains. One, if you haven’t been caught by one yet, you will. Two, you might want to invest in some earplugs for nighttime. Trust us.

    Bonus tips: Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know + don’t forget to call your mom once in a while.
    Asked

    If you’ve graduated from a local college or university, what Columbia advice would you give to a freshman?
    We may feature your advice in an upcoming newsletter.
    Share your wisdom
     
    Events
    Tuesday, Aug. 13
    • Book Launch + Signing with Local Author Yasmin Angoe | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | After hosting a book launch + signing for “Not What She Seems,” set in SC, local author Yasmin Angoe will carry a conversation with a fellow local author, Synithia Williams.
    Thursday, Aug. 15
    • Sushi Making Class | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi | $75-$130 | Participate in an interactive sushi rolling class, where you’ll learn the art of creating delicious sushi rolls.
    Thursday, Aug. 15
    • Meeting Street Artisan Market - Summer Series | Thursday, Aug. 8-Thursday, Aug. 29 | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park | Free | With plenty of free parking, mingle with the makers who are as unique as their creations + explore the River District.
    Friday, Aug. 16
    • Friday Night Laser Lights | Friday, Aug. 16, Friday, Sept. 20 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10-$12 | See laser shows featuring the music of Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and more.
    Plan your week
    Click here to have your event featured.
     
    Film

    Events

    Experience Star Wars in a live symphonic concert experience
    Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
    Shot from Star Wars: A New Hope in which Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader face off with light sabers drawn
    The SC Philharmonic presents Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert on August 25 (© 1977 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.). | Photo provided by the South Carolina Philharmonic
    Have you always wanted to see one of your favorite films accompanied by a live orchestra? Here’s your chance.

    Led by Music Director Morihiko Nakahara, the South Carolina Philharmonic will be bringing John Williams’ unforgettable score to life during two screenings of “Star Wars: A New Hope” on Saturday, Aug. 25.

    Grab the Han to your Leia, the R2-D2 to your C-3PO, or the Obi-Wan to your Luke and snag tickets for the 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. show.
    May the force be with you
    News Notes
    Award
    • Add another gold medal to A’ja’s Wilson’s collection. Team USA thrillingly defeated France 67-66 to bring home an 8th straight gold medal. Wilson finished the game with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks to lead the team.
    Opening
    • El Vago Mexican Kitchen, is hosting a soft opening on Friday, Aug. 16 + Saturday, Aug. 17 from 4 to 11 p.m. The new Mexican restaurant is located near The Corner Blend + JJ Tea House.
    Try This
    • The Nickelodeon Theater + All Good Books are collaborating for a community event. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, The Nick is showing the new “It Ends With Us” movie, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s book and All Good Books is hosting a post-movie book discussion.
    Community
    • The Koger Center for the Arts is celebrating its 35th birthday + you’re invited to party, happening from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 The event is free and open to the public. Expect cake, drinks, music, and tours.
    Number
    • $9.2 million — that’s what a six-bedroom, six-bathroom house is selling for on Kiawah Island. The house features a rooftop deck, 5,396 sqft of living space, and comes fully furnished. (The State)
    Sports
    • Hear how Locked On ranks South Carolina’s 2024 toughest opponents. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
      Finance
      • In the market for a new car? You might want to bridge the GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection). This added protection could cover the difference between your car’s current market value and the amount you owe on your auto loan if your car is stolen or totaled. Learn more.*
      Shop
       
      Shop

      🎒 Back to school shopping, teacher edition

      Back to school shopping in Columbia and where to shop to spoil your teachers
      Icon on Taylor.jpeg
      Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Icon on Taylor. | Photo by Jessica Hunt Photography
      School is back for most of the Midlands public schools, and though a lot of the focus is on the students, we haven’t forgotten about you teachers. Below is a list of just a few local shop recommendations for fun additions for you or your classrooms:

      A Little Happy Shop
      Whether you need new bright earrings, quirky stickers, or a new work bag, this boutique in Five Points is fun to browse and find the perfect personality novelty gift.

      Uptown Gifts
      As you browse, keep looking because you probably missed something. This gift store on Main Street has tons of novelty gift options, and it’ll be difficult not to walk away with something.

      If you’re looking for some new boutique teacher attire, try Vestique, Miss Cocky, Icon on Taylor, and My Kim Collection. You’ll find something to wear on the weekends and in the classroom.
      The Buy

      The Buy 8.12.24 (Affiliate)
      Amazon’s No. 1 new release — a rechargeable vacuum sealer. Preserve food in your kitchen with this portable, leak-proof sealer that offers up to 30 BPA-free, microwave safe bags to ensure high quality storage.
      More worth The Buy
       
      The Wrap
       
      Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

      Today’s edition by:
      Sam
      From the editor
      If you like looking at dream mansions for funsies (like me), check out this $50 million estate in Highlands, NC. This ~40-acre property features 7 beds, 10 baths, a guest lodge, and 14,540 sqft of living space.
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