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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA has a population of religious or spiritual students who, coming into college, are leaving behind their safe spaces at home. The Office of Student Affairs and Academic Support assists these students in finding where they belong in USC’s faith-related community. There are a multitude of organizations available to students, including religious centers near campus, faith-based student clubs and religious affiliates that cater to the spiritual needs of students.

Lizzie Keegan, a campus staff leader of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, has worked with USC students for eight years.

“College is such an important time to figure out who you are, what you believe and what you want out of life,” she said. Keegan says the university provides resources for students who want to continue their religious and spiritual involvement in college, offering many opportunities for young adults.

Still, they do not always take these chances.

“The resources are there — we have lots of campus faith groups, and the leaders of them are connected to each other, but I know that a lot of students don’t access spiritual help while in college,” Keegan said.

There are a plethora of religious centers close to campus that are easily accessible to students. Additionally, these places of worship are of different denominations, so individuals can go wherever they feel most comfortable. There are options for a variety of Christian denominations, as well as Jewish and Islamic places of worship.

“If students want to get involved in spiritual/ religious communities, they can find them pretty easily,” said Taylor Pierce, a student involved with various faith-based groups on campus. “There’s an almost overwhelming amount of religious organizations on campus, so it can be stressful, but there are lots of options.”

By Francesca Cumello

Religious affiliates are available on campus to support university students and to work with student groups by extending spiritual guidance to those who desire it. The goal is to “provide as much opportunity as possible for the articulation and expression of diverse, religious, and spiritual beliefs and practices,” according to university policy.

If an individual does not want to participate in a religious or spiritual organization but still wants to explore their faith on their own time, there are options. Prayer and/or meditation spaces are open in various buildings on campus, including Russell House, 300 Main Street, the Center for Health and Wellbeing C.A.L.M Oasis, the Close-Hipp Building, and Hamilton College.

For more information, visit the Spiritual and Religious Life section of the Student Affairs and Academic Support website.