You’ve made a great decision by choosing the College of Charleston! It’s only natural to have a few concerns about managing your new life on campus. But, there are lots of resources here to help you make a smooth transition.

And remember, you’re not alone. You’ll be arriving in August with approximately 2,000 other new students, all in the same boat as you. Half the fun is figuring it out together.

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

(Illustrations by Timothy Banks)

How will I get around without my car?

Not to worry. You won’t need a car to get around campus, and Charleston is a very walkable city. As a CofC student, you’ll also have free transportation options when you use your College of Charleston ID.

Ride for free:

• CARTA buses. DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) runs three routes around downtown Charleston: to the Aquarium, parts of the Historic District around Waterfront Park, Brittlebank Park and Riley Stadium (home of the Charleston RiverDogs).

• Cougar Shuttle. Get a safe ride back to campus from anywhere on the downtown peninsula from 11:00p.m. to 3:00a.m.

• Bike share program. A safe, sustainable and fun way to get around campus and Charleston.

How will I find my classes?

You’ll find navigating the campus pretty easy. You can download the College of Charleston Guide from the app store on your iPhone or Android device. In addition to lots of helpful information, you’ll always have a campus map right at your fingertips.

What are the best ways to meet new people? 

There are lots of ways to connect with other students. Check out any and all clubs that remotely interest you (we have over 200), fraternities and sororities, and Weeks of Welcome for new students. Keep up with what’s going on through the College of Charleston Guide app.

What if I need to go to a doctor?

Student Health Services, which is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses, is right on campus. You can schedule appointments by phone or online. They can help with a wide range of services, so whether you have a cold, infection, need allergy shots or wellness advice, they are there for you.

Who will I bank with?   

Wells Fargo has an ATM on campus. You can also use your Cougar Card to draw on predeposited funds for purchases at many places on campus, including the bookstore.

I really have to do my own laundry? Help!

Good news, there are free washing machines and dryers in all residence halls. The Laundry View system even allows you to monitor the status of the washers and dryers through a web browser!

A few helpful hints:

• Don’t wait until you have no clean clothes to tackle laundry.

• Read labels – some items may require special care.

• Separating colors and whites is a great idea. But realistically, you might not. So always use cold water and make sure to wash brand new dark items separately.

• Stock up on laundry pods. They are easy to carry and
prevent spills.

• Don’t abandon your laundry! Someone may heap your laundry atop the machine to free it up. Also, you’ll prevent wrinkles by folding your clothes as soon as they are dry.

What if I need a screwdriver, stamp, band-aid, etc.?   

While you’re still at home, start adding these items to a small box – you never know what will come in handy. Include some aspirin, thumbtacks and other items you just take for granted having around at home. If you’re still missing something once you get here, you can always stop into the CofC bookstore or numerous other shops right around campus.

Other Quick Resources: 

To learn more about DASH buses ridecarta.com

To request a Cougar Shuttle ride 888.960.2227

Sign up to use the CofC Bike Share program at bike.cofc.edu

To find out about clubs and Greek life cougarconnect.cofc.edu

See Weeks of Welcome activities at cofc.edu/wowevents

Check out student health services at studenthealth.cofc.edu

To learn about using your Cougar Card for purchases on campus cougarcard.cofc.edu

Once you arrive on campus, track your laundry at laundryview.com

See what the bookstore has to offer bookstore.cofc.edu