Before You Arrive
Find out how you can be best prepared for your Spring Orientation session in January.
Registration for Spring Orientation is closed.
Registration for Spring Orientation is currently closed. Please check back later in the year for updates!
Welcome Freshman and Transfer Students!
Orientation is a great time to meet many of your peers, faculty and staff, as well as learn more about the university and the resources available to you as a student. This one-day, in-person session is designed to make your transition to our campus community as smooth as possible. Students starting at the University of South Carolina during the spring semester are included in this session.
What to Expect
New Student Orientation is the first step in helping you successfully transition into the Gamecock community. We understand it may be time filled with excitement, but also nervousness. That's why our goal is to help you feel comfortable with your life as a Gamecock! We are excited to return to a fully in-person program for students and families. In accordance with current university guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings will be required at all times inside all campus buildings, unless you are in your own residence hall room, private office or you are eating inside campus dining facilities. They are also required on shuttles, buses and other forms of university transportation. This is regardless of vaccination status. For more information on COVID-19 safety at South Carolina, visit the landing page.
As a part of the program, you will:
- Connect UofSC faculty and staff and get to know some of your peers.
- Learn the University of South Carolina campus.
- Get acquainted with our campus policies and procedures.
- Be equipped with a list of resources to help you succeed.
- Learn about your academic program's curriculum and degree requirements.
- Participate in an academic advising appointment and register for classes.
Note: Attendance is mandatory for the entire Orientation program; incompletion of your Orientation may impact your ability to register for classes.
Dates and Fees
Jan. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jan. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For Student: $130
For Family or Guest: $50 per family member/guest
This fee covers the cost of supplies and resources for New Student Orientation. It also helps cover salaries for student staff, printing, transportation, equipment and
facility rentals. Registered family members or guests will receive access to supplies,
materials and resources. Click here to learn more about our Family and Guest Orientation.
All fees are nonrefundable.
What You Need to Know
Cancelling or Changing Your Session
Students will be able to change their orientation session after payment. If you choose to change your request, please log back into the Orientation Portal and make the change within the system. Please note: Registration closes two (2) business days before the start of each orientation session.