Frequently Asked Questions

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

What is the best way to nd student organizations?

GarnetGate is the online home for our student organizations. Log in using your UofSC username and password to nd a full list of student organizations and events to get involved with.

How long are the time commitments for many organizations?

Most organizations have exible expectations around time commitments, so you can decide what level of involvement works for your schedule and interests.

Is it best to get involved in your freshman year or can I wait?

Most organizations will accept new members of any class standing, so it’s up to you. The sooner you get involved, the earlier you meet your lifelong friends. No two students take the same involvement path, so whenever you are ready to get involved is when you will create your own unique experience.

Can I get involved in student government as a freshman?

Yes, Student Government has a Freshman Council that serves as an entry-level opportunity to learn more about SG and allows you to build your leadership skills while being the student voice for the freshman class. Applications are open on GarnetGate now and will close on Sept. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

How do I start a new student organization?

WIth over 500 student organizations, odds are good that you’ll be able to nd one that ts your interests, but if not, the rst step to creating a new student organization is to complete the New Student Organization Intent Form. You can nd this form on the Leadership and Service Center’s sc.edu website.

How do I join Greek life?

All fraternities and sororities at the University are governed by four councils. Depending on which council the organization is part of, recruitment and intake events will begin early in the fall but also may continue throughout the year. The o ce of Fraternity and Sorority Life o ers a guide to Greek life on its sc.edu website that covers the recruitment process in-depth and includes a list of important dates.

What type of radio station is WUSC?

WUSC FM & HD-1 is an all-student run, Non-Top 40, and noncommercial radio station. WUSC focuses on educating both the DJ and the listener about all di erent types of music by not playing songs or albums that have charted in the Top 40 in the last 40 years. Instead of airing commercials, it is sustained by support from local businesses and fundraising in the Carolina community.

How do I nd people who share my spiritual beliefs?

You can check out the Spiritual and Religious Life website on sc.edu. You can also visit GarnetGate and lter the student organizations by a ““Faith-Based & Spiritual” category to narrow the search. A few examples of faith-based student organizations are Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Hillel Foundation, and Muslim Students Association.

How do I nd underrepresented communities like me?

The O ce of Multicultural Student A airs (OMSA) helps represent the historically underrepresented community at the University. They help students create a community of acceptance for individuals as well as nurture an atmosphere of inclusion and positive social change through programming, events and The Intersection student lounge, which is located on the bottom oor of the West Wing of Russell House.

What are the programs OMSA o ers to rst-year students?

OMSA o ers a Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP), which connects students from marginalized communities with upperclassmen mentors who provide resources and support throughout the course of the program. For LGBTQ+ students, OMSA hosts Queer Connections, an event series focused on creating community and supportive spaces for queer and trans students. Firstyear students can also participate in OMSA’s social justice program, a 10-week certi cate program for students to learn about social justice and how to combat bias and discrimination.

What is Hip Hop Wednesday?

Hip Hop Wednesday is hosted by the O ce of Multicultural Student A airs. It is a once-a-month event on Greene Street where students, faculty, and sta gather to socialize while a DJ spins new- and oldschool hip hop.

TICKETS

How do my parents get season tickets for Gamecock Football?

A Parent Season Ticket is a package that includes two season tickets to all seven home games, plus a membership to the Gamecock Club for $750. Additional tickets can also be purchased for $350 each.

Which sports can you earn reward points for attending?

You can earn reward points by attending any Gamecock Athletics event.

CAMPUS

Is it easy to nd my way around campus?

Like any larger, urban campus, it may take a little time to get used to nding your way. Luckily, Southern hospitality means all you need to do is ask someone for help if you’re lost! In addition, https://sc.edu/ visit/ also features an interactive campus map to help you nd your way to and around campus, and a great strategy is to practice your routes to and from class and dining facilities before the rst day of class.

Will I need my car on campus?

This is truly a personal choice that depends on your speci c needs, but rst-year students living on campus commonly leave their cars at home since pretty much anything you could need is available on campus. While there are roads that cut through campus and parking options, walking, riding shuttles, biking and skateboarding tend to be the main forms of transportations across the campus itself.

Is it best to get a surface lot parking permit or garage parking permit?

The type of parking permit that’s best for you completely depends on your preferences. Garage spots are more expensive, but surface lot parking tends to ll up quickly and be in higher demand during the day. Some garages o er rst-come,

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rst-served parking and some o er reserved spots. The best resource to help you make a decision on parking permits is Parking & Transportation Services, which is located online at sc.edu/parking.

What is the best way to make friends on campus?

Other than attending residence hall events and programming as a rst-year student, the best way to make friends on campus (especially for transfer students) is to get involved. Student Life has endless opportunities to pursue your passions and nd lifelong friends, including over 500 student organizations and multiple fun events and programs each week.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

The student-to-teacher ratio depends on the college, school, or particular classes you are enrolled in. General education or 100-level courses will typically be larger, while classes geared toward upperclassmen or speci c to a certain program of study will be smaller. To gure out the ratio for your college or program, go to www.sc.edu and nd your college’s home page.

How do I know if I have enough time to get to classes?

Practice ahead of time! A great way to make sure you can navigate your way throughout campus between classes is to walk the routes before the rst day of class.

What are UofSC’s vaccination and COVID testing requirements?

Unvaccinated students will wear face coverings in all buildings and in crowds throughout campus. Vaccinated students will not have to wear masks except in campus health facilities and on-campus transportation. COVID testing is not required for fully vaccinated individuals, but those who are not yet fully vaccinated must participate in mandatory campus testing.

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What’s the best meal plan?

The meal plan selection really depends on if you want more meal “swipes” (speci c combo options at dining facilities) or more “meal plan dollars” (functions similarly to cash, but only in dining facilities). The All Access Plans are mandatory for rstyear residents living on campus and include a combination of swipes and meal plan dollars. To learn more about the meal plans, visit Carolina Food Company’s website on sc.edu.

What kind of laptop do I need?

It’s up to your preferences and needs for your speci c course of study, but the minimum operating system recommendations are macOS Sierra and Windows 10. To nd more speci c requirements regarding technology, visit the Division of Information Technology’s website at sc.edu/ technology.

Will my child be supported?

The university o ers many resources to support students during their time here at the University of South Carolina. Ombuds Services, including the Undergraduate Student Ombuds, Lisa Jerald, assists students with problems, complaints and concerns by o ering resources and referrals. For academic needs, the Student Success Center o ers students support services including tutoring and supplemental instruction.

Will I always get help with advising?

You will meet with your advisor every semester before you register. In the meeting, your advisor will help you de ne the best courses to select and the best way to help you achieve your academic goals. A er your academic advisement, you’ll be able to o cially register for classes. In addition, students who have more complex questions or are interested in changing their major can work with the Exploratory Advising team in the University Advising Center to consider your options or prepare for an academic advising session.

Where can I use Carolina Cash o campus?

There are numerous businesses and restaurants that allow you to use your CarolinaCard o campus. California Dreaming, CVS, Domino’s and East Bay Deli all accept CarolinaCard, to name a few; to nd the entire list, visit sc.edu/ carolinacard.

SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERING

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Yes, the Leadership and Service Center hosts many service projects and opportunities throughout the year, including Service Saturdays and service trips during the university’s fall, winter and spring breaks.

When is the rst service Saturday?

The rst Service Saturday is Aug. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

What is the Gamecock Pantry and where is it located?

Gamecock Pantry is a food pantry that was created for students by students. Once registered, students can receive up to 15 food items per week. The pantry is located at McBryde Quadrangle A. The physical address is 1309 Blossom Street.

What is the Carolina Closet and where is it located?

The Carolina Closet is an initiative of Student Government that provides business professional clothes to students at the University of South Carolina. Students can check out ve items with their CarolinaCard and exchange items throughout the semester.

FAMILY WEEKEND

When is Family Weekend? How do I get registered?

Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to visit their UofSC students and experience what college life is like! To register, families must purchase a UofSC student package, as well as a family member package for each individual planning to attend Family Weekend. There are two individual package options for students and two individual family member package options. Online registration is open now and will close Monday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m.

CAMPUS REC

How do I rent equipment from the OREC center?

A ordable rentals are available by the day, weekend, or a full week down at the Outdoor Recreation hub. Canoe rentals are only available by reservation.

What are the hours of operation?

Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Do I have to try out for intramurals? Which intramural sports do you o er?

Anyone can play intramurals. All intramural leagues are through imleagues.com. You can create a team, join a team or sign up to be a free agent.