“The Patterson Garden”
In need of a little sunlight while you study? Take your bookbag and head to the back of Patterson. Behind the all-girls dorm is a cute little backyard with lounge chairs and fresh, green grass. Put on your Aviators, pick up your Bio book and kick back here to squeeze in a few hours of sun and studying. If the chairs are full, you can walk past the backyard and down some steps into a park. Lay out your notes in the gazebo or take a seat on one of the benches. There are also lots of shady trees to help you enjoy the outdoors without getting burnt.
“The South Caroliniana Library”
Sure, everyone knows about Thomas Cooper Library and its five floors of study space, but did you know there is another library right on the horseshoe? Check out the South Caroliniana Library tucked away to the side of the horseshoe. This library often gets overlooked for Thomas Cooper, which is why it is such a perfect place to study. You still get the library environment and reference materials to use if you need to work on a research project, but it is not as gloomy as the underground realm of Thomas Cooper. Plus, this little library has history. Built in 1840, it was the first freestanding college library in the nation! It’s cool to know you’re studying where so many other USC students have before.
“The Horseshoe’s Secret Garden”
Though the Horseshoe is an iconic landmark on campus, it still has a few areas most students don’t venture to. Ignore the footprint-stained, weedy grass that’s always crowded with students soaking in the mid-afternoon sun. Instead, take a peek behind Pinkney and see what you discover. This little niche will lead you to a secret garden, springing with picturesque plants and flowers. Take a seat on the wooden bench, surrounding yourself with Mother Nature instead of other sunbathers and bask in the peace, quiet and sunshine. This secret garden is the perfect hiding place for an afternoon of quiet studying.
