Welcome to the
Congratulations
on choosing this unique public liberal arts college known for its challenging
curriculum. We pride ourselves on being the oldest institution of higher
education in
This
document has been created as a guide to facilitate your adjustment to the
Here
you will find important information needed before and during your time as a
student at the College, including legal issues, the American academic system
and the American lifestyle.
Academic System
The
academic year at the
Semester Hours (Credit Hours)
The
credit a student earns is measured in units called semester hours. The semester
hour value of most courses is the same as the number of hours per week the
course meets during the fall or spring semester. A normal course load for
undergraduate students is 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, or 4-5 courses.
The
academic system in the
Levels of Classes
The
classes are labeled with numbers between 100 and 400 that indicate the level of
the class. No prerequisites are required for the 100 classes since they are
taught on an introductory level. The level of the class is progressive. The 300
and 400 classes are usually more difficult and demanding and often build on
material taught in previous levels (100 and 200).
Be
sure you are aware of the prerequisites required for each course before
registering. You may need permission from the teacher and provide transcripts
from classes taken at previous institutions. For detailed information about
each course, read the course description in the undergraduate catalog. Course
listing for each semester are available on the
Full-Time Status
Students
at the College are considered full time if they are registered for 12 or more
hours and therefore pay full time tuition. It is extremely important for
international students to maintain full time status. This requirement is
strictly enforced by U.S. Immigration Services. Failing to do so will have
severe consequences including possible deportation from the
Grading System
Students
receive letter grades for every course in which they enroll. Each letter grade
has a numerical “quality point value” as follows:
Letter Grade Quality
Points
A
B+ Very
good 3.50
B Good 3.00
C+ Fair 2.50
C Acceptable 2.00
D Barely
Acceptable, Passing 1.00
F Failure 0.00
WA Withdrawn,
Excessive
Absences
(equivalent to an F) 0.00
The
grade point value multiplied by the number of semester hours for the course
will be total “quality points”. The total quality points divided by the total
quality hours will yield the grade point average. Students must achieve at
least a grade point of 2.0 to graduate.
Drop/Add Courses
During
the first week of classes each semester, you can drop or add (provided the
class is not full) classes without any penalty appearing on your student
record. You drop individual classes or labs through Cougar Trail (the student’s
personal internet account) on the web.
After
the first week of classes you may withdraw from a course before the official
withdrawal date of the semester provided you do so through Cougar Trail. A
grade of “W” (withdraw) will be entered on your record in place of a grade.
NOTE:
Not attending class does not cancel your registration for that class. It is
necessary to drop the class on Cougar Trail.
Attendance
Unlike
other international academic systems where attendance sometimes is voluntary,
it is a crucial part of any course in the American academic system. Students
are expected to attend all classes and laboratory meetings of each course for
which they are enrolled.
During
the first week of classes, instructors will announce and distribute their
attendance policies, including criteria to be used in determining excused
absences. The instructor determines whether the absences are excused or
unexcused and whether make-up work will be permitted. Attendance is often
included in the final grade.
Every
professor will distribute a syllabus at the beginning of the semester that
includes the attendance policies as well as information about course readings,
examination dates, etc.
Examinations
All
classes are taken in conjunction with one another, with exams and papers
throughout the semester. During the week before fall break and spring break,
which is referred to as Midterm, most professors require a more extensive exam
or paper.
A
final examination, which often contains all the material studied throughout the
course, is administered during the last week of the semester. Examinations must
be taken at the scheduled time listed in the syllabus. The weight of the final
examination in determining your overall grade varies from one course to
another, and is at the discretion of the professor.
Programs of Study/Courses
The
NOTE:
not all classes are offered every semester. Check the undergraduate catalog for
class descriptions AND the course section search to find out which classes are
offered each semester.
Academic Calendar
Fall 2008
Classes
begin August
26
Last
day to withdraw from classes with
a
grade of “W” October7
Fall
Break October
12-14
Thanksgiving
Holiday November
26-29
Last
day of classes December8
Final
exams begin December 10
Final
exams end December
17
Spring 2009
Classes
begin January 12
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Holiday January
19
Last
day to withdraw from classes with
a
grade of “W” February
23
Spring
Break March 1-7
Last
day of classes April
27
Final
exams begin April
29
Final
exams end May 6
Preparations
Application Process
Degree Seeking Students
International
degree seeking students who wish to enroll in August for the fall semester
should apply by April 1, and those wishing to enroll in January for the spring
semester should do so by November 1 in the year prior to their intended
enrollment.
In
order to be considered for admission an applicant must submit a completed
application form and a non-refundable application fee. An application can be
downloaded or requested from the Office of Admissions by visiting www.cofc.edu/admissions/degree/apply.html.
Here you will find additional information about what you need to provide with
your application, such as certification of Finances, Transcripts, etc.
Exchange Student
If
you will be attending the College of Charleston through an exchange program,
your home university is responsible for the application process. As soon as the
International Office receives the application from your university, an 1-20 or
DS-2019 (needed to apply for a student visa) will be sent to your home address.
The International Office will send you the form at the beginning of the
semester prior to the one you will attend the College of Charleston.
Applying for Classes
Exchange
students should provide the International Office with a transcript of completed
classes from their home university. As soon as you receive the I-20 or DS-2019,
you can send the International Office a list of the classes for which you wish
to enroll.
NOTE:
not all classes are offered every semester. To see what classes are offered the
semester/semesters you will attend, check the undergraduate catalog AND the
course section search.
Passport
Make
sure your passport is valid and will not expire during your time abroad. Hold
on to your I-94 form, which will be stapled onto your passport upon entering
the U.S.
Studying in the US and the Visa Application Process
The Center for International Education wants to provide the best information on applying for and receiving your student visa. If at any time you have a question about the information provided below do not hesitate to contact mackg@cofc.edu.
Applying for the F-1 or J-1 Student Visa
In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy/Consulate web sites or call for specific application instructions.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy/Consulate. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001, involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to US national security. It is important toapply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure.
Once you are admitted to the College of Charleston you will receive a packet that contains your I-20 or DS-2019, which you will need to apply for your F-1 or J-1 non- immigrant student visa. Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are unable to issue your student visa more than 120 days in advance of program start date listed on the forms. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the forms, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue your visa.
Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start dates.
SEVIS
The I-20 or DS-2019 form that you receive was created through a mandatory immigration program known as SEVIS. The SEVIS program, or Student Exchange Visitor Information System, is designed to provide more efficient US immigration ser ices to international students.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
As of September 1, 2004 all persons applying abroad for an F-1 or J-1 visa must pay a $100.00 fee before being allowed to apply at an embassy/consulate for their visa. This fee is different from the Visa Application Fee that is also required in order to apply for the visa. For information on paying the SEVIS fee please visit www.fmjfee.com. This website provides a complete list of questions and answers on all aspects of SEVIS I-901 fee payment. Individuals wanting to apply for a student visa must pay the fee and receive a receipt stating the payment was made before beginning the process of applying for the visa. Paying the fee and receiving the receipt can be done online at the website above. The receipt may also be referred to as the Form I-797.
Applying For Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
A visa is a stamp that allows you to enter the United States. U.S. visas are issued by the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in your home country and cannot be issued in the U.S.
In order to successfully apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa, you will need to contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to where you live and make an appointment for a personal interview. You must take the following items with you to apply for your visa:
Form I-20 for (F-1) Students or Forms DS-2019 for (J-1) Student Status
You will need to submit the SEVIS generated Form I-20 or DS-2019, which was provided to you by the College of Charleston. You and your school official must sign the forms. All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in SEVIS.
A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed.
Supplemental Nonimmigrant visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required by allmale applicants between 16-45 years of age. You should know that a consular officer may require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form.
An interview at the embassy/consulate is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States.
One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements.
A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee, if applicable. For fee information consult the Visa Reciprocity Table. While all F and J visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 and J-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee.
Your receipt (Form I-797) for paying the $100 SEVIS I-901 fee.
All F-1 and J-1 visa applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Your letter of admission to the College of Charleston:
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
- Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT,GRE, GMAT, etc;
Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements.
You should also be prepared to establish intent to return home after you complete your studies. If a Consular Official believes your intent is to come and live permanently in the United States your student visa application will be denied.
The US State Department updates their website on a regular basis to give new information on their issuing non-immigrant visas. Information on the F-1 or J-1 Student Visa can be found at the State Department website. Before applying for your visa, you may want to check this website for the most current information.
Your form I-20 was issued by the College of Charleston and allows you to study at the College of Charleston only. You may not use your College of Charleston I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. and study at another university. You must return the I-20 or DS-2019 to us if you do not plan to attend the College of Charleston. The forms may be returned to the following College of Charleston address, College of Charleston, Center for International Education, 66 George St, Charleston, SC 29424. USA.
Leaving the U.S.
If
you are planning to leave the U.S. during the holidays and will be returning
for the completion of your studies, remember to bring these items to reenter
the country:
Canadian Citizens
Canadians
re-entering the U.S. do not need a passport (if no passport, they will need a
birth certificate and photo ID to prove citizenship) or a U.S. visa, but they
will need an endorsed DS-2019 and valid I-94 (for re-entry).
Travel to Contiguous Territory (i.e.
Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands other than Cuba)
Some
individuals will require visas to enter Canada or Mexico. It is best to get
current information directly from the consulates of those countries.
When
traveling to contiguous territory, international students do not surrender
their I-94 (small white card issued to you when you entered the U.S.). It is
needed to re-enter the U.S.
In
general, to re-enter the U.S. from contiguous territory, the student must
present a valid passport with a U.S. visa stamped within (valid or expired), their
I-94, and DS-2019 as well as financial documents. It is best to carry a
transcript and current registration information.
Re-entry
for most students with an expired visa is possible as long as the trip is less
than 30 days, the student has not traveled to a third country from the
contiguous territory and the student was in status in the U.S. when entering
contiguous territory.
Students
from certain countries (currently Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Cuba, North Korea, and
Libya) may not benefit from this visa revalidation.
Airport Transport Visas
Several
countries in the European Union have begun to require airport transit visas
from some nationals. The general list is that holders of passports from the
following countries will need airport transit visas: Afghanistan, Albania,
Angola, Bangladesh, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti,
India, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia,
Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria and Palestinians holding travel documents for refugee
status issued by Egypt, Lebanon or Syria. Germany also requires an airport
transit visa for citizens of Turkey.
There
are exceptions to the above information. In addition, the U.K. requires an
airport transit visa for citizens of some countries. Go to www.britainusa.com/visas/visas/asp
for transit visa information for the U.K.
The
best thing to do is to check the consulate website of the country where you
will transfer planes. This information changes frequently and it is hard to
give advice on all the exceptions.
Health Insurance
Before
leaving your home country, make sure that you have health insurance. The United
States does not have a national health care plan and medical care can be very
costly. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment
will often be refused without evidence of insurance of deposit. Medical
facilities in the U.S. are of a very high standard.
Remember
to bring copies in English from your insurance company explaining what the
insurance covers, expiration dates and who to contact if any problems occur.
Health
insurance is mandatory for exchange students and strongly recommended for
degree seeking students. If you are a degree seeking student and are
considering getting your insurance while in the U.S visit www.hthworldwide.com or www.twlord.com.
The
College’s Student Health Services (SHS) provides primary care to all registered
students. The Health Service fee is included in the tuition. Summer fees may
apply for students not taking summer sessions. Read more about the SHS under
the health care and hospital section in this guide.
Language Requirements
In
addition to satisfying the College’s general admission requirements, degree
seeking international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English
language. This should be done through satisfactory results on either the
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) exams. The College of Charleston requires a minimum of 550 on the
paper-based or 213 on the computer based TOEFL test.
Language
tests are not required for international students studying through an exchange
program between the College of Charleston and their home university.
Vaccinations
All
students at the College are required to have immunization for:
You
can have your vaccination taken in Charleston or bring medical documentation
from your home country showing that you have received the vaccinations. You
should provide the Student Health Services with your medical documentation when
you arrive in Charleston.
Meal Plans
At
the College of Charleston, it is common among students to sign up for a meal
plan. A meal plan gives you the opportunity to have some or all of your daily
meals at any of the four eating places around campus. The College offers a
variety of meal plans. Coffee shops are also located across campus. Please
visit the Dining Services website at www.cofc.edu/campusdining/mealplans.html.
Important Dates to Remember
Application
deadline for the fall semester April 1
Application
deadline for the spring semester November 1
Arrival Date
We
highly recommend you arrive at least 3 days prior to the beginning of the
semester. This will give you time to get settled, move in to your residence and
most importantly, participate in the information sessions and orientation
activities for international students that take place during the first week of
classes.
Travel to Charleston
Charleston
can be reached easily with commercial domestic airlines from major ports of
entry such as New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte
(CLT), Los Angeles or San Francisco. Most flights arriving in Charleston
connect in either Atlanta or Charlotte.
Charleston
International Airport (CHS) is located only 15 minutes from the College and the
downtown area. Staff from the International Office will pick you up at the
airport when you arrive, as long as you have requested this service.
Remember
to inform the International Office of the place, time, and date of your arrival
two weeks prior to your arrival!!
The
International Office cannot pick you up if you do not fly into the Charleston
airport. Note that making other arrangements to get to Charleston can be more
costly in time and money.
Charlotte
Airport, N.C. 3
hour drive from Charleston
Atlanta
Airport, GA 5
hour drive from Charleston
Arrival in Charleston
As
long as you have notified the International Office with information about your
arrival, someone from the staff will pick you up at Charleston International
Airport (CHS). We will then take you to your place of residence. If you are
staying off campus, make sure that you have the full address and directions.
NOTE:
don’t forget to inform the International Office about your flight number and
which airline you are flying with!!
If
you will be living in one of the on-campus residence halls and arrive before
the date of opening you will need temporary accommodation. See below for
suggested and linked hostels and hotels.
Temporary Accommodation
Charleston’s
Notso Hostel
156
Spring Street
Charleston,
SC 29403
Phone
(843) 722-8383
E-mail:
www.notsohostel.com
Registering for Classes
Degree-seeking
students will register for classes during the College’s General Orientation
together with American students. The Office of New Student Programs will mail
degree-seeking students an information packet regarding this orientation.
Non-degree
seeking students studying through an exchange program should already have
registered for classes before arriving in the U.S. (see section applying for
classes). Upon arrival they need to visit the International Office to pick up
their schedule and meet with an international advisor.
Social Security Number
Social
Security is a retirement and medical benefits program administered by the U.S.
Government since 1935. All U.S. citizens are holders of a Social Security Card
since the numbers are used to report wages to the government.
In
order to work on-campus you will need a social security number. Applying for
one is free.
How
to apply for a social security number:
You
apply for the social security number at the Social Security Administration
(SSA). There are two offices in the Charleston area:
Rivergate
Center #1
South Park Circle
4995
Lacross Road 5th
floor, Suite 500
North
Charleston, SC 29406 Charleston,
SC 29407
Phone
(843) 727-4345 Phone
(843) 727-4345
The
International Office provides transportation for students who can’t find that
on their own.
You
will need to bring:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10180.html
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10107.html
Frequently
asked questions regarding social security numbers:
1)
How long will it take to get a Social Security number?
2)
Can I start working before I receive the number?
Housing
Where
you live during your study abroad experience is important. American students
generally spend their first years at college in on-campus residence halls and
later share an apartment off-campus together with other students.
On-campus Residence Halls
The
College of Charleston offers female, male, or co-ed housing on campus, http://www.reslife.cofc.edu. All on-campus housing is furnished and
equipped with air conditioning. You will also have access to washing machines,
dryers, vending machines, study rooms and computer rooms with Internet. There
is also a daily newspaper service at the desk of each residence hall.
In
most residence halls you will share a bedroom with another student as well as
kitchen and bathroom. Some residence halls offer single bedrooms for a higher
cost. You will share housing with International as well as American students.
Assignments
are made by matching your answers to the questions on a “Lifestyle Indicator.”
On the indicator, you designate your lifestyle patterns, such as what time you
go to bed, what time you usually wake up, and your smoking / non-smoking
preference.
Once
you are accepted to the College, the indicator will be sent to you by the
Office of Housing and Residence Life together with the application forms. We
urge you to apply early, as space is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What to Bring (for Residence Halls)
Please
visit a list of items to bring if you are living in an on-campus residence
hall. http://reslife.cofc.edu/oncampushousing/livingoncampus.html#bring.
The list also includes items that are prohibited from the residence halls.
Off-campus
If
you prefer to have your own bedroom, you are more likely to find that through
off-campus housing. It is up to you whether you choose to look for a place with
international or American students.
Living
off-campus provides more freedom, but also more responsibility. The College of
Charleston is not responsible for assisting you in finding off-campus housing.
http://reslife.cofc.edu/offcampushousing/offcampushousing.html.
Renting
an apartment or house in Charleston can be very expensive which is why sharing
the costs with several people is a good way of keeping your expenses down. You
should, however, keep in mind that rent will only be a part of your total
monthly expenses. Utilities (i.e. electricity, water, telephone, cable),
transportation and food should also be calculated into your monthly budget.
The
easiest way to find off-campus housing with other College of Charleston
students is to visit the College website, which provides listings of students
looking for roommates to live in apartments or houses off-campus. Here you also
can post your own contact information while looking for a place.
Questions to Ask Prospective
Landlords/Landladies
As
you look for an apartment, you should try to learn as much as you can about the
place before you sign a lease. Questions you want to ask:
Abbreviations
used in apartment listings:
NS non-smoker
Apt apartment
Twnhse townhouse
Prkg parking
F female
M male
Grad graduate student
Prof professional
Pref prefer
E,g,c,p electric, gas, cable, phone
Util utilities
BR bedroom
Furn furnished
Unfurn unfurnished
Part
furn partially furnished
Eff efficiency
W/d washer and dryer
AC air conditioning
DW/MW dishwasher, microwave
FP fireplace
HW
floors hardwood floors
OBO or best offer
W with
w/out without
ch/ca central hear/central air
Estimated Costs Per Month
Rent
$400-$750 (per person)
Utilities
$100 (included in the rent for all on-campus housing)
Food
$200
Books
$400 per semester
Scholarships
As
a state-affiliated institution, the College of Charleston is not in a position
to offer scholarship assistance to international students. We recommend you
find a sponsor and/or contact the Ministry of Education in your home country.
You could also search on the internet for scholarships that might apply to a
study abroad from your own educational institution or other foundations.
Important Addresses
Center for International Education
66
George Street
Charleston,
SC 29424
Phone
(843) 953-7661
Fax
(843) 953-7663
E-mail:
mackg@cofc.edu
Public
Safety
81
A St. Phillip Street
Charleston,
SC 29424
Phone
(843) 953-5611
Student
Health Center
181
Calhoun Street
Charleston,
SC 29424
Phone
(843) 953-5520
http://www.wellness.cofc.edu/health.htm.
Hours
of operation:
Monday
- Thursday
8:30
am - 7:00pm
Friday,
8:30 am – 5:00pm
Auxiliary Services
66
George Street
Charleston,
SC 29424
Phone
(843) 953-7834
http://www.cofc.edu/auxiliaryservices/.
At
the auxiliary services you get your Cougar Card upon arriving at the College.
The office also provides students with information regarding all parking
procedures. Here you can also buy the discounted city area transit pass.
Cougar Card
The
Cougar Card is the official College of Charleston ID card.
http://www.cofc.edu/auxiliaryservices/cougar/index.html.
The card offers a meal plan card, discretionary account and vending access. The
Cougar Card is also equipped with a personalized bar code, which allows you to
check out books at the College of Charleston library. The card also gives you
access to all computer laboratories and gym facilities.
The
Cougar Card is a non-transferable picture identification card. The card offers
students a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash. The card is free
of charge. If you lose your card, it costs $10 to replace it.
International Club
The
International Club is a college-sponsored club run by students. It is open to
any student at the College, though the majority of the members are
international students. Joining the club is a great way to meet other
international students and to see more of Charleston and participate in social
activities.
The
club organizes barbecues, beach parties, visits to plantations, hockey games,
movies, a Superbowl party, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, GA,
boat trips and various other social activities throughout the semester.
The
club meets every other Friday. You will find out more about the club and meet
its members during the orientation days.
Survival Guide from A-Z
Alcohol
You
have to be 21 years of age to drink or buy alcohol in the United States. Bars,
clubs, and stores that sell alcohol will always ask for some form of picture
identification showing date of birth. You can use your driver’s license or
passport. Your college student ID does not work as an identity card off campus.
Purchasing alcohol for anyone who is under age is illegal. Possession of an
open alcohol container is illegal outside bars, restaurants, and private homes.
Banks
The
banks in Charleston are open between 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday. Drive
through banks open at 8:30 am and most banks stay open an hour later on
Fridays.
To
open a bank account you need your passport and your student identification card
(Cougar card). The most common banks in Charleston are Wachovia and Bank of
America.
Automatic
Teller Machines (ATM) are situated on campus and around downtown and will
accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and American Express.
You may have to show your ID when you make a purchase with your credit car and
the signature on the back of your card may be checked as well.
Beaches
South
Carolina and Charleston is known for its beautiful beaches. The most popular
beach among college students is Folly Beach. Other great beaches are the Isle
of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. All beaches are approximately a 15 minute drive
from campus.
Biking
Downtown
Charleston, unlike many other American cities, is suitable for walking and
biking. The best way to get around if you live downtown is by bicycle. You may
purchase bikes at large discount stores such as Wal-mart or K-mart. If you are
looking for a used bike, look in the local newspaper or on the bulletin boards
on campus.
Books
The
textbooks and other school supplies can be extremely expensive in the U.S. The
best way to save money is to look for used books at the College bookstore or
buy the required literature online. http://www.bkstr.com.
You
generally have about two weeks to return any books you will not need as long as
you save the receipt. At the end of the semester, you have the opportunity to
sell your books back. The return, however, is minimal. The college bookstore is
located on Calhoun Street.
Clubs
The
College of Charleston offers over a hundred different student clubs. They range
from academic major related clubs, political clubs, sports clubs, language and
culture clubs. http://studentlife.cofc.edu/StudentOrganizations/clubs-orgs.html.
The College also has its own newspaper called the George Street Observer,
College radio and College TV. At the beginning of the fall semester, all clubs
participate in a fair on campus where they provide students with information
about their activities.
Car Rentals
There
are several car rental agencies in the Charleston area. Most of them operate at
the airport but sometimes offer pick-up services at local destinations in the
downtown area. Some car rental agencies have restrictions about leaving the
state you are renting the car from and require that the driver is at least 25
years of age. If you are planning on leaving the state of South Carolina, make
sure that is covered in the rental agreement.
When
you rent a car, it is highly recommended that you sign up for fill coverage
insurance for any physical damage to the car. The insurance will be more
expensive if the driver is under the age of 25.
You
will need to have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card (i.e. Visa,
MasterCard, American Express). Generally, the cheapest options can be found
online.
Thrifty
Car Rental
Alamo
Rent-a-Car
Phone
(843) 569-1900
Avis
Phone
1 (800) 732-3232
Budget
Car and Truck Rental
390
Meeting Street (downtown location)
Phone
(843) 577-5195
Hertz
Phone
(843) 767-3078
Enterprise
Downtown
location
Buying a Car
If
you will be living downtown, the campus, shops, restaurants, and bars will be
within walking distance. However, to visit the beach, shopping malls, and movie
theaters you will need a car.
You
may count on friends for rides or rent a car, but if you are staying for a
longer period, you may want to consider buying one and then reselling it when
you leave the U.S.
With
owning a car comes additional costs such as insurance, taxes, maintenance,
parking and repairs that you should take into consideration before deciding
whether you want to buy a car.
At
www.charlestonautonet.com you
can find listings of car dealers for both new and used cars in the Charleston
area. You can also look in the classified section of the Post and Courier
newspaper for advertisements for used cars.
Cinemas
These
are the most common movie theaters in the Charleston area. Check the City Paper
and the Post and Courier for updated movie listings.
American
Cinema Grill
446
King Street (downtown)
Phone
(843) 722-3456
Palmetto
Grande
1319
Theater Drive (Mt. Pleasant)
Phone
(843) 216-8696
James
Island 8
1743
Central Park Rd. (James Island)
Phone
(843) 795-9499
Citadel
Mall Cinema I-VI
Citadel
Mall, West Ashley
Phone
(843) 763-7052
Clothing
Charleston
and South Carolina is hot and humid from May to September. However, it can get
cold with degrees under zero during the winter months. Pack for hot summer
weather but remember to bring an extra coat or jacket for the chilly period of
November to February.
Students
dress very casual for class. If you are planning to have an internship or work
on-campus during your time at the College, you will need to bring more formal
work clothes like dress pants and shirts.
Computer Labs
The
two major computer labs on-campus are in the Marlene and Nathan Addelstone
Library and on the fourth floor of the JC Long building. Here you have access
to scanners, printers, and computers equipped with internet, Microsoft Word,
Excel, SPSS, Pagemaker, and Photoshop. Check with the computer labs for opening
hours.
The
computer lab located in the Library houses hundreds of personal computers with
a mix of high performance Pentiums and Macintoshes. These computers are also
connected to the campus network and the internet. This lab uses HP LaserJet and
Apple LaserWriter printers for output.
The
JC Long computer lab houses approximately 100 personal computers with a mixture
of high performance Pentiums and Macintoshes. All machines are connected to
both the campus network and the Internet. Printing for the Center is handled by
three high-speed Laser printers.
Currency
The
currency in the U.S. is the dollar ($) and cents.
Dates and Numbers
Americans
indicate dates differently from what you may be accustomed to. Instead of
writing 11th August, American write August 11th
(08/11/04).
While
it is custom in many countries to use periods to indicate thousands and commas
to indicate fractions, the opposite is true in the U.S. Three thousand is
written 3,000.00 and two and a half is 2.50.
Driving
You
have to be 16 years of age to drive a car in the U.S. Your home country’s
driving license will not be valid for the entire time you are in the States. We
therefore recommend you get an international driving license before you leave
home.
It
is illegal to drink and drive in the state of South Carolina. The law defines
drunken driving as 0.10 percent blood-alcohol. Drinking and driving has serious
consequences on you and others. Don’t drink and drive!
Driver’s License
To
apply for or renew a driver’s license or to change the local address listed,
the following documents are needed:
Student
Student
spouse or dependent child
You
can apply for a driver’s license at the following locations:
Charleston
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
3790
Leeds Avenue
North
Charleston, SC 29405
Drugs
The
possession or use of drugs is illegal in the U.S. The College of Charleston has
a no tolerance policy for the purchase, possession, distribution, attempt to
distribute or use of illegal drugs/drug paraphernalia, seeds, stems and
residue.
Students
not in compliance with the College of Charleston drug policy will have a letter
sent to their parents, be immediately removed and banned from the residence
hall system and placed on deferred suspension for two semesters.
Electricity
The
voltage in the U.S. is 110. Adapters or transformers can be purchased at most
bigger airports.
Embassies and Consulates
Emergency
The
emergency number to contact the police or the fire department in the U.S. is
911. You may also call the campus police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any
emergency by dialing 953-5611. Emergency call boxes are also located throughout
campus.
Furniture
On-campus
housing provides furnished rooms that include beds, desks, and a dresser. For
most off-campus housing you can buy new and relatively inexpensive furniture at
Wal-mart, K-mart, or Target. Thrift stores sell used goods that have been
donated by people in the community. Check the telephone book for local
addresses and phone numbers. You can also find advertisements for used
furniture in the local newspapers, on flyers put up by students on campus or you
can look for furniture in the yellow pages.
Health Care
Student
Health Services:
The
Student Health Center is located directly behind the Robert Scott Small Library
in the Center for Student Wellness at 181 Calhoun Street and is open to all
students enrolled at the College of Charleston. The Health Center has a staff
of registered nurses and physicians. They provide care for minor injuries,
first aid, allergy injections, TB, anemia and diabetes screening, some
immunizations and treatment of minor and chronic illnesses. The Student Health
Center also has a counseling department that offers psychological help to College
of Charleston students.
Hours
of operation:
Monday
through Thursday
8:30
am – 7:00pm
Friday,
8:30 am – 5:00pm
Phone
(843) 953-5520
http://www.wellness.cofc.edu/health.htm.
If
you need to get in contact with a doctor outside of the health services hours
of operation call Public Safety at 953-5611 and they will help you to a
hospital.
Prescriptions
You
can pick up medicine with a prescription at any local drug store (i.e. Eckerds,
CVS, etc.).
Internet Access
During
your time as a student at the College of Charleston, you have access to the
Internet 7 days a week. See “Computer Labs” section for opening hours. If you
live in any of the residence halls, you will have access to computer rooms with
Internet. You can also use the Internet at the Charleston County Public Library
on Calhoun Street if you are a library cardholder.
Internships
During
your time as a student at the College of Charleston you might want to consider
an internship. An internship is a supervised field experience, almost always
unpaid, at a company or organization intended to bring a real world element to
your education whether on or off-campus. It also provides a valuable experience
that will make your resume more attractive to future employers. Doing an
internship for academic credit requires the approval of individual faculty and
department.
If
an internship is paid, please contact the International Office.
For
information about internships visit Career Services on campus, or search
CISTERNOnline.
Laundry
If
you live in any of the residence halls on campus you have access to washing
machines and dryers. There is a charge of $1.50 per wash and approximately 25
cents for 16 minutes of drying. If you are living off-campus there might be a
washing machine in the house for you to use. Otherwise, there are also
Laundromats at different locations.
College
Laundromat
226
Calhoun Street
Charleston,
SC 29401
Phone
(843) 577-3484
Meeting
Street Coin and Laundry
428
Meeting Street
Charleston,
SC 29403
Phone
(843) 853-6809
Maps
Newspapers
The
largest nationwide newspapers in the U.S. include the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the USA Today and the Washington
Post.
In
Charleston, the local newspaper is called The
Post and Courier and can be purchased from various grocery and convenient
stores as well as boxes placed on the streets around downtown. Some of the
residence halls may provide limited quantities of these newspapers for free.
The Charleston City Paper is a free local publication that includes features
and lists local happenings and entertainment. Skirt! is also a free local
publication but geared towards women. It features local artists and lists
activities that are going on around Charleston.
Opening Hours
The
stores on the main street, King Street, stay open from 9:30 am – 6:30pm during
the weekdays and until 5:00pm during the weekends. The largest grocery stores downtown
are Harris Teeter and Piggly Wiggly, and they are open 24 hours a day. Big
shopping malls with stores, restaurants and movie theaters, located about 10
minutes from downtown, generally stay open until 9:00 pm, except on Sundays,
until 6:00pm.
The
bars and clubs in Charleston stay open until 2:00am.
Pharmacy
Toiletry
items, such as toothpaste, band-aids, etc. can be purchased from any local
pharmacy. Prescription drugs may also be purchased here.
Police
The
Department of Public Safety is responsible for the security and safety of the
campus community. They work with crime prevention and criminal investigations.
They can also help you with the registration of bicycles and lost and found
property. http://www.cofc.edu/publicsafety/
.
Post Office
The
College has a student mail service center at 81A St. Phillip Street. The
mailroom staff distributes student mail and packages to campus mailboxes at
this location. Here you can buy postage for mail within the U.S., drop off
stamped mail, have packages weighed, and sign up for a mailbox.
Phone
(843) 953-5534
Mail
Service Center window hours:
Monday-Friday,
10:00am – 5:00pm
Lobby
Area open seven days a week, 7:00am – 7:00pm
If
you need to send packages abroad or buy postage for international mail:
United
States Postal Service
83
Broad Street
Phone
(843) 795-5006
United
States Postal Service
557
East Bay Street
Phone
(843) 722-3624
Phone
If
you live off-campus you will be required to obtain your own telephone service.
Companies offer calling plans based on where you call and how often you use
their service. Telephone service is provided by local and long distance
companies. The long distance companies provide national and international
services.
There
are many long distance companies to choose from. They all have different rates
and services. For more information, check the Yellow Pages under “telephone
companies” or ask a representative at “BellSouth” to give you the telephone
numbers for each company.
Out-of-state
and international phone call can be very expensive. If you do not want to sign
up for a long distance plan, calling cards are an alternative. At www.callingcards.com you can find phone
cards with cheap rates for your home country and out-of-state calls.
All
local phone calls are free of charge in Charleston. If you live in any of the
residence halls on campus a line is already hooked up but you will have to buy
your own phone. If you live off-campus you will be charged a monthly basic
charge of approximately $20.
BellSouth
is the most widely used telephone company in Charleston for residential
service.
You
may also purchase a cell phone from various cell phone companies. Visit the
yellow pages for companies. You will have to purchase the telephone and a
calling plan.
Calling
Codes:
To
call the U.S. 001
To
call outside the U.S. 011
Charleston
area code 843
Columbia
area code 803
Greenville
area code 864
Toll
free numbers 1–800,
1-888, 1-886, 1-877
Religious Life
Charleston
is often referred to as the Holy City because of the more than 180 different
churches whose steeples grace the city’s skyline. The College of Charleston has
an active religious life. Visit the religious clubs at the College of
Charleston for more information. http://www.cofc.edu/student-life/religious.html
.
Sports
You
can find live baseball, basketball, football (American), ice hockey, soccer,
tennis, golf, fishing, tournaments, surfing and sailing all year long in
Charleston. Visit www.charleston.net
for information.
As
a student, you have access to a weight room, track, pool, aerobic classes and a
wide range of sports clubs on-campus. Visit the campus recreation services for
more information. http://www.cofc.edu/~crsweb/.
Traveling/Transportation
By
Bus
Greyhound
bus lines offers routes to many cities across the U.S. Travel by bus is
relatively inexpensive and Greyhound offers students discounts. For Greyhound
fare and schedule information visit www.greyhound.com
By
Train
You
can get to most major cities in the U.S. with AMTRAK which is the only
passenger train service in the U.S. For more information, call the AMTRAK
station in Charleston at (843) 744-8264 or visit www.amtrak.com
By
Taxi
Taxis
are not used as much in Charleston as they are in other larger cities. Instead
of trying to get one driving by, it is better to call and request for one. Most
taxi services operate on a 24 hour schedule. To request a taxi, look under
“taxicabs” in the Yellow Pages.
Express
Cab Co. (843) 577-8816
Safety
Cab Co. (843) 722-4066
Airport
Shuttle (843) 834-1998
Time
The
U.S. is divided into four different time zones, Eastern, Central, Mountain, and
Pacific. Charleston is located in the eastern time zone which is equivalent to
GMT minus 5 hours.
Tourist Information
The
Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street features a trained
staff available to answer questions and provide assistance about Charleston.
Here you can find free brochures and maps of the city and its surrounding
areas.
The
Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm excluding Christmas,
New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving.
You
can also visit Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information
about the city.
Weather
College
of Charleston is situated in the southeast region of the United States. The
climate is typical for the southeast with hot summers and mild to cold winters.
Snow is unlikely, but there are sometimes temperatures just below freezing in
the mornings. The average temperatures (in Celsius) are as follows:
Jan Feb March April May June
Temperature day 15 16.7 20 24.4 28.3 21.1
Temperature night 2.8 3.9 7.8 11.7 16.7 20
Rain fall (mm) 8.12 8.12 11.17 7.11 10.41 14.97
July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Temperature day 32.2 31.7 29.4 25 20.6 16.1
Temperature night 22.2 21.7 19.4 13.3 7.8 3.9
Rain fall (mm) 18.78 17 14.21 7.36 6.09 7.87
Weights and Measures
Length
Weight
Volume
Temperature
Charleston Links
www.charlestonvisitorandbureau.com