Welcome to USC Aiken, the University of Choice! USCA has been my home for the past three years and I cannot imagine getting my education at any other school. When I came in as a freshman, I was clueless. There are so many things I have learned over the past three years that I wish I would have known sooner. Here's a list of the top things every new student at USCA should know!
1. Your ID is your best friend.
Take your ID with you everywhere, it should become a part of you. This is how you use your meal plan, Carolina Ca$h, and declining balance. It can also be used to get into a lab after regular building hours, request a study room in the library, and to get equipment in the SAC gym. Also, you never know when you’ll have some extra time to fit in a really exciting ICE event. There are even lists of businesses and restaurants that offer student discounts. Just do me a favor, don't wear the ID around your neck for the first semester.
2. Attend “Week of Welcome” events!
With this being the first week of college for many students, a lot of time goes into planning this week of events. It’s a great way to relax and have some free fun before classes really get started. Some of these events will give you ICE credits and others will give you a pressure-free opportunity to socialized with organizations on campus.
3. Don’t forget to use your declining balance.
I can’t stress this enough. Your declining balance does not roll over! If you have a meal plan, the declining balance has already been paid for with your tuition. If you don’t use it you’re literally throwing away money. The balance can be used in many places on campus too so you have options. You can order Domino’s Pizza, go to the market on campus (which sells Chic-fil-A on certain days), Starbucks, the Café and the Station.
4. There is a counseling center on campus for students.
I didn’t realize this one for a while. College is hard, and you may need help dealing with the stress. Whether its anxiety about classes or separation issues due to being away from home, the counseling center has resources for whatever you need.
5. Go to Get On Board Day!
If you’re looking for a way to get involved on campus, which I highly recommend, this is the perfect day to find the organization for you. Every organization on campus has the opportunity to set up an information table where you can meet members and ask any questions you may have. USCA has Greek life, intramural sports, major-related clubs, and much more. If you have a group in mind that the campus doesn’t already offer, there are steps you can take to get the group started!
6. USCA really cares about your safety.
USC Aiken puts the safety of their students before anything else. The officers on campus are more than just “campus security,” they are real police officers that have been trained to do their job. They keep campus safe but are also willing to help if you’re having car troubles or manage to lock yourself out of a building.
7. There’s a lounge just for commuters.
This has only been on campus for a few months. Commuters do not always have the luxury of getting their classes scheduled back-to-back, which means there’s a lot of downtime in between. Instead of being forced to sit in the library, or even in your car, there is a lounge located in the SAC that is just for commuters.
8. The school nurse still exists in college.
Going to college doesn't mean that you automatically become an adult overnight. It also doesn't mean that you won't miss your mom when you get a cold. There's a nurse on campus located in the SAC, just past Starbucks.
9. Need a job? Head to Career Services.
Career Services is located in the Penland building for all students, even alumni. Career Services can help you find jobs and internships, as well as give you tips on how to dress for the job you want or how to ace an interview. They also have boards on campus and online with up-to-date job postings in the area.
10. There are free tutors on campus.
If Spanish is far from being your second language or math equations just don't seem to make sense, don't hesitate to find a tutor! You can go online and request a tutor on campus for the classes you're having issues with. Aside from tutoring, there are labs you can use for extra help. There's a language lab and writing room in H&SS and a math lab in Penland.
11. You can get Microsoft Office for free.
Microsoft Office is free with your student email! If you go to the school website and type Microsoft Office into the search bar, you can pull up instructions on how to get your free subscription. Computer Services (upstairs B&E) can help you.
12. Follow parking rules!
Listen to me right now. You may think you can be sneaky and find a way to avoid tickets, but don't. It may not be the first, second, or third time that you violate the rules, but you will eventually get a ticket. If you're like me, it'll be the day that you woke up late, haven't eaten all day, and have a single-spaced essay due at midnight. My advice, avoid yellow lines and time-restricted parking.
13. Meeting ICE event requirements are better done sooner than later.
USCA requires students to complete two ICE events per semester to graduate. Week of Welcome is a great time to rack up on some of these events! I know people that have been on the verge of not graduating because they haven't filled this requirement, don't be like those people. There's a list online that is constantly updated with upcoming ICE events, so you can find the ones that are most interesting to you.
14. There are always more scholarships available.
I highly suggest following the financial aid office on social media. They constantly post links to scholarships that students can apply for! Millions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed each year because people don't know they exist, but the financial aid office has already done the hard work for you.
15. These are some of the best years of your life, enjoy them!
When I came into college, I had a hard time adjusting to the new dynamics of college. I was so focused on doing well and figuring everything out that I made myself miserable because I forgot to have fun. Remember to live a little (not too much) and I promise you will figure it out as you go!
I hope USC Aiken exceeds all of your expectations as it has mine, welcome to campus!
