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. 

In order to have a successful New Student Orientation experience, complete the following tasks prior to attending:

1. Complete the Enrollment Checklist in your USC Admissions Portal. This includes completing your immunization forms, placement tests and citizenship and residency verifications
2. Register for New Student Orientation. Registration opens March 19 at Noon ET .
3. Register your guests for Family and Supporter Orientation. Families, supporters and guests are encouraged to attend with their student.
4. Complete your Cocky Transitions Modules. Let's get cocky about becoming a Gamecock! Our comprehensive Pre-Orientation Modules will set the tone for your Orientation and deliver important information about your specific USC experience.
5. Submit your CarolinaCard photo. You will pick-up your CarolinaCard during your session. This is your official USC ID.
6. Gather donations for the Gamecock Pantry. Non-perishable food items are collected during each session to support the Gamecock Pantry within the Gamecock CommUnity Shop.

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. 

Incoming fall student-athletes will be required to attend one of two Orientation sessions specified for this program:

• June 20
• Aug. 1

Closer to the start of the semester, the Dodie Anderson Academic Center will host an additional Orientation program for student-athletes only. 

Transfer students who participate in early advisement prior to New Student Orientation are highly encouraged to attend their session on May 23, regardless of their starting term. If you are unable to attend on this date, please register for the next available Orientation. Space is limited, so we recommend attending the earliest session available. You will not be guaranteed the opportunity to meet with your advisor during Orientation, so please be sure to collect their contact information during your advising appointment. For specific questions regarding early advisement, please email transferadvising@sc.edu.

Fall Transfer Orientation is a one-day program. Students should plan to be available from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

• June 20
• July 11
• Aug. 1

If you are planning your attendance around a standing commitment (e.g. graduations, work, vacation, etc.), please do so after you have formally registered and paid for New Student Orientation.

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 lunch, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.