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Orientation

Before You Arrive

Start preparing for your Fall Transfer Student Orientation by taking care of the preliminary details.

Still need to attend Orientation?

If you are a Transfer student starting in the Fall and you were not able to attend Orientation in June or July, then you must attend Orientation on August 17. This is a one-day orientation program with check-in begining at 7:30 a.m. Please refer to your confirmation email for accurate details. 

For Transfer Students

You are classified as a transfer student if you currently attend a post-secondary institution, or you have in the past, and you are coming to the University of South Carolina to continue your education.

 

Planning for Orientation

There some things you will need to do ahead of time to make sure you are able to register for classes and fully participate in orientation activities.

  1. Complete your advising homework.
    Watch the Pre-Orientation Advising Module and complete your Advising Worksheet.

  2. Take your math placement test online.
    Your math placement test should be taken at least two weeks prior to your orientation session.
    More about math placement testing »

  3. Register to take your foreign language placement test.
    The foreign language placement test should be taken before you attend Orientation. Testing is administered on campus and by appointment only.
    More about foreign language placement testing »

  4. Submit residency, citizenship and immunization records. 
    It is crucial that you submit your residency information, citizenship verification and immunization records prior to orientation to prevent holds on your account during the registration process.

  5. Request your CarolinaCard, your official university ID, online.
    To receive your CarolinaCard complete the Cardholder Agreement and upload your photo 72 hours prior to Orientation. If your photo is accepted, the CarolinaCard Office will send a confirmation email. Your CarolinaCard will be available for pick up the first day of Orientation with a valid driver's license, military ID or passport.

 

What to Bring to Orientation

  • Government-issued ID
    This is required to obtain your CarolinaCard. These include an unexpired drivers license, government issued identification card, military identification or passport. 

  • VIP ID and password
    You will use this throughout orientation, so please plan to memorize it or write it down in advance of your session.

  • Transcripts and records
    This includes AP/IB scores, high school transcripts, immunization records, your advising worksheet and any other relative correspondence.

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes
    Wear/bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Buildings are air-conditioned and may vary in temperature. Additionally, plan on a significant amount of walking throughout the orientation experience. If you or any of your guests do not have the ability to walk distances of several blocks or up and down stairs, please include that information in the "Special Accommodations" section on the reservation form so that we can accommodate you accordingly.

  • A Sweater or Sweatshirt
    Buildings are air-conditioned and may vary in temperature.

  • Umbrella or Rain Jacket
    Columbia is prone to afternoon rain showers.

  • Donation Item
    Consider bringing an item for the Community Engagement Service Project donations for Gamecock Pantry and Harvest Hope.