Orientation

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Orientation. If you don’t see your question answered here, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@sc.edu or call 803-777-2780 — we’re happy to help!

General

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• How do I claim my USC account?

  After you’re admitted, you’ll receive an email with instructions for claiming your USC Network ID (username). To get started, visit myaccount.sc.edu, verify your identity and set your password. Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to key university systems including Self Service Carolina, your USC email and Blackboard.

• How do I register for Orientation?

  You can register for Orientation through the Orientation Portal, available at my.sc.edu. Log on using your USC Network ID and password to access your registration options.

• I was recently admitted to USC, but I cannot register for Orientation. Why?

  Access to the Orientation Portal becomes available within 48 hours of paying your enrollment deposit for freshmen or of being admitted for transfers.

• Why is Orientation required?

  Orientation is a required program designed to help you succeed as a future Gamecock. During Orientation, you’ll learn about campus resources, academic expectations and student life, all while connecting with fellow students and getting to know your new campus.

• What is the deadline for Orientation registration?

  Summer/Fall students: Orientation registration opens on March 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET and closes on May 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

  Spring students: Orientation registration opened on October 29 at 12:00 p.m. ET and closes on January 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

  Space in each session is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible to reserve your desired Orientation date.

• Why do I have to pay for Orientation?

  The Orientation fee covers the cost of program materials, facility rentals, parking and transportation, staff support and meals provided during your session. These resources ensure you have a smooth and informative start to your USC experience.

• What should I wear/bring to Orientation?

  Orientation takes place rain or shine, so dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather with a light rain jacket or umbrella. Be sure to also bring:

  • Your VIP ID, USC ID and USC system password
  • A state-issued ID and/or driver’s license
  • Your parking pass
  • Overnight essentials (for two-day Orientation sessions)
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Device chargers
  • Donations for the Gamecock CommUnity Shop
• Can I change my major at Orientation?

  If you haven’t attended Orientation yet and know you’d like to change your major, it’s best to do so before your scheduled session. Visit your USC Admissions Portal and submit a major change request as soon as possible to ensure your Orientation reflects your new academic program.

  If you decide to change your major during Orientation, staff will help you update your records and adjust your class schedule. Please note that some programs have specific requirements or limited space, so changes are subject to availability.

• Can I cancel or reschedule my Orientation?

  You can cancel or reschedule your session through your Orientation Portal or by contacting the Office of New Student Orientation. Make any changes as early as possible to ensure your preferred date. Sessions can fill quickly, and refunds may not be available after certain deadlines.

• What if I am running late to my Orientation session?

  Students must check in for New Student Orientation before 10:00 a.m. for two-day programs or before 8:30 a.m. for one-day programs. Students who arrive after these times will not be permitted to continue with the program and will need to reschedule for a later date.

  This policy applies regardless of the reason for delay, including flight issues, traffic or weather. While we understand that travel plans can be unpredictable, every component of Orientation is required, and arriving late means missing key parts of the program that cannot be made up.

• How do I request a refund for Orientation?

  Refund requests must be submitted by email to the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@sc.edu at least two weeks (14 days) before your scheduled Orientation session.

  Your email must include:

  • Student’s first and last name
  • USC ID
  • Contact information
  • Reason for the cancellation request

  Refunds requested within the appropriate time frame are subject to a $35 administrative fee.

• Do I have to pay for my Orientation fee at the time of registration?

  You’re encouraged to pay your Orientation fee when you register, as your registration isn’t complete until payment is received. If you’re unable to pay at that time, you may request a fee deferment by contacting the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@sc.edu. A deferment allows your Orientation fee to be added to your first tuition bill, so no immediate payment is required. The Bursar’s Office will then collect the fee along with your tuition and other university charges during your first semester.

  Your deferment request email must include:

  • Student’s first and last name
  • USC ID
  • Contact information
  • Desired Orientation date(s)

  Please allow 2–3 business days for the deferment process to be completed.

• How do I request special accommodations for myself or my guest attending Orientation?

  If you or a family member/supporter need assistance during New Student Orientation, you can submit an accommodations request through the Orientation Portal or by contacting the Office of New Student Orientation. Accommodations may include support for visual, auditory, physical or dietary needs.

  We will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for requests submitted at least one week before your scheduled Orientation date. Requests made with less than one week’s notice will be accommodated when possible but cannot be guaranteed.

  Students who need ongoing or classroom-related accommodations during their time at the University of South Carolina should register with the Student Disability Resource Center.

• Is parking available during Orientation?

  Yes, parking is included in your registration fee. Further details and a parking pass will be provided in your confirmation email. Please display your parking pass on your dashboard when arriving on campus.

Freshman

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• Do I have to stay on campus during Orientation?

  First-year students attending a two-day orientation are required to stay overnight in on-campus housing as part of the program. This helps you connect with other new students and get a true sense of what campus life will be like once you start classes at USC.

• Can I choose my roommate for Orientation?

  Roommate assignments for Orientation are made randomly to encourage new connections and help you meet fellow students. Because of limited space and the short duration of the program, roommate requests cannot be accommodated. If you have specific housing needs or accessibility concerns, please contact the Office of New Student Orientation in advance for assistance.

Transfer

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• I’ve already attended Orientation at another school. Why do I have to attend Orientation at USC?

  All new full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to attend Orientation at USC. Even if you’ve previously attended another college, Orientation will help you learn about USC’s specific policies, academic processes and campus resources so you can easily navigate your new community.

• I was recently readmitted to USC. Why do I have to attend Orientation again?

  Universities move quickly and policies, procedures and requirements are constantly changing. If it has been two years or more since your last Orientation, you’ll need to attend again to ensure you have the most current information about your academic program, college and university resources.

• Can I opt in for overnight housing during Orientation?

  No. On-campus housing is not available for students attending transfer Orientation sessions.

Families/Supporters

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• Are on-campus housing accommodations available for family members or supporters attending Orientation?

  No. Overnight accommodations during New Student Orientation are available only for students. Family members and supporters are encouraged to arrange off-campus lodging for their stay. For recommendations and local options, visit the Plan Your Visit section of our website.

• Should I attend Orientation with my student?

  Yes! We strongly encourage supporters to attend Orientation alongside their student. The program includes dedicated sessions for families and supporters that highlight campus resources, student life and ways to best support your student’s transition to USC. While some sessions are attended together, others are separate to ensure both students and supporters receive information tailored to their unique experiences.

• If I’m not sure I can attend Orientation with my student, should I still register?

  Yes. Students can add a family member or supporter to their Orientation registration through the Orientation Portal up to two days before their scheduled session. However, we recommend registering as soon as possible since space is limited and sessions may fill quickly.

• If I register for Orientation, will I attend the same programming as my student?

  You’ll see your student at various points during Orientation, but the Family & Supporter Orientation schedule is separate from the student program. Some sessions are designed specifically for family members and supporters, while others are for students only.

• Are children or siblings allowed to attend Orientation?

  Yes! We welcome future Gamecocks to campus. Please note that the sessions can be long and may not be ideal for young children. Children under the age of 12 must be registered for Orientation but will only be charged for the meals included in the program.