PHOTOS: Students kick off fall semester at First Night Carolina

Students kicked off the fall semester Wednesday night with USC's annual First Night Carolina Event. Students first gathered on the Horseshoe to kickstart the event, hearing speeches from head football coach Shane Beamer and university President Michael Amiridis. Throughout the night, students enjoyed live music from rock band L.A. Maybe and DJ iAM, free food and fireworks.

Cocky walks through a sea of students throwing up rally towels during the playing of "Sandstorm" at the Horseshoe on Aug. 23, 2023. The Horseshoe portion of the First Night Carolina event saw performances from South Carolina cheerleaders and the Carolina Band.

Gamecock cheerleaders rise above the crowd during the Horseshoe portion of the First Night Carolina event on Aug. 23, 2023. The event on the Horseshoe featured performances from the Carolina Band and South Carolina cheerleaders.

USC President Michael Amiridis (left) and his wife Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis (right) throw up their ralley towels during the playing of "Sandstorm" at the First Night Carolina event on Aug. 23, 2023. President Amiridis and head football coach Shane Beamer gave speeches during the event.

Students at the University of South Carolina gather on the Horseshoe for the start of First Night Carolina events on Aug. 23, 2023. Head football coach Shane Beamer and USC President Michael Amiridis spoke to students about the 2023-24 school year.

Students gather along Greene Street during the First Night Carolina event on Aug. 23, 2023. The event featured musical acts from Columbia-based DJ iAM and Charlotte-based rock band The L.A. Maybe.

A South Carolina student sits atop her friend's shoulders during a concert at the First Night Carolina event on Aug. 23, 2023. The event featured musical performances from The L.A. Maybe and DJ iAM.

USC Students dance to live music during the performance of The L.A. Maybe at First Night Carolina on Aug. 23, 2023. Throughout the night, students engaged in a variety of free activities in order to celebrate the upcoming semester.

Fireworks are set off on the top of Russell House during First Night Carolina on Aug. 23, 2023. During the show, students gathered across Greene Street to watch the display and enjoy other free activities.

Students turn on their flashlights and wave their phones to music while DJ iAM performs during First Night Carolina on Aug. 23, 2023. DJ iAM played a mix of rap, hip-hop and R&B hits.

A banner with the slogan "USC IS BACK" sits in front of the First Night Carolina firework finale on Aug. 23, 2023. The event celebrates the start of the new school year.