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Carolina Experience

Transfer Success

Support in the Transfer Year at USC

Tips for Transfer Success

  1. Make a transfer student success consultation with the Carolina Experience team.
  2. Participate in Transfer Welcome and National Transfer Student Week. 
  3. Read your USC emails — especially the monthly new transfer student email.
  4. Don't be afraid to ask questions; utilize your resources. 
  5. Step outside of your comfort zone.
  6. Join clubs and organizations that fit your interest. 
  7. Get involved with ATS.
  8. Get to know your academic advisor. 
  9. Know you are not alone. 

Transfer FAQs

Log into Self Service Carolina; select the Account Information tab. From there you will see options to view/print your bill and options to pay your bill.

Parking can be unique at USC, but luckily, Parking and Transportation Services offer many options.

A well-used option is metered spots which are available throughout the campus. They are first come first served and require self-pay.

Another option is to consider purchasing a general parking permit which will allow you to park at designated lots.

Garage parking is an option, but some garages require purchase of a pass while others charge hourly (e.g., Bull St. Gate 3, Pendleton).

There is also an app you can download to find open on-campus parking. 

More Information on parking » 

There are several meal plan options available to students at different price points! There is also the option to add funds to your Carolina Card as Carolina Cash, which can be used at on-campus dining locations.

You can see information about the options on the Dining website. You can then add the plan that you may want in Self-Service Carolina.   

As an incoming transfer student, you may have the option to live on or off campus. Please be aware on-campus housing fills very fast and the application typically opens beginning November.

To view your options, please visit University Housing for information about on-campus housing.

There are many off-campus complexes close to campus as well. Explore the Off-Campus Living office for some options about off-campus housing.

Registering for classes is an online process completed via Self Service Carolina. You must first be advised by your USC academic advisor and have any holds removed from your account before registering. The Registrar’s Office is a great resource for registration.

Yes, all USC Columbia students must have health insurance. You have the option to stay enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan or you can waive the plan if you choose to use your own health insurance. You must submit proof of your own health insurance to opt out. For more information, visit Student Health Services

Yes! The COMET is the operating campus transit and is free with your Carolina Card. There are 30 locations across the Columbia campus with daytime routes and evening routes. 

As a USC student, you are eligible for student ticketing if you meet the following criteria: 

  • University of South Carolina-Columbia Students enrolled in 12+ hours.
  • University of South Carolina Undergraduate Students taking 6+ hours who paid the Athletic Events Fee to the Bursar by the established deadline each semester. 
  • Graduate students taking at least 1 hour are eligible to pay the Athletic Event Fee to the Bursar by the established deadline each semester.
  • Student Ticketing is your one-stop hub for all information on how to get student athletic tickets.

SO MUCH! Use your Carolina Card to access many buildings on campus such as the gym, the library, parking garages, and your meal plan if applicable. It can also be used for printing in the library. You should always have your Carolina Card on you if you are on campus! 

Free tutoring is offered to students through the Student Success Center (SSC). Call the SSC or make an appointment via Navigate. You can also look into Supplemental Instructions, writing support and so much more in the SSC! All for FREE! Visit the Student Success Center to see what classes are supported.  

The Carolina Experience website has resources dedicated to helping you navigate life at USC as a transfer student. The Carolina Experience hosts events for transfer students, and there is even a transfer student success consultation available! There are two student organizations just for transfer students and many more resources!  

Utilize the course equivalency table on the Registrar’s website as well as Degree Works, which shows you your personal graduation plan. Additionally, check in with your advisor to make sure your credits are accounted for. 

Handshake is the web platform that USC uses to post job advertisements for both on and off campus jobs. Log in with your USC credentials, and view all there is. It is strongly recommended that you create your Handshake account early after arrival at USC and be sure to make an appointment with the Career Center to talk about your plans!

First take time to research what Fraternity and Sorority life is like here at the University of South Carolina. Make sure you are aware of all the benefits and responsibilities (e.g., costs, time commitment) that come with it. Recruitment/Membership Intake varies among each council. 

Garnet Gate is the university's online home for hundreds of campus organizations. Log in and view all the organizations the campus has to offer! If you are a transfer student we recommend joining the Association of Transfer Students (ATS).  


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