If you’re new to USC, or unfamiliar with the off-campus living situation, you’ll soon learn that pickings can be slim if you haven’t reserved an apartment six months in advance. Don’t panic yet! Check out these interesting living quarters before you consider a cardboard box.

Each year, students are bombarded with emails, flyers, and Facebook invites to take part in community service events around campus. But how many benefit homeless, helpless pets?

Columbia's BIG problem

A recent addition to the local music scene, Can’t Kids played their first official show under the name this past August. The band’s vocalist and drummer Jessica Oliver describes their sound as “Appalachian cheerleader metal.” Adam Clayton Cullum, the band’s guitarist and accompanying vocalist continues on, “We wanted to be horror movie music.” Although a new band, its members are music vets, having been in numerous other groups including Thank God, Magnetic Flowers and Silent Spring Ensemble.

If you believe Farmers’ Markets are gathering spots for tree-huggers and grandmothers only, think again. Offering inexpensive, healthy food in unique atmospheres, these markets break stereotypes and make you question your affection for Earth Fare.

For kemp ridley., making music is about having a good time with friends and not taking things too seriously. Consisting of Cayla Fralick (vocals), Thomas Barrineau (guitar), Trey Lewis (guitar), Cam Powell (bass) and Turner Shull (drums), the band performs regularly around Columbia. Bey’s, New Brookland Tavern and the White Mule have been a few venues for the group, and they’ve also performed in Charleston and Virginia on multiple occasions.

Who doesn’t love the fall issues of our beloved fashion magazines? Only problem is, many of these spreads focus on select areas that have more defined seasons. In the South we have times of the year I like to call, “fashion limbo.” Fashion limbo occurs when the next season has arrived in the fashion-sense, but the weather behaves otherwise. Some days you’ve got that perfect fall weather, while others throw us back to the sweltering summer months. This rollercoaster of temperatures is no reason for our style to suffer. Because of our dilemma, one must get a little creative. Here is my advice for those thirsting for fall fashion.
 
1. LAYER! The mornings have been getting chillier. Be prepared, and stylish. Take along a sweater or jacket, it isn’t much more to carry and haven’t you been waiting to pull out that cashmere sweater or tweed blazer? I know I have.

2. It’s Time. You’re rainbows, flip-flops, and (gasp) Jack Rogers’ sandals are ready for hibernation. Don’t worry; you’ll see them again next spring. They have been waiting for a break, anyway. And, major gain here, BOOTS. Ugg, Frye, high-rise, low-rise, heeled, flat and everything in between. If some of you are thinking, “but, my feet get hot,” balance your outfit. If it is a little warmer one day, pair your boots with a skirt instead of pants. Simple.

3. Fabric. Leather, corduroy, tweed and cashmere are your best friends for the next 6 months. This means leather satchels, corduroy pants, tweed tailored jackets and heavenly cashmere sweaters will fill your daily life. I know. I love it, too.

This is just a portion of all that makes up fall fashion. Remember to stay original. Put your own twist on the season’s best looks. Have fun with it.