Overview

We strongly encourage you to begin your academic career by attending Orientation. Attending Orientation is the best way to acclimate to life at USC, become familiar with the campus, learn about student life and register for your first semester of course work. We offer a specialized program for students and families in Hong Kong and surrounding countries in conjunction with the USC Alumni Association and USC Hong Kong Parents’ Association.

Some of the activities that take place at the Hong Kong Orientation include:

• Opportunities to meet USC staff and learn about important academic expectations and requirements
• Introductions to our wide-ranging USC arts and cultural events
• Discussions with current students about various involvement opportunities on campus
• Group academic advisement followed by registration for classes

You will register for your first-semester classes during your orientation session. The program streamlines the registration process by providing academic advisement and assistance with course selection. At the end of the orientation session, you will be able to print out your first-semester schedule of classes.

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Date and Deadline

We recommend you register for your orientation session as soon as possible as many sessions fill before the stated deadline. We strongly encourage online reservations . If you are unable to use the online reservation system, please contact Orientation Programs at 213.740.7767.

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Session Availability

Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Many orientation sessions fill prior to the stated registration and refund deadline. When making the online reservation, you will be prompted to choose a session. Sessions that are no longer available are no longer listed. In order to provide a personalized experience for all students, we are not able to accept reservations after the session has filled. Once a session is filled, Orientation Programs maintains a waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list, please send an e-mail to orient@usc.edu with your name, your student ID number, guest names, requested session, and e-mail address. If there is a cancellation you will be contacted no less than two weeks prior to the session.

If you register online, you will receive immediate confirmation of your reservation request. Please review your confirmation letter for accuracy. If you register in person, by phone or through mail, you may print out your online confirmation letter within three weeks of the request.

Note: Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements before receiving a session confirmation. Preexisting travel arrangements are not considered grounds for an exception to the reservation policies.

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Location

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What to Wear

Casual attire is appropriate for Orientation. Students should also bring a backpack or bag to carry materials.

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International Student Orientation

International students who attend the Hong Kong Orientation must still attend the International Student Orientation on August 17-18. The International Student Orientation will allow you to complete passport verification, meet with your academic advisor, and participate in sessions to assist you with your transition to USC and the Los Angeles communities. When you register for the Hong Kong Orientation, you will also be registered for the International Student Orientation.

Note: U.S. citizens living abroad who wish to attend the Hong Kong Orientation will be automatically registered for the International Student Orientation in August. Students are encouraged to attend the International Student Orientation to get a better understanding of campus life at USC. U.S. citizens who wish to opt out of the International Student Orientation should contact Orientation Programs at 213.740.7767 for a refund.

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Making a Reservation

To make a reservation for an orientation session, click here.

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