Move-In Day may be the main event but you can have loads of fun before and after your big move, too. Check out local and on-campus events, and get details about move-in, Carolina Welcome and more!
When you arrive on campus to move-in on Monday, August 19 or Tuesday, August 20, 2019,
you'll quickly see that moving into your residence hall is just one milestone in several,
action-packed days before classes begin on Thursday, August 22. Before you can upload
your first #UofSCWelcome Instagram, we think you'll already feel at home!
It's just a few days, but it's a busy time for new and returning students. Take a glance at top events and tips.
Move-in is a busy blur of packing, loading, unloading and unpacking. We work hard to make your move as stress-free as possible with plenty of helping hands, careful orchestration and lots of refreshing water to help you beat the S.C. heat. Be sure to check the move-in schedule to make sure you arrive on your assigned day.
Use our move-in campus map to find out where you're going.
Many local hotels offer special rates for visitors to campus so mention us when you make your hotel reservations. If you're planning to stay in town a few days, see our calendar for events and Explore Columbia for can't-miss local experiences.
Take a few days to get to know campus and meet your fellow students. Plan to attend First Night Carolina and Convocation — two important moments you'll never forget. The fun continues for nearly two weeks as students get settled in with outdoor movies, an illusionist performance, a concert, Bustle at the Russell, the Opportunity Knocks Job Fair, Service Saturday, a comedy show, the two-day Student Organization Fair, a Night at the Fireflies and so much more.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Parent & Family Programs
Students, parents and family members are invited to stop by this information tent from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all things UofSC and Columbia! Parents can pick up information from the Office of Parent and Family Programs, and students and families can talk with representatives from the Department of Student Life about the many ways to get involved on campus.Campus maps and information about the city of Columbia will also be available. Enjoy great music while cooling off with water and the popular misting fan!
When: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: Russell House
Sponsor: Russell House
Come spend your last night of summer exploring the Russell House! At Bustle at the Russell, you get the opportunity to see more of what our Student Union has to offer while also getting to take home some great giveaways, play some fun games, grab some sweet treats, and make memories.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Colonial LIfe Arena
Sponsor: Provost
New students and their families are invited to the official welcome for incoming members of the Carolina family. Stay afterward for the reception where you can meet the president, university administrators and other fellow students.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Garnet Media Group
Garnet Media Group represents the collective partnership between the student media organizations at the University of South Carolina — The Daily Gamecock, SGTV, Garnet & Black and WUSC — and serves as the umbrella brand for those organizations, as well as an additional outlet for students’ collaborative efforts. Student members will be on Greene Street to answer questions about getting involved in one or more of Garnet Media Groups four organizations. All students are encouraged to join regardless of major. Garnet Media Group is a home for writers, photographers, DJ’s, videographers, graphic designers and more.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Horseshoe/Greene Street
The class of 2023’s first night at Carolina will start with Cocky’s Call where first year students meet on the Horseshoe to take part in their first “Gamecock” chant. Following Cocky’s Call, students will head to Greene Street for a street fair that will include food trucks, novelties, a DJ, fireworks and more!
When: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Garnet Media Group
Get to know who and what makes Columbia, S.C. the place to be. Visit the Discover Columbia Vendor Fair to learn about the places, people and purveyors who make our Southern spot, hot. Head to the Russell House to meet with local businesses and attractions, learn about the area and even grab a freebie or two.
When: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, 9 – 12 a.m.
Where: Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center
Sponsor: Thursday After Dark/Campus Recreation
Kick off the first Thursday After Dark of the semester at Strom! Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities including obstacle courses, group-X classes, water wars, screening of Aquaman poolside, free food and more!
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
The Faith Fair is an annual, interactive experience where you can connect with religious or spiritual student organizations and off-campus, Columbia-based organizations. This event is hosted by Interfaith Initiatives within the Department of Student Life.
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Russell House Ballroom
The Opportunity Knocks Part-Time Job Fair is a great opportunity for UofSC students and alumni to meet with potential employers to discuss part-time, work-study or work study positions on or off campus. Visit the Career Center for more information and tips on preparing for the job fair.
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
The AAAS Welcome Back Cookout welcomes students — both undergrad and graduate — to mix and mingle and learn about on-campus organizations such as the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Enjoy food, drinks and friendly conversation with new friends.
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 8 – 11 p.m.
Where: Russell House Ballroom
Sponsors: Gamecock Entertainment
Your quest is a campuswide scavenger hunt. Do you have what it takes? Make a team of up to five, and compete for some awesome prizes, including $500 cash from Founders!
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Theater
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Davis Field
Sponsor: Leadership & Service Center
Come out to the first Service Saturday of the year. Students, faculty and staff are invited to get involved and give back to the Columbia community by serving a local organization. Sign up in advance and join us Saturday morning for a day of service and reflection capped off by a free lunch. Transportation provided.
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: Target on Garner's Ferry Road
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
Head to Target for a night of music, shopping, exclusive offers and fun! Shuttles from the Bull St. loop next to the Russell House will be availale starting at 9:30 p.m.
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Theater
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
When: Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019, 10 a.m. - noon
Where: Campus Room in Capstone
Sponsor: Residence Hall Association
Come enjoy a delicious brunch sponsored by your Residence Hall Association. Free Admission. On-campus Residences only.
When: Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Theater
Sponsor: Carolina Productions
When: Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Campus Recreation
Stop by the Get Rec'd Fair to learn all Campus Recreation has to offer. Watch a group exercise demo, participate in a fitness challenge, talk to a personal trainer, get your bike tuned up by a Bike Shop specialist, learn about equipment rentals from the Rental Shop, talk to a certified athletic trainer, win a prize competing in an Intramural Sports event and find out about the many sport clubs you can participate in.
When: Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Ballroom
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs welcomes ALL students to campus and invites your to celebrate the diversity UofSC has to offer. Mingle with incoming and current students, meet faculty and staff, and student organizations the with carnival games, free food and door prizes.
When: Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, 8 – 11 p.m.
Where: The Senate
Sponsor: Thursday After Dark/Carolina Productions
Which band will win it all? Rock out with your fellow Gamecocks at The Senate starting at 8 p.m. Shuttles will be availaible from the Horseshoe starting at 7:30 p.m.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Healthy Carolina
Welcome to a Healthy Carolina! Come out to Greene Street to help us kickoff our health and wellness initiatives for the year. Learn about everything Student Health Services has to offer to keep you at your best. Meet our facility dog, Indy, test your skills at trivia and check out the vendors at our weekly farmers market.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, 11 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Village Idiot, Five Points
Sponsor: Thursday After Dark
Bingo and your favorite hits collide in this addictive night of fun! Did we mention there’s pizza?!
When: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Sponsor: Leadership & Service Center
Looking to join a new student organization this year? Stop by the fall Student Organization Fair and meet with representatives from more than 170 student organizations outside on Greene Street.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Koger Center Lawn
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
Have you met Gamecock Entertainment? Your home for free and fun stuff to do both on and off campus! Join us for a movie on the lawn at the Koger Center, and see what we have in store for campus events this fall!
When: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
The Community Service Fair is a way for students, faculty and staff to connect with non-profit agencies and on-campus service organizations and learn more about volunteering, internships and networking opportunities. Stop by to learn all the ways you can give back to the Columbia and Carolina communities.
When: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, 7 p.m. (shuttles from the Horseshoe start at 6 p.m.)
Where: Segra Park
Sponsor: Thursday After Dark
Join Thursday After Dark for a Night at the Fireflies!! Tickets are FREE (w/Carolina Card), and shuttles will be provided starting at 6 p.m. at the Horseshoe. Food and drinks will also be provided at the stadium.
When: Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Greene Street
Celebrate the start of football season at Carolina! Bring yoru school spirit to Greene St. for cheers, chants, and all things Gamecock!
When: Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Theater
When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019
Where: Russell House Ballroom
Sponsor: Gamecock Entertainment
Can't make it to Charlotte to watch our Carolina Gamecocks play the North Carolina Tar Heels? No worries, the Russell House has you COVERED! At 3 p.m., make your way over to the Russell House Ballroom and watch the game on our BIG SCREEN, HIGH-DEFINITION projectors with 300 of your closest Gamecock friends. FREE FOOD and DRINKS provided, and maybe even a prize or two! Join us for this annual student tradition. GO COCKS!
When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, 8 p.m.
Where: Russell House Theater
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019
Location: Currell 107
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019
Location: Russell House University Union 200 Lobby - Special Event
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019
Location: RHUU Greene Street Space 03