The long holiday break will soon come to an end for College of Charleston students as classes for spring semester begin on Jan. 12, 2015.

students-laughingFor seniors in the Class of 2015, this means the countdown has begun to graduation, which is scheduled for May 15 & 16, 2015. The College will hold three commencement ceremonies this year. The commencement schedule can be found here.

RELATED: Learn more about the Class of 2015.

If you’re feeling a little anxious or stressed about starting another semester (or perhaps your first semester) with new classmates and unfamiliar professors, you’re not alone. Counseling and Substance Abuse Services at the College of Charleston offers these helpful tips to help you get through the first day of classes and beyond.

Spring semester also brings other changes to campus:

Charleston skateboardNew Skateboard Rules

As of Jan 1, 2015, College Public Safety Officers will issue citations to bicyclists and skateboarders who violate the City of Charleston’s bicycle and skateboard regulations.

In general, bicyclists and skateboarders should ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals.

Prohibited activities include: riding on the sidewalk; traveling the wrong way down a one way street; and disregarding traffic control devices. The complete list of regulations can be found here.

RELATED: Read how students worked with city officials to create skateboard rules.
New Bike Racks

In response to the needs of the campus community, the Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, has placed additional bicycle racks around campus. New bicycle racks have been added outside the McAlister, Berry, and McConnell residence halls and George Street Apartments. New racks have also been installed outside the Simons Center; Greenway/College Way; and the Bell Building. The bicycle racks at the rear of Addlestone Library have been relocated to a central location in Rivers Green.

RELATED: Check out the College’s Bike Share program.