Registration for New Student Orientation is open!
Students beginning classes in summer or fall 2023 can now register for a New Student Orientation session. Dates can be found below. Registration will close on May 12.
Welcome, Transfer Students!
Welcome to the family! Once you have been admitted to the university, your next step is registering and attending a New Student Orientation session. New Student Orientation is a great opportunity to connect with your peers and South Carolina faculty and staff, as well as learn more about the university and the resources available to you as a Gamecock student. If you are participating in early advisement, you will be advised and register for classes prior to attending your New Student Orientation session.
Transfer Orientation for Students being Early Advised
This is a in-person, one-day session during which you will need to be available beginning from 7:15 a.m. – 5 p.m. During your session you will hear from university faculty and staff, meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, learn about university resources and take care of several campus business items. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided during your session. Students must participate in all components of their Orientation session in order to successfully complete advising and registration.
Since you are being advised prior to New Student Orientation, you will not be able to meet with your advisor during your session. We highly recommend collecting your advisor’s contact information during your advisement in order to stay connected with them throughout the summer leading up to the fall semester.
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 8:30 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.
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.
Dates and Fees
New Student Orientation is a one-day program. Early advised transfer students should plan to be available from 7:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday, May 26.
Students: $130 per student
Guests: $50 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, 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.