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Carolina Experience

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Sophomore Success

Second Year Monthly Success Road Map

There are so many things going on at the University of South Carolina, and your sophomore year is unique. Stay organized and up to date with this roundup of reminders, resources, and insider tips, custom-made for our second-year students.  

Welcome back! Get settled into your housing space, pick up a student planner from the Student Success Center for FREE and map out your semester! 

Adjusting to Life Off-Campus 
If you are looking for a roommate or trying to understand your lease, we can assist you. 
Off-Campus Student Services  

Budget Assistance 
We offer sessions to help you with budgets, student loans and much more. 
Money Management Program  

Getting involved  
Find out more about your strengths and interests so you can determine the best campus organizations to join.  
Take a STRONG Interest Inventory  

Also, consider exploring the Graduation with Leadership Distinction requirements. You'll graduate with an achievement that will set you apart once you begin applying for jobs and graduate school. 

Don't miss the Sophomore September events and activities planned just for you. Cheer for the Gamecocks during fall sports and follow along with Student Government’s Bucket List. 

  • Smartphone apps, like Any.do, Feedly, Quizlet and Evernote can aid your academic success. 
  • The Office of Undergraduate Research is available to help you navigate beginning or continuing your research.
  • Take time to explore your My USC Record and look to fill in gaps in your campus engagement

Midterms are coming up so make sure you are prepared. The SSC offers Supplemental Instruction sessions and peer tutoring at no additional cost.

Thinking about switching majors? 
Advising is available. It is always a great idea to talk with other students and professors in your field of interest, too. Check out Exploratory Advising in the UAC! 

Get engaged with the local community! 

  • Look into an alternative fall break or winter break. 
  • Participate in Service Saturdays. 
  • Sign up for a service-learning course. 

Time to register for spring courses! Be mindful of the correct time for you to register. 
Log in to Self Service Carolina 

Double check that you have been advised and that all holds on your account have been taken care of before your assigned appointment to register. 
Get Advised 

The biggest rivalry week of the year happens the week before Thanksgiving! Be sure to get involved with fun activities for the Carolina-Clemson Rivalry, such as the annual blood drive and Tiger Burn. 

With Thanksgiving Break coming up, it is important to prioritize your tasks to make sure you stay on top of projects and papers. 

Finals 
Check out the Russell House as it turns into the Study Union during finals week. 

Don't forget that the SSC is available for any of your academic support needs, and they will offer Finals Support. 

Take time to de-stress! There are plenty of ways to de-stress during this tense time of year. 
Managing Stress at USC 

Some things we suggest: 

  • Working Out. The Strom Thurmond Fitness Center and the Blatt Center are open to students. A good workout can help release stress and clear your mind. 
  • Creature Comfort. Be on the lookout for Pet-a-Puppy events around campus, sponsored by the Student Health Center. 
  • Winter Break 

Winter Break is a great time to reflect on your time here at the university and what you’ve accomplished.  

Consider: 

  • Taking an accelerated class during Winter Session. 
  • Planning your upcoming spring semester. 
  • Setting S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant) goals for yourself. 
  • Polishing your resume, adding leadership roles or jobs you have had over the semester. 
  • Getting started with the Graduation with Leadership Distinction or updating your progress. 

Now is the time to think about a summer internship. Visit us for help updating your resume and information about internship opportunities. 

  • A new season of intramural sports typically opens up in January, so grab some friends and join a team. 
  • Cheer on the Gamecocks in Basketball! Both the men’s team and the women’s team!  

The interview process for summer internships can take place in the spring. Be prepared and mindful of deadlines. It is a good idea to begin researching where you might want to intern.  

  • Take part in the SophoMORE Spring Exploration Series offered by the Carolina Experience.  
  • Start researching summer and fall class options — advisement starts in February. 
  • Be on the lookout for peer leader opportunities. Many offices and programs begin recruiting in February for summer and fall. Check out the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL) database for a full list of programs. 

Have fun and stay safe over spring break! 

If you are going to be near campus, The Leadership and Service Center at USC offers a collaborative, community-based Alternative Spring Break. 

Gamecock sports are kicking into high gear! Cheer on your favorite team at a softball, baseball, or sand volleyball game.  

Still need major switch help? 
Visit the Undergraduate Advising Center located in Close-Hipp building

Be sure to attend SophoMORE Halfway There in April! 

It's registration time again! Be sure to get any holds removed from your student record and be advised BEFORE you register for the upcoming semester. 
Make an advisement appointment 

Register for classes with Self Service Carolina 

Now is a great opportunity to: 

  • Solidify your summer plans. 
  • Get out and explore the Columbia area in the beautiful spring weather. Check out Historic Columbia, Congaree National Park and our beautiful rivers. 

It's finals time. 
Don't forget that we are available for any of your academic support needs and that there are plenty of ways to de-stress during this tense time of year. 
Managing Stress at USC 

Some things we suggest: 

  • Working Out. The Strom Thurmond Fitness Center and Blatt Center are open to students. A good workout can help release stress and clear your mind. 
  • Creature Comfort. Be on the lookout for Pet-a-Puppy events around campus, sponsored by the Student Health Center. 
  • June-July 

Summer means vacation time for many, but is also a great time to start preparing for your junior year: 

  • Take on a summer internship or a part-time job that will give you transferable skills for your future career. 
  • Study or volunteer abroad in any number of countries around the globe. 
  • Take summer classes at USC or a school close to your home. 

Summer means vacation time for many, but is also a great time to start preparing for your junior year.

  • Take on a summer internship or a part-time job that will give you transferable skills for your future career. 
  • Study or volunteer abroad in any number of countries around the globe. 
  • Take summer classes at USC or a school close to your home. 

 

 

 

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