Registration for Spring Orientation will open soon!
Registration for 2026 Spring Orientations will open on October 29 @ 12:00 pm ET. Read below for more information about what to expect during your Orientation experience.
Overview
If you are a freshman or transfer beginning classes in January (Spring Term), you are required to attend a Spring Orientation session the same month. These are in-person, one-day sessions during which you will need to be available beginning from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. During your session you will hear from university faculty and staff, meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, attend an academic college visit, learn about university resources and take care of several campus business items. In addition, this is when you will meet with an advisor and get registered for spring courses. Lunch will be provided during your session. Students must participate in all components of their Orientation session in order to successfully complete advising and registration.
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 advising and registration process during New Student Orientation, it is important that you complete the following tasks at least two weeks before your session:
- Complete the Enrollment Checklist in your USC Admissions Portal. This includes completing your immunization forms, placement tests and citizenship and residency verifications
- Register for New Student Orientation. Registration opens October 29 at Noon ET.
- Register your guests for Family and Supporter Orientation. Families, supporters and guests are encouraged to attend with their student.
- 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.
- Submit your CarolinaCard photo. You will pick-up your CarolinaCard during your session. This is your official USC ID.
- 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.
Specialized Academic Programs
Our team offers a variety of Orientation programs for specialized academic programs at the university. Find your program below to determine if there is anything you need to prepare for prior to your session.
Student-athletes and families/supporters will attend a mandatory meeting with their program during their New Student Orientation in January. After your session, Gamecock Athletics will host an additional Orientation program for student-athletes only.
Dates and Fees
Spring Orientation is a one-day program. Students should plan to be available from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jan. 8, 2026
Jan. 9, 2026
Students: $130 per student
Guests: $65 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 meals, parking, facility rentals, equipment, printing and staff salaries.
Changing or Cancelling Your Session
Sessions remain open until filled. If the session does not fill, it will close two business days prior to its start. You are able to change your New Student Orientation reservation at anytime, as long as the new desired date is still open. If you need to cancel your reservation, you will need to do so at least two weeks prior to your session in order to request a refund. To request a refund, please email our office at orientation@sc.edu. In your email, please include the following student information:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Contact information
- Reason for refund
There is a $35 administration fee associated with all refunds. You will receive an email confirmation upon your request being approved.