There isn’t much you need to bring with you your session, but there are still a few items that will help:
- VIP ID and USC system password. You will use this to access university WiFi and accounts.
- Transcripts and records. As well as AP/IB scores and any other relative correspondence.
- Appropriate technology. Business, nursing, social work, global studies and cyber intelligence majors will need to bring a laptop.
- Your parking pass. This will be sent to you via email.
- Donations for the Gamecock Pantry. Learn more about the Gamecock Pantry and what to bring here.
- A state issued ID and/or driver’s license. You will need this to pick up your CarolinaCard.
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Comfortable clothes for evening activities.
- A light jacket and/or umbrella.
Within Columbia, we have the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is less than a two-hour drive from Columbia. For those arriving through Charlotte, Columbia Charlotte Shuttle is the leading provider of transportation between South Carolina and Charlotte Airport. Be sure to ask about their 10-Pack discount!
All students are required to stay on-campus during New Student Orientation in Patterson Hall.
When you arrive on-campus to check-in for your session, you will also check-in and drop off your belongings in your room. We recommend packing the following items:
- 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
While students are required to stay on-campus in our residence halls during their session, families and supporters will book accommodations off-campus. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Stay steps from campus at Graduate Columbia, a boutique hotel tailored to South Carolina. Sleep well in their comfy, cheerful guestrooms.
- Stay at Hotel Trundle, Columbia’s award-winning boutique hotel. Save 15% on your stay with promo code BYEBYEKIDDO. Visit www.hoteltrundle.com to book!
- Stay at Home2Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown, located just a few blocks from the USC campus.
- Stay at Hyatt Place Downtown Columbia Vista and enjoy 18% off your stay! Located in the heart of the Vista, walking distance to Colonial Life Arena and the USC Campus. Use code 1008131 to book!
During your session, parking will be available in the Bull Street Garage (611 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29208). This was included in your Orientation registration fee and you will not have to pay upon your arrival.
Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on day one in the Patterson Hall Courtyard, located directly across from the parking garage. Please have your QR code (shared via email) ready to scan when you arrive.
During New Student Orientation, we encourage students and supporters to participate in a service project benefitting an essential resource on campus, the Gamecock CommUNITY Shop. They aim to increase accessibility and provide holistic support to individuals experiencing basic needs insecurities. And you can help! Consider donating items to the Gamecock CommUNITY Shop during your New Student Orientation! A list of most needed items are included here:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Nut butters
- Canned fruit
- Canned chicken or tuna
- Cereal
- Rice Soups (especially vegetarian options)
- Snacks such as chips, cookies, etc.
- Dry and canned beans
- Non-refrigerated milk
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sauces, seasonings and salad dressing
You can drop these items off at Check-In during your New Student Orientation. If you would prefer to donate online, feel free to shop our Amazon wishlist and have it delivered to the Gamecock CommUNITY Shop directly.