This month-long program is dedicated to helping second-year students adjust to their second year at the university and feel welcomed and connected. SophoMORE September will consist of more than 35 events that are designed for second-year students at USC but are open to all USC students.
Sophomore students can get a SophoMORE September punch card at nearly every SophoMORE September event that is hosted by the Carolina Experience or pick one up at the Carolina Experience office! Complete the punch card to win prizes! Go to 10 events and win a free t-shirt! Go to 13 events and win another great prize, such as a prize pack or a gift card to a local restaurant!
Don't worry if you lose your punch card! You can always get another one from the Carolina Experience office and the team can check your name on an attendance roster for MOST events. You'll fill out an attendance form at all in-person or virtual workshops. ID card scanners will be used at most outside events!
SophoMORE September punch cards are due on Friday, October 10, 2025 to the Carolina Experience office.
Questions? Drop The SophoMORE Success team an email at satsi@mailbox.sc.edu
SophoMORE September 2025 Schedule
Participate in a 1-on-1 SSC Service or Carolina Experience Service
Anytime from August 25-September 30
Participate in the Coffee Convo program, have a SophoMORE Success Consultation, a Money Management Consultation, attend a 1-on-1 tutoring session, or have a general SSC Success Consultation with the Student Success Center or Carolina Experience office!
SophoMORE Welcome Back Carnival
Thursday, August 21
12 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Greene Street
FREE FOOD, fun, carnival games, music, and resources to help kick off your second year! This is YOUR official welcome back event! Rain Date: Sept 10. Hosted by the Carolina Experience. Get your Sophomore September punch card at the SophoMORE Success table on Greene Street.
A part of SophoMORE September but open to all students.
Second Year Success Workshop #1
Monday, August 25
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Russell House 303
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office.
Part-Time Job Fair
Tuesday, August 26
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Russell House Ballroom
Thinking about a part-time in your second year of college? There are tons of opportunities both on and off campus and the Part Time Job Fair can help you learn about your options! Hosted by the Career Center.
Start with Success
Tuesday, August 26
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Russell House 322
Plan out your semester/tests/ and tasks, while gaining a better understanding on how to get the GPA you want! Visit with the Student Success Center and learn how to access textbooks and other resources from our librarians. Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Commuter Success: Parking and Commuting Workshop
Wednesday, August 27
4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Online
Living off campus? Trying to figure out where to park and how to get to campus everyday? We may not have all the answers, but we do have some tips for making a plan on how to navigate campus! Hosted by the Carolina Experience office.
Meet the Carolina Experience Peer Leaders
Thursday, August 28
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thomas Cooper Library patio (rain location Scholars Corner)
The Carolina Experience Peer Leaders are here to help sophomore students transition into their second year at USC. Stop by and meet some of them and make a button!
Don't Be Scared: Getting to Know Your Professors
Tuesday, September 2
4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Russell House 205
Approaching faculty can sometimes be intimidating for students. But developing professional relationships with professors can help students learn about research or internship opportunities, lead to mentorship , career advice, and potential references. This workshop will share tips on how to approach professors and resources at USC to help develop these faculty-student relationships. Hosted by the Carolina Experience.
Study Smart: Academic Tips Workshop
Wednesday, September 3
4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Russell House 303
Need help preparing for classes and sharpening your study skills as we return to campus after a summer off? Join us for this session full of tips and advice for a successful academic semester. Hosted by the Carolina Experience
SophoMORE Cool Down
Thursday, September 4
12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Greene St
Cool Down in this Columbia heat with a free sno cone! Chat with Carolina Experience staff about services and how to connect in your second year. Hosted by the Carolina Experience.
Rain Date: Sept 10.
Career Fair Prep Open House
Thursday, September 4
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Career Center, 5th floor library
Stop in and say hello to the Career Center and prepare for the upcoming Career Fairs! Have your resume reviewed, practice what you want to say to employers, and get set for the fairs! Hosted by the Career Center!
App Smart Workshop
Friday, September 5
2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Russell House 303
This workshop aims to help students understand what apps exist for students to organize, manage their time, study, and also manage their money, budgets, and debt. Join us to learn how technology can help make these tasks easier! Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience.
Farmer’s Market
Tuesday, September 9
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Greene St.
Stop by the Sophomore September table at the Healthy Carolina Farmer’s Market to get some great resources for your 2nd year! Look for the Carolina Experience’s SophoMORE September table while you shop for local produce and other goodies! Hosted by Healthy Campus Initiatives.
Career and Internship Fair: Health Professions
Tuesday, September 9
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Carolina Coliseum
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at students going into the health field. Hosted by the Career Center.
Register via Handshake to attend!
Budgeting for Off-Campus Living in Your SophoMORE Year
Tuesday, September 9
6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Online workshop
Living off campus this semester? Join in for this helpful workshop about how to budget and make money smart decisions in this new environment. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience Office.
Welcome to Well-Being
Wednesday, September 10
11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Center for Health and Well-Being & Russell House Patio
Get re-connected with all things well-being on campus this fall! Drop by the Center for Health & Well-Being for this "Amazing Race" themed event with interactive activities, free giveaways, snacks, and lots of fun! Hosted by Student Health & Well-Being
Second Year Success Workshop #2
Wednesday, September 10
4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Online
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office.
RSVP to reserve to get the link!
Off-Campus Housing Fair
Thursday, September 11
10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Greene Street
Need to talk through your off-campus housing experience and how to stay connected to campus? Stop by the Carolina Experience table at the Off-Campus Housing Fair!
Education Abroad Fair
Monday September 15
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
RHUU Ballroom
Meet with representatives from various travel providers and learn about how you can study, intern and volunteer around the globe! Hosted by the Education Abroad Office.
Thriving in Off-Campus Housing Workshop
Monday, September 15
4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Russell House 315
Living off campus? Concerned about how to manage the commute, stay safe, get along with your neighbors and more? Hear from staff and upperclassmen on how to thrive while living off campus! Hosted by the Carolina Experience and the Leadership and Service Center.
SophoMORE Mug Making Madness
Tuesday, September 16
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Davis Field II
Bring your artistic skills and decorate a coffee mug and chat with other sophomore students. Mug is yours to keep, good artistic skills not required. Hosted by the Carolina Experience team as part of SophoMORE September. A part of SophoMORE September but open to all students. Rain date is September 30.
Time Management Workshop
Tuesday, September 16
4 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Russell House 315
There are 168 hours in a week and so much to do! Sophomore year gets really busy with more course work, involvement on campus and more. It can be hard to keep it all straight. Join us for this practical workshop on how to balance it all. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience Office.
Career and Internship Fair: STEM Fields, Day 1
Wednesday, September 17
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Carolina Coliseum
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
Register via Handshake to attend!
Carolina Conversations: Constitution Day
Wednesday, September 17
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
RHUU 322
Every year USC celebrates the ratification of the US Constitution! Join in with the Leadership and Service Center and other campus partners for an informative discussion!
Feels Like Home
Wednesday, September 17
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Campus Village Building #3
Are you feeling a little more isolated in year two? Maybe disconnected if you have moved off campus? Join us for this workshop on how to increase your sense of belonging while in Columbia! Hosted by Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Constitution Day Celebration
Wedensday, September 17
10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Come celebrate America's founding guiding document with the Department of Student Life! In commemorating the Constitution, come participate in Constitutional Trivia, learn about voter registration, and receive some swag and giveaways. Stop by our tent outside of Russell House, say hello to some Student Government members, and show off your constitutional knowledge!
Career and Internship Fair: STEM Fields, Day 2
Thursday, September 18
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Carolina Coliseum
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
Register via Handshake to attend.
Service Saturday
Saturday, September 20
8:30am-12:30pm
Locations Vary
Volunteer with fellow Gamecocks in the Columbia community. A great opportunity to meet other sophomores and give back to the community! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
Imagine Carolina
Sunday, September 21
9:30am
Idea Center at Gateway 737
Join in to share about your experience at USC and help develop ideas for how USC should grow in the future! Hosted by the University.
Professionally YOU: Be Confident Workshop
Monday, September 22
5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Career Center Classroom
Feeling prepared and confident as you search for internship and make your way through the application process is incredibly important. Join us to learn tips and tricks for internship fair confidence in this workshop! Hosted by the Career Center
Mutual Expectations Discussion and Luncheon
Tuesday, September 23
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Russell House 322
Join us for a Mutual Expectations Discussion on exploring the topic “Experiential Learning at Carolina” in our September session. This discussion will explore what participants think about how to intentionally find the bridge between academic studies and activities beyond the classroom. What exactly is experiential learning and what can it look like for you? How can a faculty member help you find these connections? Join this fun discussion with fellow students and faculty! Lunch is included!
Second Year Success Workshop #3
Tuesday, September 23
4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Russell House 303
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office.
Millionaire Mindset Game Night
Tuesday, September 23
6:00 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Russell House 322
A gamified way to learn about finances post-graduation with real life situations. You will play as a character with an assigned salary, job, and responsibilities on a gameboard similar to Monopoly and Life. Join us for the fun and win prizes! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Career Fair: Law School Fair
Wednesday, September 24
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Carolina Coliseum
Students who are interested in attending law school can learn about different programs and the application process. Hosted by the Career Center. Register via Handshake to attend.
SophoMORE Tie-Dye Party
Wednesday, September 24
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Davis Field II
Bring your own t-shirt or grab one of the 200 FREE sophomore shirts available and learn to tie-dye while hanging out with other sophomore students. Tie-Dye is from 12-4 or until we run out of shirts and dye. Hosted by the Carolina Experience team as part of SophoMORE September. Open to ALL USC students.
Rain date is September 30.
Exploring Graduation with Leadership Distinction Workshop
Thursday, September 25
4 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Russell House 315
Sophomore year is the perfect time to connect with opportunities related to your academic, personal, and professional goals. Engaging in meaningful experiences can help you earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Join the CIEL team to learn more about exploring opportunities, pursuing GLD, and making the most of your sophomore year and beyond! Hosted by the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning.
Cooking 101 Workshop
Friday, September 26
12 p.m.- 2 p.m.
Center for Health and Wellbeing room 219
Learning to cook and meal prep is a pretty common learning curve for student in their second year. Join us for this hands-on cooking lesson about how to prep meals for your week! Space is limited to the first 20 sophomores!
Stress Management Workshop
Monday, September 29
4:00 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Online Workshop
College is stressful– how do you manage your stress? Experts from the Mental Health Initiative team in Campus Wellness will guide us through the types of stress you can experience and new strategies on how to cope. Hosted by Healthy Campus Initiatives.
Coffee with Counselors
Monday, September 29
11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Russell House Patio
Take a break, grab a cup of free coffee, and connect with the team of counselors at USC! Enjoy coffee, great conversation and giveaways. Hosted by Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
How to Change Your Major Workshop
Tuesday, September 30
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In person- Location TBA
Thinking about changing your major? Not sure what is involved or where to start? The University Advising Center will go over all your options in this informative workshop! Hosted by the University Advising Center.
RSVP to receive the meeting link!
Preparing for Midterms
Tuesday, September 30
5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
In person- Location TBA
Build a practical study plan for your midterm exams by exploring personal study strategies and practicing how to break exam materials down into smaller study units. Hosted by the Student Success Center.