It’s the moment they’ve all been waiting for – when high school is officially over, they have their diplomas in hand and all that lies ahead is what promises to be some of the best years of their lives.

And, for those recent high school graduates who’ll be spending those years at the College of Charleston, there’s no better way to get started than one of the two-day orientation sessions hosted by the College’s Office of New Student Programs.

The first of 10 new student orientation sessions for the 2018–19 academic year kicked off on June 18, 2018, with the theme of “Show Your CofC Pride” (other session themes include “Show Your USA Pride,” “’80s Flashback” and “Beach Week”). This initial orientation session gets the ball rolling for a summer of introducing incoming freshmen to campus, services and programs, academic advisers, faculty and – last, but not least – to one another.

This summer’s orientation sessions are committed to “Take Back the Tap,” so be sure to bring your own water bottle and refill it at one of the 24 refill stations on campus!

“Be social,” emphasizes third-year orientation intern Rodrick Bellamy, a senior middle-grades education major from Conway, South Carolina. “The people you meet at orientation can turn out to be your best friends. For all you know, the person sitting next to you could be your soulmate. The only way to find out is to talk to them!”

Cam Lacey, a second-year orientation intern, agrees.

“Be vulnerable during orientation. Everyone is just as nervous, scared and eager to make friends as you are,” says the junior from Westchester, New York, who is majoring in psychology on the pre-nursing track. “Start a conversation with someone, exchange phone numbers with people you find interesting.”

RELATED: Check out the Summer 2018 Student Orientation Information Booklet.

And, with programs like Orientation After Dark and the team-building experience PlayFair on the agenda this year, there are plenty of opportunities for socializing. Orientation is also about providing students with the opportunity to learn all about the College’s clubs and activities, eat at Liberty Street Fresh Food Company, explore the George Street Fitness Center, check out the residence halls, shop the College of Charleston Bookstore, get their student IDs made – not to mention register for classes.

Be sure to pick up your “College of Charleston Bound” sign and stick it in your yard back home to let the world know that you’re coming to the College of Charleston!

There’s a lot to do – but plenty of resources to help them do it. And that includes orientation interns!

“Trust your intern,” says Lacey. “I guarantee they know exactly what they’re talking about, so go to every session and pay attention in order to learn all the necessary information to be a successful college student at the College of Charleston.”

Indeed, this is the time get to know the College, so pace yourself and take it all in.

“Don’t try to rush through your orientation,” advises junior exercise science major Robyn Henderson, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, who is a second-year orientation intern. “Actually take the time to write down notes, ask questions, meet new people, take a tour and explore. Orientation is basically an introduction to your college career. So, get excited!”


For more information, contact the Office of New Student Programs, and to follow along in the fun or share your favorite orientation moments, check out the College of Charleston New Student Orientation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.