FAQs

Academics

How do students select their courses?

New students choose their fall courses later in the summer, after Orientation where they meet with an academic advisor. We encourage all incoming students to review the New Student Guide to Carolina prior to Orientation so that they’ll be able to hit the ground running.

Are academic support services available?

Absolutely. Whether it’s advising, help with a learning disability, multicultural affairs, or career services, we offer a wide range of highly personalized support services to ensure students make the most of their potential.

Find out more about student support services.

How many credit hours should first-year students take?

Students need to take no less than 12 credit hours each semester to be at full-time status at Carolina. We encourage students to register for 15 credits per semester as a way to stay on track for graduation, and some students register for 17 or 18 credit hours. In the end, it depends mostly on each student’s individual needs and circumstances.

Find out more about academics at Carolina.

Financing

What resources are there for family members to help finance their student’s education?

PLUS loans are available to parents of undergraduate students when the student is “dependent” upon the parent for financial support. PLUS loans can be used in addition to other sources of aid, offer low monthly payments and long repayment periods, and are offered at a maximum of the difference between cost of attendance and other aid for which the student is eligible.

Is there any kind of payment plan available?

Yes, we offer a monthly payment plan for both the fall and spring semesters. Please visit the Cashier's Office website for more information.

Orientation

Do family members take part in New Student & Family Orientation?

At Carolina we consider family members of new first-year students and transfer students as critical partners in the success of our students. We encourage all families of new students to attend New Student & Family Orientation.

What goes on at New Student & Family Orientation?

For students, New Student Orientation is a time to meet faculty, advisors, and fellow students and to get acclimated with the environment at Carolina. As a family member, you will use this time to attend sessions on the curriculum, academic advising, housing, food services, finances, health services, and career services. You can also meet fellow family members at social events.

Student Life

Are students required to live on campus?

Yes! At Carolina, there is a first-year student, live-on requirement.

By living on campus, students will stay in touch with the heartbeat of Carolina. They will be centrally located near classes, libraries, dining halls, campus events, happenings in the Pit, the bustle of Franklin Street, and other “can’t miss” cornerstones of the Carolina experience. When students live on campus, there have opportunities to create strong, enduring bonds with people you might not have otherwise met.

When is student housing determined?

We encourage all students to complete the housing application any time after their admission reply form and enrollment deposit are received. Housing assignments are sent out in July. For more information please visit the Carolina Housing website.

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