Flights to Charlotte

Charlotte Airports: The busy Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a common hub for many of StudentUniverse’s airline partners. Pro tip: flying into Charlotte can save students lots of money and there are plenty of shuttle options to get you to your final destination. For example, students going to the University of South Carolina or surrounding colleges can pay from $23 for a shuttle or bus from Charlotte to Columbia, South Carolina right from the airport. Usually, you’ll be saving around $25-$100 even with the cost of the shuttle, and sometimes even more! So, if you're on a budget, fly with StudentUniverse.

Charlotte Transportation: If mom and dad are keeping you car-less while you’re at school, you’ll be happy to know there is public transportation available. Like everything else in Charlotte, this system is constantly growing and changing. The Charlotte Transit Level System (CATS) is made up of buses, community shuttles and a light rail. Fares are affordable ($2-$4) and the routes and schedules are expansive. The LYNX light rail is a particularly convenient way of getting to the downtown area (although, Charlotteans call it the uptown area). There are also plenty of bike lanes in the south and central parts of the city if you prefer some exercise. Ride sharing services are always a reliable go-to option, but if you’re driving your own vehicle make sure to pay attention to your GPS. Roads and directions outside of the downtown area are notoriously confusing.

Things to do in Charlotte: There aren’t very many cities that you can go whitewater rafting in, but Charlotte makes the short list! Visit The US National Whitewater Center — the world’s premiere outdoor facility featuring whitewater rafting, biking, zip lines, live music, craft brews and more. NASCAR fan or not, the NASCAR Hall of Fame has something for everyone with interactive exhibits and ride/race simulations. Thrill seekers will love spending a day at Carowinds Amusement Park. If this is too pricey, enjoy Charlotte’s weather at Freedom Park. There’s a beautiful pond, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, bike paths and frequent special events. And if you’re a student, we shouldn’t have to tell you to catch an NCAA basketball game–that's a given.

Food & Music in Charlotte: Get ready to eat the best barbeque you’ve ever had. Enjoy it in a hospitable southerner’s backyard or at a barbeque festival! And good ol’ southern fried foods are everywhere you look—get ready for fried chicken and hush puppies. However, Charlotte’s culinary scene is currently booming and diversifying. There are plenty of new restaurants and respected chefs in the area serving food from all cultures. See some of the world’s biggest artists or local neighborhood acts perform anything from country to funk at venues that have capacities ranging from 100 to 20,000 people.