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Carolina Experience Transfer Mentor Program Welcome Dinner
Transfer students participating in the Transfer Mentor Program in the Carolina Experience mid-semester dinner. Hosted by the Carolina Experience office. For more information please visit: go.sc.edu/transfersuccess.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Sunday, August 16, 2026, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
Fall Transfer Student Welcome Kick-Off!
Transfer Welcome is a three-week long program is dedicated to helping new transfer students adjust to the university and feel welcomed and connected. Join us Fall 2026 Transfer Welcome will consist of more than 10 events that are designed for transfer students at USC but are open to all USC students.
Join us on Monday, August 17 for the kick-off day for the series! Find your class tours, welcome lunch, how to get athletic tickets, and more! Visit the transfer success website to see a complete line up and RSVP for all events. An RSVP is required.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Monday, August 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
First Night Carolina
Twas the night before classes, and all through the school, Student Life threw a bash that was nothing but cool! Join us on August 17 for First Night Carolina, your official kickoff to an unforgettable year filled with spirit, tradition, and Gamecock pride!
Whether you’re a first-year student or returning for another amazing year, this high-energy event is your chance to connect, celebrate, and get pumped for everything ahead. You won’t want to miss it!
Monday, August 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
SEC Conference Room, RHUU Greene Street, RHUU Russell House Patio, RHUU Russell House Patio Stage, Davis Field I - RHUU Side, Davis Field II - Longstreet Side, Greene Street Preston Side, Greene Street Petigru Side, Davis Field II - Thomas Cooper…
First Day Photos
Come celebrate the start of the semester by taking your official first day photo on August 18th in front of the Thomas Cooper Library fountain! Whether it's your first #FDOC or your last, we would love to capture the moment for you. We will be there 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Office of New Student Orientation.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Davis Field II - Thomas Cooper Library Side.
RHA Block Party
Kickoff the year with food, giveaways, and memories on Greene St!
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
SophoMORE Welcome Back Carnival
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
Start with Success
Plan out your semester while getting a better understanding of achieving your preferred GPA! Free snacks, school supplies, and prizes!
Admission Cost: 0.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Thomas Cooper Library Mezzanine - Student Success Center.
Transfer Welcome- Hidden Gems Campus Tours
You know where your classes are but do you know the best study spots? Best place to take a Carolina selfie? The best place to eat? Join us for this walking tour to see some hidden gems of the USC campus! We will begin in the Carolina Experience office and walk to various locations. Hosted by the Carolina Experience office. Part of Transfer Welcome but open to all USC students. RSVP required.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Russell House University Union 034 The Carolina Experience Office.
Transfer Welcome- Transfer Success Workshop
Transfer students know how to do college already, but they may need a little extra support in adapting to the large Columbia campus. This session will go over our top tips on how to succeed at USC and cover items that we hear from transfer students each year: common USC slang, common apps at USC, best places to study, where to eat on and off campus and more! Hosted by the Carolina Experience office. Part of Transfer Welcome but open to all USC students. RSVP required.
Admission Cost: free.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Russell House University Union 034 The Carolina Experience Office.
SophoMORE September Tie Dye
Bring your own t-shirt or grab one of the 200 FREE sophomore shirts available and learn to tie-dye while hanging out with other sophomore students. Tie-Dye is from 12-3:30 or until we run out of shirts and dye. Hosted by the Carolina Experience team as part of SophoMORE September. Open to ALL USC students.
Admission Cost: free.
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Davis Field I - RHUU Side.
College Colors Day
It’s time to show your Gamecock pride! Join us on Greene Street for College Colors Day and celebrate all things garnet & black.
What’s Happening:
Spirit giveaways & free swag,
Fun photo ops with your friends,
Music, games, and surprise fandom moments,
A chance to win Gamecock-themed prizes,
Throw on your best garnet & black gear, bring your friends, and help us paint the street in Carolina pride!
Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
RAIN DATE- SopoMORE Sept Carnival
RAIN DATE.
Admission Cost: free.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
RHUU Greene Street, Greene Street Middle, RHUU Greene Street - Stage.
SophoMORE September- Mug Painting Party
Bring your artistic skills and decorate a coffee mug and chat with other sophomore students. Mug is yours to keep, good artistic skills not required. Hosted by the Carolina Experience team as part of SophoMORE September. Open to ALL USC students. Get more information at go.sc.edu/sophomoresuccess.
Admission Cost: free.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Davis Field I - RHUU Side.
Mutual Expectations - September
Join us for FREE lunch and great conversation! Mutual Expectations is a program designed to help students and university faculty and staff to gain a deeper understanding of one another. By opening the lines of communication, we are better equipped to develop a more collaborative learning environment.
Open and free to all USC students, faculty and staff. An RSVP is required.
To see discussion topics and RSVP, please visit the Carolina Experience website. go.sc.edu/expectations.
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
SophoMORE September Tailgate
Kick off your second year at the Sophomore September Tailgate—your go-to event for fun, food, and connection. Enjoy games, music, and free food while meeting other sophomores and campus partners.
Discover resources designed to help you thrive this year, from academics to career planning and beyond—all in one place.
Come for the vibes, leave ready to make the most of sophomore year.
Hosted by the Carolina Experience visit go.sc.edu/sophsept for more info!
Admission Cost: free.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street, Greene Street Middle, RHUU Greene Street - Stage.
SophoMORE September Game Night
A gamified way to learn about finances post-graduation with real life situations. You will play as a character with an assigned salary, job, and responsibilities on a gameboard similar to Monopoly and Life. Join us for the fun and win prizes! Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience office. A part of SophoMORE September but open to ALL students at USC. Please RSVP at go.sc.edu/sophsept,
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Admission Cost: free.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Russell House Room 322.
SophoMORE September- Midterm Prep Workshop
Build a practical study plan for your midterm exams by exploring personal study strategies and practicing how to break exam materials down into smaller study units. Hosted by the Student Success Center and Carolina Experience as part of SophoMORE September. Open to all USC students. Event runs from 5-6:30pm and there is scheduled time to work on study plans. Please RSVP at go.sc.edu/sophsept.
Admission Cost: free.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Russell House Ballroom A.