USC sets new application record
USC set a record this year with more than 60,000 perspective students applying for fall 2025 admissions.
Parents and Families Gateway
The Office of Parent and Family Programs is your partner for student success.
The University of South Carolina's parents and families gateway is one of many ways we share information and resources with Gamecock families. The gateway, the Gamecock Family Hub, mobile app, assistance line and social media are useful resources that help you stay engaged and focused on what matters to you most — your student’s success .
Academics
Every student deserves the opportunity to do great work in the classroom. USC designs and provides comprehensive resources to support students’ academic achievements.
Academic Advising & Coaching: Advisors help students define and achieve goals from freshman year to graduation, this includes individualized and ongoing learning support.
Changing Majors (Exploratory Advising): Advisors are available for in person or remote major change advising sessions to understand the next steps.
Student Success Center: Your student’s one-stop resource for academic support, including tutoring, peer writing, study skills and money management. Transfer and sophomore students can find tailored support here, too.
Student Disability Resources: Provides support and helps coordinate efforts to ensure registered students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations.
Career Center: Supports students at all stages of career planning from identifying possibilities to making decisions on future direction to searching for hands-on experience.
Financial Support
From applying for financial aid to loading Carolina Cash on their CarolinaCard, we work to make financial transactions that support your student as easy as possible.
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Authorized User Portal
- Bursar's Office
- Carolina Card Information
- Check Financial Aid Status
- FAFSA
- Financial Aid and Fee Payment
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Financial Aid Options
- Financial Literacy
- Pay Fees
- Paying for Graduate School
- Payment Information and Deadlines
- Payment Instructions
- Residency and Citizenship
- Scholarship Options
- Student Employment
- Work Study
Food and Housing
Food security and a safe place to live are crucial to student success. These resources can help with matters related to food and housing.
Campus Dining: Carolina Food Co. is committed to serving the campus community through delicious food and excellent service.
Gamecock CommUnity Shop: Our campus food pantry, created for students by students, is free, confidential and provides assistance and resources. Donate today!
Meal Plans: Explore available meal plan options and where to use them on and around campus.
Move In Details: One of the most memorable days of your college career is the first time you move in to your residence hall. Learn everything you need to know about packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and finally setting up your room.
On-Campus Housing: Get to know on-campus residence options and opportunities available inside our vibrant Carolina community.
Off-Campus Student Services: Find resources and support for students living off campus and get to know local neighborhoods in Columbia.
Search Off-Campus Housing Options: View local listings and tips on finding housing that matches your needs. Check our message boards for roommates wanted.
Postal Services: The one-stop shop offers package pickup for on-campus resident students, postal retail and passport services. For details on mailing letters and sending packages, please review the website.
Health, Well-being and Safety
Navigating the college experience can challenge students from time to time. Our campus
community is dedicated to a safe experience for everyone and offers these resources
to help.
Emergency: USCPD at 803-777-4215 or 911
Thrive@Carolina 24/7/365 Mental Health Support
Student Care and Outreach Team (Care Team)
- Alcohol EDU
- Alcohol Conversation Guide
- Campus Recreation
- Campus Safety
- Counseling and Psychiatry
- Health Insurance Waiver
- Immunization Requirements
- Insurance Requirements
- Mental Health Resources
- Parking Services
- Sexual Assault Prevention
- Shuttle Services
- Student Disability Resources
- Student Health and Well-Being
- USCPD Safety Tools
Get Involved
Help your student make the most out of their college experience. USC offers countless opportunities to connect with fellow students and pursue activities that align with their passions and goals.
Announcements
Make your summer count: Earn an interdisciplinary certificate or summer minor
This summer, don't just relax – level up your academic profile with an Interdisciplinary Certificate or Summer Minor offered by USC's Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET).
Apply by June 14 for summer internship incentives
The South Carolina Internship Program offers $3,000 awards to support students of all majors gaining work experience in high-demand industries in the Palmetto State.
Stories for Parents
World-renowned Joffrey Ballet residency at USC promises unforgettable experiences
Dance students in the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program are spending extra time at the barre in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will have collaborating with the world-famous Joffrey Ballet. The company begins a three-week residency at USC on March 17 that will culminate with an unprecedented Koger Center performance on April 5.
USC youth summer camps 2025
With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.