Advice for New Students at Columbia State Community College

Beginning at a new college or university definitely can be a bit daunting, especially if you don't know your way around the campus. If you are going to be attending Columbia State Community College (CSCC) in the near future, there are a few particular areas that you should familiarize yourself with early on, perhaps even before you begin classes, to give yourself the best chance to meet people and also find quiet places to study before tests.

Since the main CSCC campus in Columbia is outside the town and not near to much in the way of restaurants, unless you plan to bring your lunch or are prepared to drive a minimum of 20 minutes every lunch time, you should expect to eat meals at the Jones Student Center. As cafeterias go, it isn't bad at all, since it has high ceilings and many windows to give it a much less institutionalized feel than many similar places. This building also houses some administrative offices and student artwork is often on display, which lends to it a certain bohemian charm that may be lacking in other parts of the campus.

The common area outside the student center is a great place to socialize when the weather is good. Many people choose to eat there when it is warm enough, but even when they aren't, students often gather there to mingle with each other between classes and while studying for tests and mid-term or final exams.

If you are more inclined to seek a quiet place to contemplate and study between classes, away from the milling crowds of other students, you might find a corner to yourself inside the library. If you want to get away but still enjoy good weather, you can usually find some solitude outside the library building, where the railing of the breezeway makes an excellent seat and table for reading or writing.

If you are athletically inclined, there are of course the tennis courts and the running track, both of which are well attended and maintained and are therefore a great place to meet like-minded individuals. CSCC is quite proud of its baseball team and attending games is a good way to meet other students.

While there are many nice trees to sit under, and even some benches, you should probably try to avoid the areas directly in front of the Warf or Clements buildings as those tend to become a bit chaotic when classes begin and end.