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. You will also meet with an advisor and register for classes. Lunch will be provided. 

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• Step 1: 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 2: 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. 
  

  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 3: Pay for your Orientation session.

  To complete your registration, pay the $130 student session fee and, if applicable, the $65 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 4: Request special accommodations (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 5: Check out a sample schedule.
  Program schedules with times and locations will be emailed to registered students two days prior to their scheduled session. Following is a sample schedule:
  
  

  7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

  Morning: 

  • Check-in
  • Welcome
  • Campus partner presentations
  • Small groups
  • Academic college visits 

  Afternoon 

  • Lunch
  • Resource fair/Breakout sessions
  • Academic advisement
  • Campus business checklist 

Prepare for Orientation

Now that you’ve registered for an Orientation session, what’s next? If you’re an admitted student starting at USC in the Spring or Summer, use the GoingGarnet! steps below to stay on track with everything you need to complete before arriving on campus.

• 

  Step 1: Complete Cocky Transitions

  Cocky Transitions offers and introduction to key topics related to academic advising and next steps, and provides information on student life, paying for college, safety and well-being and more.

• 

  Step 2: Complete Pre-Orientation Checklist

  Before your New Student Orientation session, be sure to complete all required items in your USC Admissions Portal including the Pre-Orientation Checklist. Then visit our Plan Your Visit page for what to bring and places to see while you’re in Columbia, SC.

• 

  Step 3: Submit Your CarolinaCard photo

  Be sure to upload your photo at least one week prior to your Orientation session; it will serve as your meal ticket during New Student Orientation. Your CarolinaCard will be available during the morning of your Orientation session.