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Studnets gathered together with their arms raised at an event on Greene Street.

Carolina Welcome

At the University of South Carolina's fall, back-to-campus celebration enjoy equal parts of fun and discovery during your first days on campus.

Each year during Carolina Welcome, we roll out the garnet carpet for new and returning students. Beginning with Move-In and continuing well into the start of the fall semester, students can enjoy two weeks of fun and free activities to celebrate their arrival back on campus. Join in on a range of campus events such as First Night Carolina, New Student Convocation, Bustle at the Russell, Carolina Kickoff, the student organization and part-time job fairs, Service Saturday and much more.

Move In: Aug. 19-21

Prepare for your move to campus this fall. Find out everything you need to know about about packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and setting up your new campus base. Look for members of our Move-In Ambassadors — 500+ members of our faculty, staff and current students — who will be all over to lend a helping hand.

Move-In Days
Two students hugging while smiling when running into each other on a campus sidewalk.

 

  • Two students dancing on green street during a Hip Hop Wednesday.
  • Welcome Y'all

    As you get settled and prepare for classes to begin on Thurs., Aug. 24, spend a few days exploring campus, meeting classmates and sampling the many joys life on campus offers. Carolina Welcome is a time to get to know your new home while having a remarkable time.

    Can't Miss Events
  • The outdoor pool at the fitness center at dusk with people hanging out getting ready to watch a movie at the Dive-In Movie event.
  • Students receiving hamburgers and hot dogs at a welcome week cookout
  • Students get hugs from Cocky on the first day of class
  • Student playing miniature golf on Greene Street during welcome week

Welcome 2023

There's much to do in your first days on campus. Learn about resources for students, how you can get involved and meet fellow classmates during a range of on- and off-campus events.

Carolina Welcome will take place from August 21 – September 2! Get details about all Carolina Welcome events right in the university calendar. Use the calendar to set reminders for events, share them with friends and more.

Find Events
Students watch fireworks over the Russell House.

Campus Map

Visit the university's interactive campus map to locate scheduled activities, host locations and key details for all Carolina Welcome events.

View the Map
3D rendering of the Russell House on Greene Street from the campus map.
View of the Columbia skyline with the river in the foreground.

Home Sweet Home

See what's what in your new hometown, Columbia. Learn what's happening right now in the city's districts or make plans to experience the great outdoors.

Explore Columbia
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