First-Year Corner.

First-Year Resources

Course Registration Resources

As a first-year student, course registration can feel intimidating, but with these helpful handouts, you can register for next semester with ease! Learn how to navigate the Web Registration portal, watch the Pre-Registration Info Session, and find courses that satisfy more than one GE requirement at once.

First Year Student Resources

Make the most of your first year at USC with these handouts, including the Dornsife First-Year Advising Syllabus, the Dornsife First-Year Checklist, Five Tips for a Successful First Year, and Tips for Making Friends. Know what to expect from your first year, prepare for upcoming advising and registration, and set yourself up for success!

Advising Appointment Resources

Everything you need to know about academic advising, in handout form! Learn how to schedule an advising appointment with your first-year advisor using AdviseUSC, follow a helpful checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your appointment, and review our helpful handout “What to Expect at Your First Advising Appointment.”

Academic Success Resources

At USC, your academic journey is what you make of it, from the connections you foster with faculty to the endless opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. With the “How to Talk With Your Professors” handout, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to help you succeed. Want to add a second major or minor? Check out the “Adding Majors and Minors” handout for an overview of the process. Looking for a quiet study space? Look at the “Quiet Study Spaces at USC” for some inspiration.

First-Year Advisor Shoutout

Have a positive experience in First-Year Advising? Did you enjoy exploring a topic or finding the support you needed?

Send your First-Year Advisor a shoutout by sharing your feedback. We would love to hear from you!

A light-skinned person in a black sweater and orange shirt holds a piece of paper in their left hand and a dry erase marker in their right hand in front of a dry erase board with writing on it.

First-Year Experience

Dornsife FYE is a series of programs put on by First-Year Advising to supplement the academic advising experience. FYE programming is designed to: support first-year’s individual and diverse needs; empower students to explore academic, personal, and career goals; connect students with campus resources and each other; and prepare students to thrive at USC from their first year through graduation and beyond.

Check out our First-Year Experience Programs!

Student Words of Wisdom

When I first came to USC, I was all over the place, but my first-year advisor helped me make sure I was confident in my major in Health and Human Sciences. She encouraged me to try classes outside of my major to discover new interests; now I have a double-major in Data Science. Everyone in the advising office is so helpful and welcoming!

Tyse W. Health and Human Sciences BA, Class of 2026

Almost everyone feels out-of-place and/or lonely coming into college. This time in life marks a huge transition; it’s going to feel weird, and that is completely normal. Give yourself time to adjust, involve yourself in things you enjoy, and you will find your place on campus. It’s okay to struggle along the way; everyone else is experiencing the same things too!

Lauren T. Environmental Health and Science BS, Class of 2026

My first semester was great! I made lots of friends and had engaging conversations with them. After a few weeks, I adjusted to the college curriculum. My study tactics have improved already, and while reviewing and studying for exams, I still found the time to explore LA through hikes and more. Next year, I want to keep expanding and growing my scope, in college and in life.

Garrett O. Biological Sciences BS, Class of 2027

Hear directly from current Dornsife First-Year Advising students on their advising experience, their advice for fellow first-year students, and what they love about their majors in USC Dornsife!

Want to include your own words of wisdom? Submit your voice here!

Hear directly from current Dornsife First-Year Advising students on their advising experience, their advice for fellow first-year students, and what they love about their majors in USC Dornsife!

Want to include your own words of wisdom? Submit your voice here!