Though a good bit off-campus, the main University of South Carolina [1]-related bookshop is Addam’s University Bookstore (152 Assembly St., 803/256-6666, daily 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.), which in addition to providing any book a student would need, also has a huge stock of Gamecock gear.
The Five Points Bookshop (718 Santee Ave., 803/799-7182, Tues. –Sat. 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) deals in a good selection of rare and antique books.
If you like a jolt of java along with your book shopping, try Higher Grounds Books & Beans (1306 Hampton St., 803/217-3247, Mon.–Tues. and Thurs.–Fri. 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Wed. 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–noon) at the corner of Hampton and Sumter, or Literary Sweets Bookstore and Chocolate Shoppe (3800 North Main St., 803/254-0371, Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.), who offer desserts with your literary morsels.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/south-carolina/columbia-and-the-midlands/columbia/sights/university-south-carolina