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Students toasting marshmallows at a fire pit at RecFlix n' Chilll.

Carolina Welcome

At the University of South Carolina's fall, back-to-campus celebration enjoy equal parts of fun and discovery during your first days on campus.

Each year during Carolina Welcome, we roll out the garnet carpet for new and returning students. Beginning with Move-In and continuing well into the start of the fall semester, students can enjoy two weeks of fun and free activities to celebrate being on campus. Experience big-time campus events such as Bustle at the Russell, First Night Carolina, Football Season Kickoff, the student organization and part-time job fairs and much more.

Move In: Aug. 17-18

Prepare for your move to campus this fall. Find out everything you need to know about about packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and setting up your new campus base. Look for members of our Move-In Ambassadors — 500+ members of our faculty, staff and current students — who will be all over to lend a helping hand.

Move-In Days
Two students hugging while smiling when running into each other on a campus sidewalk.
  • Two students dancing on green street during a Hip Hop Wednesday.

  • Welcome Y'all

    As you settle in and prepare for classes to begin on Tuesday, August 20, spend time exploring campus, meeting classmates and sampling the many joys of campus life. Carolina Welcome is a time to get to know your new home while having a remarkable time.

  • The outdoor pool at the fitness center at dusk with people hanging out getting ready to watch a movie at the Dive-In Movie event.
  • DJ's hands and a dj turntable
  • Students get hugs from Cocky during First Night celebration
  • Student playing miniature golf on Greene Street during welcome week

Find Your Fun

During Carolina Welcome, August 18 – 31, learn about student resources, how you can get involved and meet classmates during a full schedule of on- and off-campus events. Visit the university calendar to see events, set reminders and more.

Find Events

First Night Carolina

There’s your first night on campus and then there’s First Night Carolina. Revel in an action-packed evening on the Horseshoe and Greene Street the night before classes begin. You’ll never forget your first Sandstorm as a student at Cocky’s Call through the energetic block party with live music and fireworks. 

Students watch fireworks over the Russell House.

Campus Map

Visit the university's interactive campus map to locate scheduled activities, host locations and key details for all Carolina Welcome events.

View the Map
3D rendering of the Russell House on Greene Street from the campus map.
View of the Columbia skyline with the river in the foreground.

Home Sweet Home

See what's what in your new hometown, Columbia. Learn what's happening right now in the city's districts or make plans to experience the great outdoors.

Explore Columbia
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