Cheap Hotels near Furman University

Furman University is a private liberal arts and sciences institution located in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina. The university is known for its rigorous academic programmes, emphasis on engaged learning, and a campus recognised for its beauty. A notable landmark on campus is the distinctive Bell Tower, an 88-foot tall replica of the original 1854 tower, situated on a peninsula in Furman Lake.

When visiting Furman University in Greenville, consider staying in hotels located along the I-385 corridor, Woodruff Road, or downtown Greenville. These areas offer convenient access to the university campus, typically within a 10-15 minute drive. Downtown Greenville provides a wider selection of dining and entertainment options, while areas closer to the interstate may offer more budget-friendly choices. For those visiting the university for academic purposes, a hotel with business amenities or extended-stay options could be beneficial.

University's Heritage and Evolution

Furman University, established in 1826, is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina. It was founded by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and named after Richard Furman, an influential Baptist leader. The university became a secular institution in 1992, though it retains its motto, "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning). Furman has been recognised for its liberal arts education and its campus is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The university has a strong athletic tradition, with its football program tracing its origins to the first football game in South Carolina history in 1889. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Charles Townes, who co-invented the laser, former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and various accomplished leaders in business, government, and athletics.

Planning Your Campus Visit

Furman University's campus is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Greenville. The main entrance is off Poinsett Highway (US 276 West). Visitors can explore the campus by car or utilise the 13-mile network of paved trails for walking or cycling. A self-guided walking tour is available, with maps obtainable outside the Welcome Center near the main entrance. Visitor parking is available in a small lot in front of the Hartness Admissions Center. If this lot is full, the Daniel Music Building parking lot, the first right off the main traffic circle, can be used. Overnight visitors parking a vehicle on campus are required to have a temporary visitor permit. These permits can be arranged in advance with the University Police by an event sponsor.

Visitors can also schedule a daily campus visit, which typically includes a 30-minute information session with an Admissions Counsellor and a 90-minute guided tour that combines walking and riding. These tours often include visits to academic buildings, the Trone Student Center, and dining facilities. Class visits or lunch with current students may also be optional additions to a visit. The campus reopened to the public in 2021 after a period of closure.
Please check the official Furman University website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, tour availability, and parking regulations.

Campus Amenities and Attractions

The Furman University campus features several points of interest. The 750-acre suburban campus includes a 26-acre man-made lake with a 1.5-mile loop trail, offering views of Paris Mountain. The Bell Tower, a replica of an earlier tower from the original downtown campus, is a prominent feature on a peninsula at one end of the lake. Other notable spots include the Janie E. Furman Rose Garden with 800 rose bushes, a replica of Henry David Thoreau's cabin, and the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities/Furman Farm, which includes a koi pond. The campus also includes the Place of Peace, which is the first Japanese temple to be dismantled and reconstructed in America, alongside an Asian Garden.

For dining, the university has several options. The Daniel Dining Hall (known as "The DH") provides a rotating menu with various food stations, including vegan and gluten-free options, and is known for its house-made cookies. Other on-campus dining choices include Chick-fil-A, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Sushi with Gusto, located in the PalaDen food court. The Paddock is another on-campus restaurant offering burgers, salads, and wings with views of the lake. The James B. Duke Library is the main library, housing over 600,000 volumes and offering access to over one million resources, including physical and digital collections. It also has a 24-hour study room. Specialised libraries include the Sanders Science Library and the Maxwell Music Library.

To reach Furman University from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), located approximately 25 to 40 km away, you have several transportation options. The quickest way is by taxi or rideshare, taking around 27 minutes. Rental cars are also available at GSP, offering flexibility for your travels. For those preferring not to drive, a combination of taxi and local bus services is an option, though this can take about 2 hours and 1 minute with transfers. Nearby points of interest that can be combined with a visit to Furman include exploring downtown Greenville's attractions such as Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge, or enjoying the outdoors at Paris Mountain State Park, which is only about 11 minutes away by car. The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 35 km greenway perfect for walking or cycling, is also directly accessible from the campus.

Staying near Furman University in Greenville offers direct access to the campus and its extensive grounds. The area has a calm, academic atmosphere, ideal for visitors attending university events, prospective students and their families, or those seeking a tranquil retreat away from the city centre. Proximity to the university often means convenient parking and easy navigation, making it a practical choice for travellers who value a focused and stress-free stay.