Fortify your freshman experience and keep the momentum going into your second year with these events and helpful information, designed just for sophomores.
Check in with an upperclassman or professional staff member on how your second year is going and make a plan for the future!
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an upperclassman or professional staff member to check in on how your second year is going and make a plan for the future.
Navigating your second year can be overwhelming. That's why the Student Success Center has created a checklist to help you stay successful in your second year– in all aspects of college, not just academics.
Work on developing your own goals for within and beyond the classroom experiences in the sophomore year! You can complete this action plan on your own or during a SophoMORE Success Consultation.
We are happy to provide a guide with important reminders and tips for success in your
second year.
Follow the Roadmap »
This month-long program is dedicated to helping second-year students adjust to their second year at the university and feel welcomed and connected. SophoMORE September will consist of more than 30 events that are designed for second-year students at USC but are open to all students.
Sophomore students can get a SophoMORE September punch card at nearly every SophoMORE September event or pick one up at the SSC! Complete the punch card to win prizes! Go to 10 events and win a free t-shirt! Go to 13 events and win another great prize, such as a prize pack or a gift card to a local restaurant!
Don't worry if you lose your punch card! You can always get another one from the SSC and the office can check your name on an attendance roster for MOST events. You'll fill out an attendance form at all in-person or virtual workshops. ID card scanners will be used at most outside events! Questions? Drop The SophoMORE Initiative an email at satsi@mailbox.sc.edu
Participate in a 1 on 1 Service
Participate in the Out to Lunch program, have a SophoMORE Success Consultation, a
Money Management Consultation, NSE Consultation, attend a 1-on-1 tutoring session,
or have a general SSC Success Consultation with the Student Success Center!
Find Your Class Tours
2pm | Thomas Cooper Library, Mezzanine
USC is a huge campus, you may not have seen it all last year! Need help finding your class spaces before the first day of class? Join us with other students for small group tours to find classroom buildings! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Popsicles, Planners, and Peers
4pm-6pm | Thomas Cooper LIbrary, Mezzanine
Stop by and meet the Student Success Center peer leaders who will be helping you in your second year at USC! There will be gourmet popsicles and a free USC student planner for all students! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Part-Time Job Fair
10am-1pm | RHHU Ballroom
Thinking about a part-time job in your second year of college? There are tons of opportunities both on and off campus and the Part-Time Job Fair can help you learn about your options! Hosted by the Career Center.
To Drop or Not to Drop Workshop
5pm | Virtual Workshop
Are you debating if you should withdraw from a class? How do you weigh if you should withdraw from a class or not? What is the difference between dropping, withdrawing, and a withdraw fail? What are the deadlines I need to know? Join us in this workshop to learn more! Hosted by the University Advising Center.
Second Year Success Workshop
4pm | Thomas Cooper Library, SSC Conference Room
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Student Success Center. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Navigating USC- Surviving Parking and Commuting Workshop
6:30pm | Virtual Workshop
Living off campus? Trying to figure out where to park and how to get to campus everyday? We may not have all the answers, but we do have some tips for making a plan on how to navigate campus.
SophoMORE Welcome Back Carnival
12pm-3:30pm | Greene Street
FREE FOOD, fun, carnival games, music, and resources to help kick-off your second year! This is YOUR official welcome back event! Rain Date: Sept 8. Hosted by the SSC. Get your Sophomore September punch card at the SophoMORE Initiative table on Greene Street. Hosted by the Student Success Center. A part of SophoMORE September but open to all students.
Tips for Success: In-Person Classes and Study Habits
4:30pm | Thomas Cooper Library, SSC Conference Room
Need help preparing for classes and sharpening your study skills as we return to campus after a summer off? Join for this session full of tips and advice for a successful academic semester. Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Money Smarts for Off-Campus Living
7pm | Virtual Workshop
Living off campus this semester? Join in for this helpful workshop about how to budget and make money smart decisions in this new environment. Hosted by the Student Success Center. RSVP to get the meeting link.
SophoMORE Mug Making Madness
12pm-2:30pm | Davis Field II (Longstreet Side)
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. Sponsored by the Student Success Center. Rain Date: September 27
Career Center Tips for Sophomores
3pm | Virtual Workshop
Thinking about internships and what career planning you should be doing your sophomore year? Join us to hear from experts from the Career Center on what to do in year two! Hosted by the Career Center. Register via Handshake.
September 11 Day of Service
8:30am-12:30pm | Locations Vary
Volunteer with fellow Gamecocks in the Columbia community. A great opportunity to meet other sophomores and give back to the community! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
Imagine Carolina
11am-4pm | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Participate in an open discussion with President Michael Amiridis about academics, services, student life and college-to-career transition at South Carolina. This event is open to undergraduate students and will include breakfast (starting at 10:15 am), lunch and refreshments. Attendance is limited, so RSVP by Sept. 6 to reserve your space!
This event is listed on other SophoMORE September materials as Student Summit with Dr. Amiridis.
SophoMORE Cool Down
12pm-2:30pm | Greene St
Cool down in this Columbia heat with a free sno cone! Take some time to make a card to honor a veteran in support of 9/11 Day of Service and chat with Student Success Center staff about services. Hosted by the Student Success Center. Rain Date: September 15
Don't Be Scared: Getting to Know Your Professors
6pm | Virtual Workshop
Approaching faculty can sometimes be intimidating for students. But developing professional relationships with professors can help students learn about research or internship opportunities, lead to mentorship , career advice, and potential references. This workshop will share tips on how to approach professors and resources at USC to help develop these faculty-student relationships. Hosted by the Student Success Center. RSVP to get the meeting link.
Farmer's Market
10am-2pm | Greene St
Stop by the Sophomore September table at the Farmer's Market to get some great resources for your 2nd year! Look for the Student Success Center's SophoMORE September table! Hosted by Healthy Carolina. Open to all students.
Second Year Success Workshop
6pm | Virtual Workshop
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Student Success Center. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Career and Internship Fair: Nursing, Health and Wellness Professions
12pm-4pm | Carolina Coliseum
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
How to Change Your Major Workshop
5pm-6:30pm | Virtual Workshop
Thinking about changing your major? Not sure what is involved or where to start? The University Advising Center will go over all your options in this informative workshop! Hosted by the University Advising Center.
Leadership in Action Series
5pm | RHUU Theater
The Leadership in Action Series allows USC students the opportunity to experience leadership from community and industry leaders. These leaders in action will connect their personal and professional experiences to illustrate how their leadership has been shaped within their careers. Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
Thriving in Off-Campus Housing
5:30pm | Virtual Workshop
Living off campus? Concerned about how to manage the commute, stay safe, get along with your neighbors and more? Hear from staff and upperclassmen on how to thrive while living off campus! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Mutual Expectations Workshop: Academic Advising
11:45am-12:45pm | Russell House Ballroom
Sit down with academic advisors to discuss expectations of each other in the advising relationship. Enjoy lunch and conversation together. Hosted by the Student Success Center, Center for Teaching Excellence and the University Advising Center. Punch cards will be available at check-in.
National Voter Registration Day
Time and location TBD!
An opportunity for students to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, verify their registration, find their polling location, and even see their sample ballot! Hosted by the Leadership and Service Center.
Career and Internship Fair: Nursing, Health and Wellness Professions
12pm-4pm | Virtual
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
What's App-ening Workshop
6:30pm | Virtual Workshop
This workshop aims to help students understand what apps exist for students to organize, manage their time, study, and also manage their money, budgets, and debt. Join us to learn how technology can help make these tasks easier! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Education Abroad Fair
11am-3pm | RHUU
Meet with representatives from various travel providers and learn about how you can study, intern and volunteer around the globe! Hosted by the Education Abroad Office.
SophoMORE Tie-Dye
1pm-3:30pm | Davis Field II
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. Hosted by the Student Success Center. Rain Date: September 27
Second Year Success Workshop
5pm | Virtual Workshop
Want to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? We've got the plan for that! Join us for this entertaining workshop about steps you can take to thrive in your second year at Carolina! You'll walk away with your own personal sophomore action plan! Hosted by the Student Success Center. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Engage, Connect, Lead: Making the Most of Your Sophomore Year
5:30pm | Virtual Workshop
Sophomore year is the perfect time to connect with opportunities related to your academic, personal, and professional goals. Engaging in meaningful experiences can help you build a robust My USC Experience transcript and earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Join Lauren and Laszlo to learn more about exploring opportunities, pursuing GLD, and making the most of your sophomore year and beyond! Hosted by the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning.
Plan On It Workshop
4pm | Thomas Cooper Library, Scholars Corner
Science shows that writing things down- goals, notes, your schedule- helps you remember and achieve. Bring your own planner or get a free one in this interactive session and learn how to make best use of a planner and other writing tools! We'll have all sorts of creative tools to help you! Hosted by the SSC.
Preparing for Midterms
6pm | Virtual 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 SSC.
Career and Internship Fair: STEM Field
12pm-4pm | Virtual
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
Career and Internship Fair: STEM Field
12pm-4pm | Carolina Coliseum
Students and employers meet to talk about career, internship and co-op possibilities. Now is the time to start planning for your future internship experience. This fair is targeted at STEM majors. Hosted by the Career Center.
Stress Management Workshop
5:30pm | Virtual Workshop
College is stressfull- how do you manage your stress? Experts from the Mental Health Initiative team in Campus Wellness will guide us through the types of stress you can experience and new strategies on how to cope. Hosted by Mental Health Initiative in Campus Wellness.
A series of events designed to help teach sophomore students skills that will help them in life outside the four walls of the classroom - skills every adult needs to succeed! Raffle prizes will be drawn at the end of each session.
Hear from the experts in the Career Center on how to search for a summer internship or job! The time to start the search is NOW. Raffle prizes will be drawn at the end of the session. This is a FREE event.
Are you thinking of graduate school, law school, medical school, or other health schools after graduation? You need to get connected with OPPA! Join this helpful workshop to learn more about what you should be doing in your second year! This is a FREE event.
Trying to save money at the store? Track your travel points? Manage your time better? Track what you are reading? There is an app for that! This workshop will share apps and technology that can help with college and beyond! This is a FREE event.
College is stressful- how do you manage your stress? We will chat about the types of stress you can experience and new strategies on how to cope. Raffle prizes will be drawn at the end of the session. This is a FREE event.
Do you know how to sew the basics- like a button or a hem? You'll likely need to know how to do it at some point. Come learn how in this hands-on workshop. Raffle prizes will be drawn at the end of the session. This is a FREE event. Registration is required and space is limited.
Do you know how to change a tire? Or other basics to keep up your car? Join us for a workshop at a local mechanic shop near campus to learn some basic tips and see a demonstration. This is a FREE event. Registration is required and space is limited to 10 students. Students will be required to get to the local mechanic shop which is within walking distance to campus.
Reserve your spot and get directions to the event location! (RSVP link)
Staff from the Office of Sustainability will lead a hands-on workshop sharing how to grow and care for a houseplant. Like a pet, but with less commitment. Each student will leave with their own houseplant and knowledge on how to care for the plant! Spaces are limited. RSVP to secure your spot!
Reserve your spot! (RSVP link)
Join in for a hands-on self -defense workshop. Raffle prizes will be drawn at the end of the session. This is a FREE event. Registration is required and space is limited.
Reserve your spot! (RSVP link)
This annual event celebrates the huge milestone reached when sophomores are halfway done with their college career. At this point, you have four semesters down and four semesters to go.
The first 200 students to stop by will get a FREE 2025 garnet and black graduation tassel!
Rain Date: TBD
Students in their second year at USC are welcome to join us for this FREE weekend retreat in the mountains! Come reflect on where you've been, where you are now, and where you want to go in the remaining years of college and beyond!
Transportation, lodging, and meals will be provided by the Student Success Center. Students who are accepted to the program and agree to attend, but fail to participate will be charged a cancellation/no-show fee.
The SophoMORE Summit has been canceled. Please check this webpage periodically as we will provide updates about this event in the future.
It is never too early to gain career related work experience. Finding a part-time job or internship can be quite a challenge. Visit the Career Center or Pre-Professional Advising for more information on how to find these opportunities and prep for an internship or job search.
Did you know that some academic units even have an internship coordinator? Check with your academic advisor to see if your college or school has one and set up an appointment to chat.
During sophomore year, many students are deciding on an official major or changing their major. There are many resources to help.
Career Center – This office has many assessments and staff available to help you determine your area of interest.
University Advising Center – Home to Major Change Advising, advisers here can help you figure out which courses will align between majors if you are switching between colleges or schools at the university.
We want to see you succeed at the University of South Carolina — inside and outside of the classroom. The university has developed a number of resources to help students succeed academically. As a second-year student, you may be familiar with many of these already.
Even though many sophomore students move off campus or dive into other activities, it is very important to still be connected to campus. The University of South Carolina offers many opportunities for students to actively participate both on campus and in the community.
Graduation with Leaderships Distinction
Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL) helps you get the most out of your Carolina education, from finding experiences to
engage in, to reflecting on what that experience has meant to you. The Graduation
with Leadership Distinction program is a formal distinction that honors the broader
scope of achievements for students engaged within and beyond the classroom.
Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research can help students find many opportunities to engage in undergraduate research with
a focus on faculty-student mentorship.
Service-Learning and Volunteer Opportunities
Service-Learning integrates meaningful community service with academic coursework.
Check out the listing of courses available from the Leadership and Service Center.
The Leadership and Service Center provides an abundance of information on ways you can be involved in the university community and the city of Columbia.
Joining a student service organization brings together like-minded students on a mission to serve those in need.
Domestic Study Away and Study Abroad
Participating in Domestic Study Away, such as the National Student Exchange or international Study Abroad, is a great
way to broaden your horizons and have the experience of a lifetime.
Peer Leadership
Peer Leadership is a wonderful way to give back to your fellow students, serve in
a leadership role, and gain transferable skills for the real world. There are nearly
60 peer leader groups on campus, from tutors to recruitment counselors.
The My USC Experience Database has a complete list of beyond the classroom experiences. Filter to "leadership" in the type of activity for best results.
Many students move into off-campus apartment complexes during the second year at Carolina!