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Gamecock Entertainment Sunday Night Social
Welcome to Carolina Gamecocks! Join Gamecock Entertainment and RHA for icecream, crafts, yard games, and more on Davis Field outside of the Russell House. We can't wait to see you there!
Sunday, August 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
RHUU Russell House Patio, RHUU Russell House Patio Stage, Davis Field I - RHUU Side, Russell House University Union 200 Lobby - Special Event, Davis Field II.
Welcome Freshman Event
College of Education - Welcome Freshman Event.
Monday, August 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
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…
Gamecock Greeting Crew
Gamecock Greeting Crew will be available on the first TWO days of classes to welcome students back to campus and help them find their way to their classroom buildings. Crew members will have FREE USC student planners, t-shirts and campus maps. Be on the lookout for staff to help you find your way!
Stations across campus include:
Davis Circle (beside the Russell House)
Pickens St Bridge
Bull Street Garage
DMSB
Cocky Statue
Longstreet Theatre.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Davis Field II - Longstreet Side, RHUU Pickens Street Bridge Space 01, RHUU Davis Circle Space 03.
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.
Gamecock Greeting Crew
Gamecock Greeting Crew will be available on the first TWO days of classes to welcome students back to campus and help them find their way to their classroom buildings. Crew members will have FREE USC student planners, t-shirts and campus maps. Be on the lookout for staff to help you find your way!
Stations across campus include:
Davis Circle (beside the Russell House)
Pickens St Bridge
Bull Street Garage
DMSB
Cocky Statue
Longstreet Theatre.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Davis Field II - Longstreet Side, RHUU Pickens Street Bridge Space 01, RHUU Davis Circle Space 03.
McCausland MCEC Student Organization Fairof Arts and Sciences Welcome Back Bash
Swearingen Engineering Center, 1st floor (lobby and surrounding spaces).
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Graduate Welcome Picnic
Graduate Welcome Picnic.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
Part Time Job Fair
Are you looking for a part-time/summer job on- or off-campus? If yes, the USC Career Center invites you to the Fall 2026 Part Time Job Fair in the Russell House Ballroom!
Prior registration on Handshake is encouraged, but not required. This event is open to USC Columbia students, at all levels and from all majors. Be sure to bring your smart phone for faster check-in.
Come as you are in casual attire- professional dress is not expected for this event. Drop-in between classes or on your way to lunch!
The full list of employers will be available a few days before the fair. Check Handshake periodically as new employers are added as they register. If you have questions prior to the fair, contact the Career Center.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom.
SophoMORE Welcome Back Carnival
Admission Cost: FREE.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
IFC on Greene
Meet and engage with chapters to learn about Fall 2025 recruitment for organizations within the Interfraternity Council.
Admission Cost: None.
Sunday, August 23, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
RHUU Greene Street.
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences Welcome Back Bash
Kick off the semester at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences Welcome Back Bash! Students from all majors are invited to enjoy free food, live music, photos with Cocky and Sir Big Spur, airbrush tattoos, free T-shirts for undergraduates, and opportunities to connect with campus resources, upcoming college events, and the Arts and Sciences Ambassador Program. Drop in and join the fun!
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
See event description for more details.
CommUnity Welcome
Monday, August 31, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Russell House Ballroom, Russell House University Union 202 Lounge.
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.