Orientation

How To Register

During your session you will meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, attend an academic college visit, learn about university resources and living at USC, and take care of several campus business items. Lunch and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast and lunch on Day 2 will be provided. 

All reservations for students and families are made online at my.sc.edu. Use your USC ID and password to log in to the Orientation Portal. The portal is only accessible through Google Chrome or Firefox.

• Step 1: Pay your enrollment deposit.

  Pay your $200 nonrefundable enrollment deposit through your USC Admissions Portal at apply.sc.edu/status. The enrollment deposit deadline is May 1. This is separate from the Orientation fee.

• Step 2: Set up your account.

  If you haven’t already done so, use the IDs shown in your USC Admissions Portal to claim your account at myaccount.sc.edu. Select “Account Claiming” on the Manage User Account page and then complete the following steps: 

  • Enter your VIP ID, legal last name and birthdate. 
  • Add security questions for account verification. 
  • Access you USC email address and set up your email preference. 
  • Add emergency contact information. 
  • Set up Multifactor Authentication (MFA). 
• Step 3: Register for Orientation.

  To register for orientation:
  Log on to your account at my.sc.edu, click the “Admissions” tab, then select “Orientation Services.” From there, choose “Columbia” from the drop-down menu and follow the on-screen instructions. Only available dates for May, June and July will be shown in your account.
  

  Planning tip:
  If you have a preferred session date, we recommend planning around graduations, vacations or work commitments to secure your spot.
  

  Need to make a change?
  You can update your reservation at any time, as long as your new session still has space and is more than two business days away.

• Step 4: Pay for your Orientation session.

  To complete your registration, pay the $260 student session fee and, if applicable, the $130 fee per family/supporter attending. Your orientation reservation is not confirmed until payment is received. You will receive an email confirmation once your payment has been processed.

  If you need to cancel, you must do so at least two weeks before your scheduled session to be eligible for a refund. To request a refund, email the Orientation Office at orientation@sc.edu with the following information:

  • First and last name
  • USC ID
  • Contact information
  • Reason for refund request

  Note: All refund requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to a $35 administrative fee.

• Step 5: Request special accommodation (if applicable).

  If you or your supporters require accommodations for mobility, hearing, vision or dietary needs, we’re happy to help. You can request accommodations during the Orientation registration process by completing the “Special Accommodations” section.
  
  If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Orientation Office at 803-777-2780 or email us at orientation@sc.edu.

• Step 6: Check out a sample schedule.

  Program schedules with times and locations will be emailed to registered students and supporters two days prior to their scheduled session. Following is a sample schedule:

  Day One (7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.)
  
  Morning:
  

  • Check-in
  • Resource fair
  • Welcome
  • Campus partner presentations
  • Small group

  Afternoon:
  

  • Lunch
  • Academic college visits
  • Breakout sessions/Special population meetings
  • Small group

  Evening:
  

  • Dinner
  • Reader’s Theatre
  • Small groups
  • Gamecocks After Dark (evening social)

  
  Day Two (7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  
  Morning:
  

  • Breakfast
  • Campus partner presentations
  • Small group

  Afternoon:
  

  • Lunch
  • Academic advising
  • Next steps
  • Campus business checklist

• Prepare for Orientation

  After you’ve registered for Orientation, follow the GoingGarnet! steps to stay on track and complete all required tasks before arriving on campus.