While attending New Student Orientation, you will:

• Connect with South Carolina faculty and staff and get to know some of your peers. 
• Learn about living at the University of South Carolina. 
• Get acquainted with our campus policies and procedures. 
• Receive a list of resources to help you succeed during your first semester and beyond. 
• Learn about your academic program’s curriculum and degree requirements.
• Attend an academic advising appointment and register for classes. 

In order to have a successful advising and registration process during New Student Orientation, it is important that you complete the following tasks at least two weeks before your session:

1. Complete all items in your Admissions portal: Your Admissions Portal contains information that must be completed before you attend your New Student Orientation and enroll for classes at South Carolina. It is essential you complete all items in the Admissions Portal. 
2. Submit your Citizenship Verification: Log on to your UofSC Admissions Portal to check if your status was previously verified based on information provided on your FAFSA. If you have not submitted a FAFSA, you will be required to complete the Citizenship Verification Form. If your citizenship has not been verified, complete the Citizenship Verification Form. Visit sc.edu/registrar for more information on the residency certification process. 
3.  Submit your Residency Verification (for SC Residents only): Students claiming South Carolina residency for tuition purposes are required to verify residency. Log on to your UofSC Admissions Portal to check if your South Carolina residency has been verified. We will use the information provided on your FAFSA to determine whether you need to complete the South Carolina Residency Certification Form. If you have not submitted a FAFSA, you will be required to complete the form. If your residency has not been verified, complete the S.C. Residency Certification Form through your portal. Visit sc.edu/registrar for more information on the residency certification process. 
4. Submit your Immunization Form: Submit your completed Immunization Record Form no later than two weeks prior to your New Student Orientation. Upload your records to sc.edu/myhealthspace portal under "Immunizations." Login with your network username and password and your birth date. Forms may also be faxed to 803-777-3955/ 803-777-3960 or mailed to the Allergy, Immunization & Travel Clinic, 1409 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208. 
5. Confirm your Major: If you are considering a major change prior to attending Orientation, make a “New Student Major Change Interest” appointment to speak with an Exploratory Advisor in the University Advising Center. Your Exploratory Advisor will make sure you have all of the correct information. Make an appointment by visiting sc.campus.eab.com. You may also contact the University Advising Center at 803-777-1222 or advising@sc.edu. It is critical that you attend Orientation with the correct major. If you plan on changing your major, please do so at least a week before your session. 
6. Register for and Complete for your Math Placement Assessment: All students are required to take the online Math Placement Assessment no later than one week before your New Student Orientation. You will record your test score on your Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet. Beginning June 2, you will be able to take your Math Placement Assessment online in Blackboard. For more information including practice assessments and instructions for completing the test online, visit math.sc.edu/assess. 
7. Register for and Complete your Foreign Language Placement Exam: Every student at South Carolina is required to take the Foreign Language Placement Exam before taking a foreign language course to determine whether they meet course prerequisites. It is only highly recommended for students to take the Foreign Language Placement Exam prior to attending New Student Orientation. For further information, please visit the Language Placement Testing Website.
8. Have copies of your Unofficial Transcripts and any AP/IB Score Reports: Have copies of your AP/IB/Cambridge (AICE) scores and dual enrollment transcripts available during your New Student Orientation. If your scores do not arrive before your scheduled advising session, make a list of the test(s) you have taken and share this with your advisor. If official transcripts are not available, you may use an unofficial transcript during your session. Your advisor may also ask you to email copies of these documents prior to your meeting. 
9. Complete your Pre-Orientation Advising Modules and Worksheet: You will access and view your Pre-Orientation Advising Modules in your Orientation Portal after registration. Please complete all modules, as well as your Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet in order to prepare for your advising and registration appointment during New Student Orientation.

We are excited to return to fully in-person Orientation programs for 2022! In order to have in-person sessions, our office will be operating in accordance with university and local COVID-19 guidelines. At this time, all Orientation participants will be required to adhere to any and all campus policies related to COVID-19 during their attendance. Campus policies may include following social distancing protocols, wearing face coverings inside of university buildings and forms of transportation, etc. To stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding COVID-19 guidelines at the University of South Carolina, visit sc.edu/coronavirus frequently.

August Orientation is a one-day program. Students should plan to be available from 7:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Check back soon for updates!

Students: $130 per student 

Guests: $50 per guest. Click here to learn more about the Family and Guest Orientation program. 

The New Student Orientation registration fee covers all supplies and resources used during your session. It also covers your meals, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.