Undergraduate
The Welcome Trojans Experience
Welcome Trojans Orientation is the full umbrella of USC’s onboarding and transition resources for all new students. Think of it as your guided launch into the Trojan Family: we meet you where you are, support you along the way, and ensure you feel informed, connected, and ready.
This is not a one-and-done experience. Orientation unfolds in stages—online, on campus, and through ongoing engagement opportunities—so the more you participate, the more confident you will be heading into your first semester.
For undergraduate students, we encourage you to include a guest when you reserve your Welcome Trojans Orientation. While your experiences will run on mostly independent tracks, guests benefit from learning how to support you and navigate USC alongside you.
We offer tailored orientation tracks for first-year, transfer, and graduate students, along with concurrent sessions for parents and supporters of undergraduate students.
Fight On!
What Happens in Orientation?
Welcome Trojans includes everything you need to begin your academic journey successfully, including:
- Academic advising and course registration (all completed online)
- Live informational webinars and Q&A sessions
- On-demand modules and campus resource highlights
- Opportunities to connect and learn from USC students and staff
- Access to the Trojan Engagement Center
Whether you complete orientation in person or virtually, every new student will receive the full Welcome Trojans experience and continued access to support.
What Makes USC Orientation Unique
USC Orientation is not just one event, rather it is a series of events taking place in the months leading to the start of the semester, including course registration and academic advising. You’ll receive personalized guidance separately from your scheduled orientation event, ensuring you know what to expect, how to prepare, and who to contact regarding your first semester course schedule. The more you engage with USC Orientation, the more you’ll take away from your onboarding experience!
All students automatically receive access to the tools and information included with their orientation reservation that will be emailed directly to all students who have sent in their commitment deposit to attend USC—no extra steps required.
The Trojan Engagement Center
The Trojan Engagement Center is your hub for all things orientation. Through the Trojan Engagement Center (TEC), you and your guests will access:
- Weekly email updates
- Webinars and recordings
- Student services and campus resource information
- On-demand videos and guides
Plan to check in often as you prepare for your first semester. Keep an eye on your USC email for announcements and login instructions.
The TEC is available for new students and their registered guests through the first month of each semester. Don’t forget to include your guest in your orientation reservation so they remain informed!
When Do I Sign Up?
Beginning in April, all certified students will receive an email invitation with instructions to:
- Reserve their Welcome Trojans Orientation reservation (online or in-person)
- Add up to two guests (undergraduate students only)
- Review pre-orientation requirements
Your confirmation and reminder emails will include detailed information specific to your event, so monitor your USC email weekly.
When Is Welcome Trojans Orientation Offered?
Fall Admits
Fall orientation is offered in both virtual and on-campus formats.
Students and their families may also choose to attend a full-day, on-campus experience at the USC University Park Campus during June or July. These summer sessions are designed to help you explore campus, meet fellow Trojans, and experience USC traditions first-hand.
Plan to stay the entire day. We recommend avoiding travel arrangements that require a departure from campus prior to 5pm.
Spring Admits
Spring orientation takes place online in the winter via the Trojan Engagement Center, providing flexibility and access to support before classes begin.
The summer on-campus event for Spring Students requires that the student commits to USC by July 1, 2026. The event will take place in mid-July.
Supporting Your Journey to USC
Explore resources for new students, parents and guests as you prepare for your first semester at USC.
Parents and Guests
Learn about the ways to support your student in their transition to USC!
Path to USC
Review your checklist of items needed to complete prior to your first semester.
Resources
Explore our online resources and learn about lingo on all things USC!