Registration is open!
Registration for New Student Orientation is now open and closes May 16. Read below to learn more about Freshman Orientation.
Overview
If you are a freshman beginning classes in August (Fall Term) you are required to attend a Fall Term Orientation session in May, June or July. These are in-person, two-day, overnight sessions during which you will need to be available beginning at 8 a.m. on day one and 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. on day two. During your session you will hear from university faculty and staff, meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, attend an academic college visit, learn about university resources and take care of several campus business items. In addition, this is when you will meet with an advisor and get registered for fall courses. A continental breakfast, lunch (2) and dinner will be provided during your session. Students must participate in all components of their Orientation session in order to successfully complete advising and registration.
Attendance is mandatory for the entire New Student Orientation program. You must attend all components of your Orientation to be advised and register for classes.
If for any reason (e.g., flight delays, traffic, weather, etc.) you are late to your session and arrive past 10 a.m., you will need to contact the Office of New Student Orientation to reschedule.
We cannot guarantee any schedule adjustments, even for travel-related plans. It is essential that you are available for the entirety of the Orientation program.
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 New Student Orientation experience, complete the following tasks prior to attending:
- Complete the Enrollment Checklist in your USC Admissions Portal. This includes completing your immunization forms, placement tests and citizenship and residency verifications
- Register for New Student Orientation. Registration opens March 19 at Noon ET and closes May 16.
- Register your guests for Family and Supporter Orientation. Families, supporters and guests are encouraged to attend with their student.
- Complete your Cocky Transitions Modules. Let's get cocky about becoming a Gamecock! Our comprehensive Pre-Orientation Modules will set the tone for your Orientation and deliver important information about your specific USC experience.
- Submit your CarolinaCard photo. You will pick-up your CarolinaCard during your session. This is your official USC ID.
- Gather donations for the Gamecock Pantry. Non-perishable food items are collected during each session to support the Gamecock Pantry within the Gamecock CommUnity Shop.
All students attending New Student Orientation are required to stay overnight in Patterson Hall. This is included in your registration fee. The packing list includes:
- Sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag
- Towels
- Pillows
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes for frequent movement and migrations
- A light jacket and/or rain coat
- Any other items you may need for a two-day, one-night stay
New Student Orientation overnight acommodations are separate from your move-in date for the fall semester.
Participation in our programs involves frequent migrations to and from various campus buildings. If you or your family member/supporter have mobility restrictions at the time of your session, please be sure to indicate this in your Orientation Portal under the ‘Special Accommodations’ section. Golf carts will be made available for those needing assistance.
Additionally, please make note of any other special accommodation related to sight, hearing, dietary restrictions, etc. in your Orientation Portal so that our staff can plan for your arrival accordingly.
We recommend having your Orientation Portal updated with any special accommodation no later than a week prior to your session. Otherwise, feel free to contact the Office of New Student Orientation for any updates or changes.
Specialized Academic Programs
Our team offers a variety of Orientation programs for specialized academic programs at the university. Find your program below to determine if there is anything you need to prepare for prior to your session.
Incoming fall students enrolled in the South Carolina Honors College will be advised and register for courses prior to attending New Student Orientation. Virtual honors advising appointments will take place May - June. More information will be sent to students about these appointments in the first week of May. Students will be required to attend one of nine Orientation sessions specified for this program:
- June 11 - 12
- June 16 - 17
- June 25 - 26
- July 2 - 3
- July 9 - 10
- July 14 - 15
- July 23 - 24
- July 28 - 29
- July 30 - 31
If you are participating in the Accelerated Undergraduate to MD program, you will attend Orientation on a specified date.
Incoming fall students participating in the Capstone Scholars program will meet with their program during New Student Orientation. Students can attend any of the advertised May - July Orientation dates. Please check your email frequently for updates from your program.
Incoming fall students participating in the TRIO Opportunity Scholars Program will be required to attend one of 10 Orientation sessions specified for this program:
- May 27 - May 28
- June 2 - 3
- June 9 - 10
- June 16 - 17
- June 23 - 24
- June 30 - July 1
- July 7 - 8
- July 14 - 15
- July 21 - 22
- July 28 - 29
Incoming fall students participating in Palmetto Pathway will be required to attend one of four Orientation sessions specified for this program:
- July 14 - 15
- July 16 - 17
- July 21 - 22
- July 23 - 24
Incoming fall students participating in Gamecock Gateway will be required to attend one of four Orientation sessions specified for this program:
- June 16 - 17
- June 23 - 24
- June 25 - 26
- July 7 - 8
Incoming fall students participating in CarolinaLIFE will be required to attend New Student Orientation on June 23 - 24.
Incoming fall student-athletes will be required to attend one of 12 Orientation sessions specified for this program:
- May 27 - May 28
- May 29 - May 30
- June 2 - 3
- June 4 - 5
- June 16 - 17
- June 25 - 26
- July 2 - 3
- July 9 - 10
- July 14 - 15
- July 23 - 24
- July 28 - 29
- July 30 - 31
Closer to the start of the semester, the Dodie Anderson Academic Center will host an additional Orientation program for student-athletes only.
Incoming international students cannot register for classes until 30 days prior to the start date of their I-20 and their earliest day of arrival. Anyone entering the U.S. prior to this date is not entering on the F-1 visa and therefore cannot enroll in classes. Since you will register for classes during New Student Orientation, we ask that you keep this in mind as you select your desired session.
Incoming fall students belonging to majors in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing are eligible for academic advising and course registration prior to attending New Student Orientation. Students will be required to complete specified tasks prior to scheduling a virtual advising appointment. Click here for more information.
Incoming fall students belonging to majors in the College of Nursing are eligible for academic advising and course registration prior to attending New Student Orientation. Students will be required to complete specified tasks prior to scheduling a virtual advising appointment. Click here for more information.
Incoming fall students belonging to majors in the College of Information and Communications are eligible for academic advising and course registration prior to attending New Student Orientation. Students will be required to complete specified tasks prior to scheduling a virtual advising appointment. Click here for more information.
Incoming fall students belonging to majors in the Arnold School of Public Health are eligible for academic advising and course registration prior to attending New Student Orientation. Students will be required to complete specified tasks prior to scheduling a virtual advising appointment. Click here for more information.
Dates and Fees
Fall Freshman Orientation is a two-day, overnight program. Students should plan to be available on day one beginning at 8 a.m. On day two, they should plan to be available from 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- May 27 - May 28
- May 29 - May 30
- June 2 - 3
- June 4 - 5
- June 9 - 10
- June 11 - 12
- June 16 - 17
- June 23 - 24
- June 25 - 26
- June 30 - July 1
- July 2 - 3
- July 7 - 8
- July 9 - 10
- July 14 - 15
- July 16 - 17
- July 21 - 22
- July 23 - 24
- July 28 - 29
- July 30 - 31
If you are planning your attendance around a standing commitment (e.g. graduations, work, vacation, etc.), please do so after you have formally registered and paid for New Student Orientation.
Students: $250 per student
Families/supporters: $115 per family member/supporter. Click here to learn more about the Family and Supporter Orientation program.
The New Student Orientation registration fee covers all supplies and resources used during your session. It also covers your meals, overnight accommodation, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.
Changing or Cancelling Your Session
Sessions remain open until filled. If the session does not fill, it will close two business days prior to its start. You are able to change your New Student Orientation reservation at anytime, as long as the new desired date is still open. If you need to cancel your reservation, you will need to do so at least two weeks prior to your session in order to request a refund. To request a refund, please email our office at orientation@sc.edu. In your email, please include the following student information:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Contact information
- Reason for refund
There is a $35 administration fee associated with all refunds. You will receive an email confirmation upon your request being approved.