See College of Charleston reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending College of Charleston. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free College of Charleston reviews, or contribute your own College of Charleston review if you're a current student there.
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23 out of 23 people found this review useful.
Sophomore Biology Major
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Professors at CofC are truly invested in their students. They urge students to get help during office hours and do their best to make sure you are learning the material. The majority of the courses I have taken are challenging yet interesting which is an excellent combination.
Am enjoying being here I could not imagine a better college for me. I am in love with not only the gorgeous school but also the city. There is always something fun to do in the Holy City whether it be walking down to the battery, visiting the many historical sites, or relaxing on the beach. One of the only negatives is that with so much around, it can be hard to focus on your studies.
Bang for the buck The College of Charleston is an excellent school with several new buildings, knowledgeable staff, and an A+ location. The price is a little steep for out of state students but being one myself, I can say it is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students To anyone even slightly interested in the College of Charleston, I would highly suggest you visit the school and city. I would be surprised if you did not know almost immediately whether or not Charleston is for you. Be sure to check out the many on campus organizations.
Great for these types of students CofC is wonderful for students looking for a school that is not too big or small yet has a homey feel. Also, it is great for students looking for a good education but want to always have something to do after their school work is done.
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10 out of 10 people found this review useful.
Kelly from Pelzer, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The professors at CofC are willing to work with their students in any way possible to make sure they are learning the material and understand how to apply it to everyday life. Small class sizes of about 20 students per class are really helpful in providing one on one time with professors if desired. It's also helful that the professors learn every student by name. Professors are readily available via email and set office hours. Also, most of the professors are willing to meet with students outside of office hours if the student is not available to meet with them during the set hours. CofC also has a tutoring center that provides labs in Spanish and French, all mathematics through Calculus, and a writing lab. CofC also provides supplamental courses weekly for the most challeging courses, and private tutors for most other courses free to students.
Am enjoying being here I could not have found a better school for me. I love being fifteen minutes from the beach, and I enjoy the mild winters. I love the historic sceneray and aritechture of the city as well as its true southern history and flair.
Bang for the buck College of Charleston is definitely a great buy. It provides excellent housing, dining, professors, and many modern buildings that are all comfortable and conveinent. There are many great organizations and clubs to be a part of as well as sports. CofC has a fantastic location in the heart of Charleston that provides its students with endless entertainment when they are not studying.
Tips for prospective students Be sure to check out the website at Cofc.edu. Also, look at the many academics and classes that are offered. I found it very helpful to email the department head of my desired major/academic area that I wanted to study and ask questions about the program. The staff are all very friendly and willing to answer any questions. Be sure to visit the city and enjoy walking the beautiful campus of CofC as well as exploring the attractions of downtown Charleston to know if it is the kind of location you are interested in.
Great for these types of students College of Charleston is great for the student who wants to be in the city, but also does not want to feel overwhelmed. Charleston is a small city, so it has many great attractions and plenty to be involved in, but still has a homey and comfortable feel. The students at CofC are well known for having laid-back personalities and no-rush, worry free attitudes. Everyone is very friendly, and I found it easy to make friends in my dorm and in my classes.
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7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
Laura, who is an Astrophysics/Biology major, who is at CofC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The majority of your educational experience will likely be fantastic. My professors have ranged from very good to excellent, and my classes have all been very interesting and well-taught—although, this is partly because most of my gen-ed stuff is done, and so I get to focus on what I’m really interested in. But the gen-ed classes offered are incredibly diverse, so if you shop around, you’ll find some very interesting classes taught by good professors. You will, I promise, take one or two classes that you don’t like, because the professor is less than great, or because you just can’t get into the material. This has nothing to do with C of C. This has to do with how school works.
Am enjoying being here I’m really enjoying myself here. There are all sorts of clubs and events where you can meet people and have a good time; there are regular movie nights; there is a lot of stuff going on around Charleston. Because there are so many different clubs, it isn’t difficult to find a place where there are like-minded people with whom you get along; for instance, I’m in the Society of Physics Students and it’s wonderful, and I’m in Japanese Club and it’s really fun. In order to not make friends and enjoy yourself, you have to actively avoid people or be monumentally unpleasant, and even so you still may make a friend or two despite your best efforts.
Bang for the buck THIS IS IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE A TRANSFER STUDENT: Financial aid for the first year or so is not really easy to get, but if you look around for scholarships and harass the financial aid folks you’ll probably be able to cut the cost of attendance down. Housing for transfer students is also not easy to get for the first year, but the college has a lot of resources for off-campus living.
If you’re an in-state student, the cost of attendance is fairly low; if you’re out-of-state, not so much. But it could be worse: at my former school, tuition was about $10,000 more. Because the classes are great and I’m really enjoying it here, though, it’s definitely worth it.Tips for prospective students BE VERY PROACTIVE ABOUT THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS. Call the Admissions office to check in with your application every so often; ask them to go into CougarTrail to check that everything is in order. They messed up my application at first, but they were FANTASTIC about fixing it, so if you just call occasionally to make sure that things are going well, things will go well.
If you need to take Physics 101/102 or Physics 111/112, take 111/112. 101/102 are supposed to be easier, but if those are the classes you choose to take, you’ll be learning from a collection of PowerPoint slides put together in a book by your professor instead of from a book put together and designed by professors and instructional designers for a major textbook publishing company. 111/112 have been very good for me. Take those classes.
If you get the chance to have a class with Dr. Francis, do it. It will be one of the best experiences of your educational career.Great for these types of students C of C is great for most everyone, especially people who like Spanish moss or want to pretend that they’re Quentin Compson. (That is to say that the campus is incredibly Southern-looking.) You will find a place where you are happy socially and educationally, I promise.
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7 out of 8 people found this review useful.
Kelli from Sumter, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Due to the variety of classes CofC has to offer, I have been able to take several interesting classes that not alot of people have the chance to. The professor are GREAT and are always willing to work with you. CofC also offers the Center for Student Learning in which you can get FREE tutors for anything you need help with...it is awesome. They really do want you to succeed.
Am enjoying being here What's not to love about Charleston? From soaking up the sun in Marion Square, to walking down King street and enjoying the multitude of shops, to taking a jog down to the battery, or simply hanging out with friends among the beauty of this city..it couldn't get any better.
Bang for the buck I think CofC is definitely worth coming to!
Tips for prospective students My tips would be to definitely check out the campus and try to spend a weekend here. Also, really read into what your major requires. Look at the requirements for graduation as well, because CofC is a liberal arts school, there are more requirements than a different university would require.
Great for these types of students artsy students, musicians, athletic students, and people who enjoy living in a historic city, with THE BEACH 10 minutes away. The only downfall is not having a football team, but most of the students at CofC are fine with that, and it makes CofC unique.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Robert from Hickory, NC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences The College of Charleston is well-rounded, beautiful school that rests elegantly on the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by delicious food, intelligent professors, and interesting people; there is no better place to attend school. Any student enrolled at the college will tell you of how wondrous and exquisite it is, and how much of an honor it is to attend.
Tips for prospective students Apply early and make sure to set up a visit to take all that the college and the city of Charleston has to offer.
Academic Rigor Being a liberal arts school, the college requirers students to take foreign languages and other classical classes that would normally be left out of a biology major. While these courses do take time and energy they provide the student to discover new areas and interests that may not have been noticed prior to attending the school.
Dorm Life The dorms are no different than any school but it is the people who live in them that continues to amaze me I love them all and being in this town is a treat.
Food and Dining All food everywhere in Charleston is delicious, being a New Olreans, LA native I am picky about good food, but the cuisine here has surpassed my standards.
What to do for fun There is so much to do, a nice tour of the battery while the ocean breeze washes over with a soul mate, family member, or new friend is always relaxing along with lounging in the park or doing some shopping on King st. or at the northern outlets. The beach is only fifteen minutes away and if you know some one with money Kiawah is a beautiful island that offers luscious golf courses and tranquil beach lounging.
Bang for the buck Charleston is a beautiful historic area, and therefore the money can become short, but if you know where to go and what places to eat to save little bits of cash here and there it is not a problem for a college student with a weekend job to support himself.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The historic value around the college is amazing, students can live in a 200 year old house instead of a dorm. Few colleges can offer this commodity.
Great for these types of students Laid back people who are enjoyable to be around and know when to study and when to party. Charleston is not out of control, but it is a fun place to be.
Clubs and Activities There is any and every sport imaginable along with art and theatre clubs. There are clubs for anything anyone can think of, and if some how there is no club yet then you can be a founding father and create your own club!
Greek Life Charleston prides itself on having southern greek life that involves parties, dances, dinners, balls, and gatherings of all kinds. Some fraternities will go to beach week while a sorority may have mountain weekend, there is always something going on and always someone to do it with.
Campus Safety There are security systems all over campus and a 24/7 security guard on call.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Gene from Blythewood, SC
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Academic Rigor I'm learning so much here. The teachers are all challenging, but eager to teach and very interesting.
Will enjoy being here I think I'm going to enjoy it here very much! However, I've had trouble getting everything sorted out up to now, particularly housing. Other than that, it's a beautiful campus with friendly people. Great food is everywhere which could end up to be a bad thing for broke college students.
Bang for the buck College of Charleston is relatively affordable I suppose. It is as far as colleges are concerned at least. I've found that many of the students here are kids with rich parents from out of state, just coming to party.
Tips for prospective students If you or your parents are worried about C of C being a Party School, it is, but that's really easy to stay away from if you don't go looking.
Great for these types of students Great for any type of student really. Goes everywhere from rigorous science courses to great business classes, and easy classes for the partiers.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Tiffani from El Paso, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I transfered to CofC from my hometown university, University of Texas El Paso, The courses here at CofC are more challenging than UTEP but the quality of the material and the professors is far superior than UTEP. I have been challenged in all of my courses but have been very successful in all because of the interest all of my professors have taken in my performance in class. The professors truly care about you and want you to succeed.
Am enjoying being here This campus is gorgeous. Living in the center of a beautiful city with great shopping, close proximity to the many beaches here, and a lot of opportunities for fitness and outdoor activities, is an amazing experience. Dorm life is nice and there are many off campus apartments that are 5-10 minutes away from campus it's perfect for those who don't want to bother having a car to care for. The down side however, is that being in the city always means there is a bad side of town, which isn't that far from campus, but for the most part the city is safe, and on campus is extremely safe.
Bang for the buck I am paying out of state tuition so I am paying an extra $6000 a semester to come here. If I were paying in state tuition it would be an even bigger bang for my buck. Especially with the many South Carolina scholarships available to resident students.
Tips for prospective students College of Charleston is a great place to study I would recommend this school to anyone. It is a wonderful experience living in this beautiful city. The college provides many fitness options and I suggest you take full advantage of all of them. The food on campus is good, but if you live on campus and have a meal plan the options can get boring after a while.
Great for these types of students This school is great for people interested in living in a lively city and a city with tons of history. If you enjoy beautiful weather, and having tons of fun opportunities to engage in then this is the school for you.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Freshman student, out of state
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot The teachers at CofC definitely are invested in their students. For the most part, they are more than willing to help with any questions or concerns their students have during class, as well as during office hours. If you spend the time going to class and seeking out your teachers for help if you are struggling with a subject, it is easy to do well and really understand the material.
Am enjoying being here This school is so much fun! The classes are interesting and not too difficult to manage, and there is always something fun to do both on and off campus. There are tons of clubs and activities on campus, including intramural sports, academic clubs, and greek life. There is something for everyone for sure. Also, the city of Charleston is filled with stuff to do, from the historical aspects to the beach. Never boring for sure, plus the people are so nice!
Bang for the buck Being an out of state student, this is hard to decide. For someone from South Carolina, this school is such a great deal and I would 100% recommend it! If you are out of state, getting financial aid is definitely needed in order to make it more reasonable. However, one point that puts CofC above many other schools is that teachers are the ones teaching the classes. With the exception of labs, TAs hardly ever teach classes, and if they do it is only to help out the regular teacher. With the number of opportunities available through CofC, I would definitely say it is worth the money, even if it does mean that out of state students should look for additional aid.
Tips for prospective students Take advantage of office hours with your teachers! If you don't understand a topic covered in class, visit your teacher during their set office hours and I can almost guarantee that they will help you immensely. Also, try to get involved with at least one on campus activity, especially as a new student, and the number of friends you make will probably double instantly!
Great for these types of students Anyone who wants to meet lots of friendly, new people! I think that every type of person can find their niche at CofC, but they may just have to search a bit. If you are outgoing and want to meet people from all walks of life, come here for sure.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Maureen from Augusta, GA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Professors are reasonable, knowledgeable, and experienced. If you make an effort to go to their office hours for help, stay involved in in-class discussion, and overall try to perform well in the class, everyone is very willing to help and listen.
Am enjoying being here Charleston is a fabulous city! There is so much to do here, no matter what your interests are. I love being involved on campus and have made great friends.
Bang for the buck While the cost of the College of Charleston is high for out-of-state students, I believe that the quality of education you receive as a student at the College is well worth it. I have been away from the College for the semester, and the quality of education at my other university could not compare to what I was used to at the College.
Tips for prospective students Make sure your professors know your name and think of you as hard-working.
Have fun, but not too much. It's easy to get too caught up in the fun to be had in Charleston and forget that you're here to learn.
Love living in the most beautiful city in the world and appreciate your time there.Great for these types of students Everyone! We have a lot of diversity with students from all across the United States and all over the world. We have a vibrant Greek community, if that's of interest to you, that is smaller than many state universities, however, this allows you to really feel connected to other students in Greek life. Great art programs, as well as science; overall a great choice for those who want a well-rounded education
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Megan from Fort Mill, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot You learn many things from not only the classes, but the staff as well. With a wide variety of classes that can help any student find what direction one would want to find themselves in. Students that are even undecided get a good feeling of no pressure for not deciding. And all of the staff have no qualms about answering any type of questions a student could have. They always do what they can to help students understand the goals they want, and how to achieve them with their abilities.
Am enjoying being here The college is set in such a beautiful city with great history everywhere you walk, and it is a great plus that a beach is near by. Even the citizens of Charleston are involved with the college, just like when exams are commencing a local church will set up a free food stand for studying students, also wishing them good luck. Its so great to see how involved everyone gets with companies hiring students/graduates to help further themselves, the local residents wanting to give back, to even students who also want to get involved with the community with tons of volunteering. They have so many options for students besides just school work with the many provided centers for anything such as finding volunteer opportunities, religious life, crisis assistance, substance abuse/counseling, multicultural student programs, and a career center for those needing aid in searching for a job. This school helps so much in transitioning into the college life its no wonder that not only myself but other students always seem to be happy. And with so many activities going on for students to get engaged with its so easy to find not just career builders, but long lasting friends too. All of these factors make College of Charleston an enjoyable place to learn, live, and grow.
Bang for the buck For being what I believe to be a wonderful school, This is their only set back. Being a public school for the state does not seem to deter them from making one feel like their paying for a private one. And with freshman year the school requires these students to pay for things like a meal plan, or even 15 pages of printer paper that if not used up by end of semester/year will not be rolled over next time for use. Its all of these small, but collective fees that the school does that makes it irritating for students and parents. But even with these costs the school makes up for it in other ways.
Tips for prospective students This is a great school especially if one is undecided. They offer a great variety of majors to prospectively choose from, and if you want to go on to graduate school they also have great branches to pick from. Or it can even be a great launching point for you to get into other schools. Make sure to always see your advisor, they are always there to help with any decision troubles, and to send you to the right places for anything else you might need. Be warned though! This is a school that prides itself for getting students involved with campus life. Many students just want to wisp by, but you should take advantage of this opportunity from the school as it can provide a balance of: fun, friends, and an opening to not just get by in life, but to enjoy it also.
Great for these types of students This school is the best for students looking in: Marine Biology, Hospitality and Tourism, Art, Theatre, History, and also those undecided. But overall this is a great place for anything students could want, especially because of the many choices of majors and minors to choose from.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Savannah from Mount Pleasant, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences I enjoy my undergraduate classes at CofC. Class sizes are reasonable, and my professors are approachable and helpful. I appreciate the large selection of electives.
Tips for prospective students Taking college courses at your local technical college can give you a big head start. I graduated high school with 24 college credits, and they all transferred to CofC. This means that I will graduate from CofC a semester early.
South Carolina offers the Life Scholarship, which contributes $5000 per year toward expenses. Remember to keep your GPA up and study hard for the SAT.
Here are the requirements:
http://sc.edu/financialaid/life.htmlAcademic Rigor The academic rigor depends on your class selection, as well as the number of credits taken each semester. This spring, I loaded up on 18 credit hours. It was stressful, but rewarding.
Dorm Life I live at home with my parents, and commute to school via Carta. CofC students don't pay for bus passes, and the express bus gets me to school in 30 minutes.
Here is some information on CofC dorm living:
http://reslife.cofc.edu/housing-and-rates/index.phpFood and Dining If you plan on living on campus, I highly recommend the meal plan.
http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/csse/charleston/What to do for fun I enjoy attending musicals at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Since I work part-time at the local movie theatre, I see several movies each month. I also enjoy local festivals, such as Piccolo Spoleto.
Bang for the buck Since my GPA and SAT scores were high enough to qualify for the Life Scholarship, my tuition is around $5,000 per year. I find this to be very reasonable, especially since I don't have the expense of a dorm room and a vehicle.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The graduation ceremony at CofC is quite unusual. Caps and gowns are not worn. Instead, spring graduates wear white dresses / dinner jackets. December graduates wear black dresses / tuxedos.
Great for these types of students CofC is great for commuting students. The Carta bus service makes the commute from many areas of town easy. Carta Express delivers students to the heart of the campus. The Express Bus gets me to my class in the same amount of time as driving my personal vehicle. CofC provides students with free Carta bus service.
Clubs and Activities There are a huge variety of clubs and activities at CofC. Unfortunately, during 18-credit-hour semesters, I have no time to participate. Here is a list of available clubs:
http://www.cofc.edu/campuslife/clubsandorganizations/clubsandorganizationslist.phpGreek Life I don't currently participate in the Greek activities on campus.
Here is a list of sororities:
http://greeks.cofc.edu/how-to-join/sorority-recruitment.php
Fraternities:
http://greeks.cofc.edu/how-to-join/fraternity-recruitment.phpCampus Safety I feel very safe at CofC. Emergency call boxes are placed conveniently throughout campus. CofC has a very low crime rate. Statistics can be found here:
http://studentaffairs.cofc.edu/annual-security/annual-crime-statistics.phpLogin to rate or flag the reviews
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5 out of 8 people found this review useful.
barry from Little River, SC
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Tips for prospective students excellent traditional college. campus more spreadout in downtown Charleston. good value, nice campus.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Cierra from Bennettsville, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences the college of charleston is one of the best colleges that gears you towards a brighter future. i love the distance between the living and college classes. the teachers are very professional and extremely talented individuals.
Tips for prospective students search for the right college that is going to achieve your overall goal.
Academic Rigor Dorm Life Food and Dining What to do for fun i attend plays, go to the beach and sit in the park and read.
Bang for the buck Clubs and Activities Campus Safety Login to rate or flag the reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Mary from Myrtle Beach, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences the perfect size and close to everything. downtown presents many dining choices when you want an off campus meal. charleston sc is very rich in history and intrigue.
Tips for prospective students apply early! go to tours offered for a test drive.
Academic Rigor very challenging but manageable with the right discipline.
Dorm Life several options for on campus living.
Food and Dining many options for any taste palliate.
What to do for fun greek life is amazing as well as many sporting opportunities. great town for cycling and running. the beach is close also.
Bang for the buck many major opportunities and very helpful faculty.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus great art department
Great for these types of students alot of art and culture
Clubs and Activities running club and photography are favorites. sailing is fun too but too many to mention all.
Greek Life very strong greek life but plenty to do if you opt out.
Campus Safety very safe.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Kendall from Summerville, SC
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences this schoool has a beautiful campus and is in a lovely town. i am looking forward attending cofc. you can walk anywhere you need to go and they offer my program.
Tips for prospective students take a tour and you will fall in love with this school
What to do for fun tour downtown charleston and only minutes from the beaches.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus located in a very historial town.
Great for these types of students anyone interested in teaching, biology and pt.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Nicole from Huntersville, NC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences professors are amazing and classes are small enough to develop a relationship with them. the atmosphere of life is incredible along with the continuously, typically warm weather. the people are awesome and the social/night life always has something going on!
Tips for prospective students enjoy living in the dorm for a first year, you meet so many people! and do not get too distracted by the beauty of the days or areas around you, keep up with your grades! go do homework in marion or the cistern.
Academic Rigor if you take challenging classes, they will challenge you. if you take only easy classes to breeze through, then breeze.
Dorm Life definitely necessary as a freshmen because you meet your closest friends there and a sense of community develops.
Food and Dining wherever you go, cafeterias or not, the food is typically amazing down here. have to enjoy the southern cooking!
What to do for fun every night, literally, there is something going on. you do not have to be a part of the greek group to have fun. they are not exclusive or rude, they have fun in their own way and with everyone else! not to mention, the beach is so close, as well as a ton of bars.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Madeline from Cary, NC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences I absolutely love the college. I continually fall in love with the city and beautiful campus on a daily basis. The campus atmosphere and the college in general is tough to beat.
Tips for prospective students If you're even considering the college, make sure you give it a shot! College of Charleston has great academics, and the city is unbelievable.
Academic Rigor Coming from a college prep private school with 8 classes at a time, The College of Charleston has definitely been a contender. I never anticipated that it would be as hard as it is. I study almost all week for the 16 credit hours I am currently enrolled in. However, I believe my high school prepared me very well for this college.
Dorm Life I live in one of the most expensive and up-to-date dorms on the campus and I have no complaints. I love my room, it is very clean and I've kept it nicely decorated. I share my room with one other person and my bathroom with three others and I've never seemed to have a problem with that. Liberty dorm is much nicer than most dorms on this campus and it is conveniently located to our dining hall.
Food and Dining The food has good days and bad days, however on a bad day, there are always several different options to fall back on. There is always a salad bar, pizza bar, American food station, fruit, sandwiches, soup, cereal, and a dessert bar. So one could argue that everyday is a good day.
What to do for fun The College of Charleston is located in the middle of downtown Charleston so there is never a shortage of fun things to do. Charleston is one of the most beautiful historic cities nationwide. There is every store imaginable located minutes from the dorms, and just a 10 minute walk from the famous city market. Also, there are a plethora of different restaurants to choose from. Not to mention, the college is just a short 10-20 minute drive from the beach!
Great for these types of students The college is great for anyone who enjoys beautiful, warm weather in a city setting. The College of Charleston has the best of both worlds, being in a city setting, while surrounded by a beautiful waterfront, and only 10 minutes from the beach. If you enjoy tanning, shopping and always keeping busy, the College of Charleston is right for you.
Greek Life I am not involved with greek life myself but I have many friends who are in fraternities and sororities here and they have only had great things to say about it. One of my friends in Kappa Alpha Theta said she is having the time of her life and she is so glad she decided to join a sorority. Also, greek life is very big here, even though it is only around 20%, there is always something going on with a fraternity or sorority.
Campus Safety I have never encountered a problem with the campus safety. I regularly walk across campus to my friends' dorms at night and have never been bothered. There are campus police on bikes and segways usually patrolling the streets at all times. You'd think being in the city, the college wouldn't be that safe but it indeed is very safe.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Camilla from Powder Springs, GA
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will enjoy being here College of Charleston has an amazing feel to it. Everyone seemed really nice and the fact that it is in downtown Charleston adds to the appeal. When I was walking around I just felt welcome. The dorm rooms are really nice and larger than ones I've seen before. Their library system is incredible and high tech.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Savannah from Charleston, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Most of the teachers are great.
Am enjoying being here There is a lot of Greek Life at CofC so if you're not into that, you won't love CofC.
Bang for the buck It is not that expensive for as nice of a school as it is. Only about $11K for in-state.
Tips for prospective students Apply for early acceptance and re-take your SAT.
Great for these types of students It's great for Greek Life students, education majors, business majors, communication, psychology, and classics majors.
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2 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Sophomore Public Health Major
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Bang for the buck The campus is very nice and so are the professors. I really enjoy coming ere and being ale to call myself a College of Charleston Cougar!
Tips for prospective students Get out and have fun. Don't just stay in your room, the library or stick with your friends. Go to the many events on campus that are being held by the many organizations we have on campus. It definitely makes your time here much better and you will have fun, while making new friends.
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5 out of 9 people found this review useful.
Matthew from Los Olivos, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot classes tend to be a lot of fun, i never really, except for math, do not want to go to class.
Am enjoying being here Great school, beautiful girls, and awesome weather. its a great college experience. oh and does the ratio 70:30 girls to guys sound good?
Bang for the buck Charleston is a lot of fun, you are right in the middle of down town so fun is literally a block away.
Tips for prospective students Balance homework with partying, grades come first
Great for these types of students people who like history, partying, or interested in business, hospitality, or Marine BIO. It's primarily a girls school with the 70:30 ratio, works for me :)
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0 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Amazing City
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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1 out of 3 people found this review useful.
ZB
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Christopher from Inman, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences A great option for instate and out-of-state students. College of Charleston is a school for someone who needs or wants a school that has an open campus but still the luxury of it being close. This school is a great opportunity for anyone in any age group wanting to further their education beyond a diploma or GED.
Tips for prospective students Do not get caught up in all the parties and activities so much that you do not get your work done. You are in school to get an education first and to hang out last.
Academic Rigor College of Charleston's academics are one of the best in the country. They have great professors and wonderful classrooms, they also have great way to get help if your struggling in any subject.
Dorm Life I would suggest living in the dorm your freshman year just to see how much you would hate it. Its very expensive and cheaper to live off campus. The rules in the dorms and some of the dorm managers, RA's and RHD's abuse their power and have the idea that they have some sort of power over you. They forget that you both are around the same age.
Food and Dining The cafeterias and food amenities for the College of Charleston are great. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the places and the people. However, they close too early for college students, maybe if they had some sort of midnight snack place.
What to do for fun The beach is only 20 minutes away by car, there is also the outlet mall, and regular mall that can be reached by bus or car. Everybody usually hangs out with friends.
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Elizabeth from Charleston, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences College of Charleston is a unique school not only in the fact that it is nestled right into the heart of downtown Charleston but also because everyone here, students and staff, strive to make new students feel welcome. In my first days at College of Charleston I was uncertain if I would find a place where I fit, with like-minded people and activities that I enjoy. The whole atmosphere of the school and the attitudes of the people in it assuaged that fear easily and I have never been happier in my surroundings.
Tips for prospective students Plunge into campus life head first! There are so many vastly different clubs, activities, and sports that it is almost impossible not to find something you like. If you worry about not being able to find people with the same interests you simply must attend a club geared toward a subject you like!
Academic Rigor College of Charleston is challenging while at the same time allowing opportunities for the students to enjoy all of the aspects of college life, including having a life outside of class. The classes are difficult but with a bit of effort anyone can do it.
Dorm Life I lived in College Lodge for my first year of school at College of Charleston. Living at lodge was one of the reasons I felt so integrated and accepted at this school. I have met people who have lived there for the past four years and still adore it. There is an intense bond between all of the people at lodge and it is something special that everyone should have the chance to experience.
Food and Dining The only thing about this school that I cannot stand is the dining services. They are never open when you need them and they all have horrid attitudes. I am always more than polite with the people in the dining halls and still receive awful service, attitude, and substandard food.
What to do for fun Charleston is a city full of things to do in your spare time! Through the college there are innumerable clubs and activities to enjoy. If you are not enthusiastic about activities through the school, then there are many other ways to have fun in Charleston as well, such as bike races, lounging in Marion Square, and shopping in the stores lining the streets around campus.
Bang for the buck College of Charleston is expensive, for in-state students it is reasonable but for out of state students the prices are just appalling.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus At College of Charleston we have what we call the cistern which is a large, circular, raised platform of grass with a concrete walkway through the center. When you graduate from College of Charleston you cross the cistern via the pathway. If you cross the cistern before graduation it is said that you will not graduate.
Great for these types of students College of Charleston is great for artistic students and people who are interested in integrating themselves in the school's thriving campus life. Social people will flourish in this environment.
Clubs and Activities Though I mostly participate in off campus activities I have seen that this school has more clubs than I can count and regularly schedules activities such as a showing of the new Harry Potter movie in the Physician's auditorium.
Greek Life I do not participate in College of Charleston's Greek life.
Campus Safety The campus is relatively safe for being in the middle of a bustling city like Charleston. There will always be incidents but the Public Safety program on campus is always working hard to keep College of Charleston safe. The cougar shuttle is incredibly helpful for getting home at night if you are walking by yourself.
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Victoria from Branchville, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences The College is a great place to open your mind and see the world for all of the wonderful things it has to offer. College of Charleston professors welcome students with open arms and the student body is more than enthusiastic about being a cougar. I would never want to be a student anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students 1. Keep five to ten dollars of cash always on you.
2. NEVER forget your cougar card, it's your life!
3. When you see a professor on King Street, don't freak out! They are normal people too!
4. City Bistro is definitely better than Liberty, but the workers are all so so nice!
5. Don't be scared of a guy walking around in a uniform...it's probably just a Citadel student.
6. Folly is your friend.
7. Greek Life is a wonderful opportunity.
8. Always walk with a friend when it is late.
9. Invest in a bike, you won't regret it!
10. You are attending one of the most amazing schools in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, take a few minutes to actually take it in each day.Academic Rigor The academics are not easy, especially the bio department! But if you manage your time and study hard, everything will work out just fine!
Dorm Life I lived in three different housing facilities freshman year. The dorms are fun and definitely safe, but living in my sorority house was the best! I was really able to connect with the other girls living in the house and it was such a homey experience.
Food and Dining City Bistro is the way to go!
What to do for fun It's Charleston, what is there not to do?!
Bang for the buck The school is worth every penny, but CVS is not. Their prices are 5x higher because it is so convenient, and be careful on King Street, it can get you in trouble!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Graduating from the college is one of the most awaited for traditions. Girls in white dresses with a dozen roses, and the guys in white tux jackets and roses pinned to their jackets; what could be more classy?
Great for these types of students If you love a city atmosphere with a historic background then Charleston is the place for you.
Clubs and Activities Stay active in college, it keeps you well rounded.
Greek Life Best decision you will ever make.
Campus Safety Impecable.
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Bianca from North Augusta, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences I would give College of Charleston a ten out of ten. I love my school; its so diverse and located right in the heart of the city. The faculty is always ready to help you however they can to help you succeed and there' really nothing you can achieve here.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you stay on top of everything. There's always so much going on that it's easy to be distracted from working.
Academic Rigor The classes are differently challenging and engaging. But they keep you interested in figuring out what you want to do in life.
Dorm Life The dorms are are great. They are all so special in there own way; so everyone can find somewhere that they feel comfortable.
Food and Dining College of Charleston has differently raised the bar on dining halls. The staffs are always so friendly and the food is so great. My favorite is Liberty which always has lots of different choices so no matter what you're in the mood for, you can probably find it in Liberty.
What to do for fun There is always something fun going on on campus. There are so many clubs and organizations everyone can find something they like to do. Also, being right in the heart of downtown Charleston gives you easy access to all the festivals and events happening in the city.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus One of our best traditions at College of Charleston happens at everyone's least favorite time of the semester, exams. During exam week when everyone is stressed out and studying like crazy, we have a crazy rave... in the middle of the library. Its a great way to take a break, wake up, and de-stress a little so you ca get back to work.
Great for these types of students Charleston's great for any student who is looking to work hard at what you love but loves a laid-back lifestyle. In Charleston we are all about making time to work and to play and on Fridays you will find most everyone hanging out at the beach relaxing and having fun.
Clubs and Activities There are tons of clubs and organizations on campus. Whether you love sports or politics or even Quidditch, there is something for everyone.
Greek Life We have an awesome Greek community on-campus. Unlike a lot of schools our Greeks aren't separate from the rest of campus. Greeks and non-Greeks alike hang out together having fun.
Campus Safety Our campus is very safe. Campus security does agreat job of keeping everyone safe, and you can be secure in the knowledge that you are secure no matter where you are on campus or at what time.
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Jess
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences College of Charleston is really great. The faculty and staff here are extremely helpful, and the environment, in general, is really friendly. Everyone that works at the college genuinely wants to help you succeed, and that's something that I think is rare.
Tips for prospective students College of Charleston is a really great place to do a lot of things and to meet a lot of people. Try out a variety of activities when you get here, see if there are any clubs that tickle your fancy. Go random with the roommate. You might wind up with a horror story, but you just might as easily wind up with another best friend. It's completely worth the risk.
Academic Rigor Teachers want to make it easy for you here, but they don't want you to get nothing out of your lessons. They expect you to give it your level best, and they provide a lot of opportunities for you to prove to them that you deserve a good grade. Sometimes classes can be boring, but if you do everything you can to stay interested in the topic, then you'll be fine. Maybe find some specific aspect of whatever you're learning that you are truly fascinated by and read further into it. That's what I do, and it seems to work. Just don't let things pile up, try to work ahead. Projects sneak up on you, and they all seem to be due at the same time.
Dorm Life I actually never lived in the dorms here, but my friends who have seem to truly enjoy it. They met some of their best friends here because they lived in the same dorm. It's truly like a community in there. Not like some hotel where everybody just keeps to themselves. People get to know each other. It's a great way to make friends.
Food and Dining Some of the food is stellar. A lot of the food is subpar. The meal plan is kind of a waste. I, personally, opted not to get it. (I never lived in the dorms, otherwise I think you have to.) But who picks a school based on what they serve in the cafeterias? That should not be high on your priority list when picking a school.
What to do for fun Oh my stars- There is so much to do here. I used to go to a different school, where it felt like there was nothing to do ever. I truly felt trapped on the campus there. Here, at CofC, I am never bored. There are people doing things all the time. There are constantly shows being put on, clubs meeting, places to explore. I love to just ride my bike around and listen to music, or just go for a walk down to the Battery (which is beautiful). You can feel the incredible amount of history in Charleston just oozing out of its historic buildings, and that creates such a charming atmosphere. I have never once felt bored here. It is so easy to make your own fun here, there are so many adventures to be had. The students here love to have fun, so its never too far off.
Bang for the buck It is so worth every penny you spend to go here! (Maybe not as far as that meal plan goes though...) Try not to miss any classes, keep your grades up, be involved as much as you see fit, and you will not have wasted a dime here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Some restaurants do trivia nights. Those are fun, though not exactly unusual. I like to go up on rooftops of parking garages and look around the city. It's an amazing feeling.
Great for these types of students Every single type of person can find something to love here. The only kind of person I can see not enjoying their time here, is the person who is constantly wanting to go home. If you're not ready to leave home, then by all means, you should not leave just yet.
Clubs and Activities There are so many. I'm really involved with behind the scenes theater stuff, and I love it. I know about a lot of other clubs and activities. If you are passionate about something, then you should find other people who are passionate as well, and bond over your shared interests. That sounds like a pretty solid fun time.
Greek Life I know some people that really love Greek Life. I chose not to get involved. It's just a lot of obligations. It's a big commitment, and very much a lifestyle.
Campus Safety Well, we live in a city. So there are obviously safety hazards. CofC does everything it can to keep you safe. Just be aware, make good decisions, maybe take some self defense classes, and you should be just fine. I wouldn't walk around at night all by yourself, but I also wouldn't flinch at every shadow here, is what I mean.
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Sarah from Carmel, IN
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences CofC is a wonderful school located in a historic and beautiful port city. The school is rich in culture and is the 13th oldest college in the United States. In addition to a great education, experience life in Charleston by visiting historic sites or hitting the beach.
Tips for prospective students Visit the school and explore the city as a tourist. Try to talk to a department while there in order to learn more about your interested major and what the school has to offer.
Academic Rigor Generally, science classes are very difficult at CofC. However, humanity courses are fairly easy.
Dorm Life Dorm life is good for freshmen. It's a great way at CofC to get to know other new students, because all freshmen have to live in a dorm.
Food and Dining The food and dining at CofC continually gets better every year. They just built a new cafeteria that not only is a buffet but it offers students the opportunity to take a box to go and fill it up with food if they are in a rush.
What to do for fun Many students can explore Charleston as a tourist. The city is rich in history. There are three beaches near Charleston, and they are only 15 minutes away. The city also offers many good restaurants and shops.
Bang for the buck While the school is expensive for out-of-state students, it is fair priced for in-state students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Cistern is an important and central place on campus. It is located in front of the oldest building in the United States that still has classes being held in it. Graduation is also held at the Cistern. Many students love to sit, study and relax at the Cistern.
Great for these types of students The school is generally known as preppy. Many southern bells and boys who dress like they are in a frat attend the school. 65 Percent of the school is girls, and there are many homosexual males at the school. However, the culture in the city is absolutely amazing and all types of people from all over the country attend the school.
Clubs and Activities There are many clubs and club sports to get involved in. For example, I was both a rower and coxswain on the Rowing Team (Crew).
Greek Life Greak life is small on campus but also influential. Many students are satisfied with making friends outside of greek life. But those in greek life, enjoy their experience.
Campus Safety Public Safety on campus does a good job. I constantly see police officers patrolling the campus on foot, bike, etc. I generally feel safe even though the school is located in the heart of the city.
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Isabella from Saint Matthews, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences College of Charleston is a great College for students wanting a liberal arts degree. The campus is absolutely beautiful and relatively easy to get around. I've really enjoyed taking classes here for the past 3 years and highly recommend it.
Tips for prospective students Even though you are required to live on campus the first year, i highly suggest finding housing off campus after your first year. Dorms are extremely expensive at College of Charleston, and you'll save a lot of money if you can find a place elsewhere.
A prospective student should consider that Charleston is rather expensive to reside in, but the Beauty of the city is definitely worth it.What to do for fun It's always wonderful to walk around downtown. You feel like you're literally walking through a time capsule. The Campus is right downtown, so it's very easy to go exploring. It's also very easy to walk down to the Pier, and extremely beautiful and enchanting.
Bang for the buck Unfortunately, tuition has been rising each year but if you LOVE living in one of the most beautiful and historical cities in our Country, it's definitely worth it.
Great for these types of students Art Majors, History Majors, Science Majors.
Clubs and Activities Several clubs to choose from.
Campus Safety Campus safety is excellent. They offer free services to transport you to your home if you have been drinking. There are several emergency press boxes all around campus, that are easy to get to in the event of a crisis.
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Salome from Charleston, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Great area, right in downtown charleston. Near great shopping and restaurants. Park nearby and the curriculum is outstanding!
Tips for prospective students 1. study hard the first semester - a lot of freshmen lose scholarships from partying too hard and enjoying new freedom
2. have fun! meet new people an join organizations. there is a lot to offer at college
3. make sure you choose a school that fits you - not your parents or friends. YOU have to go there the next four years+ so make sure you love your schoolAcademic Rigor College of Charleston had a some of the best departments in the nation. We have NASA on staff, ex CIA agent, Hootie & the Blowfish singer on staff. Outstanding staff who know their students and challenge their students.
Dorm Life Depends what dorm you live in but great options downtown near campus.
Food and Dining in the heart of downtown there are so many restaurants if you do not like the on campus dining.
What to do for fun again you are downtown charleston so there are a lot of shops, restaurants, bar and clubs. there are hundreds of clubs and organizations also that plan a lot of fellowships for added fun
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus people who graduate in may must wear white and walk across the cistern. it is BAD LUCK to walk across the cistern before graduation.
Great for these types of students liberal!
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Chemise from Columbia, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences This school is amazing. There is so much to do and the teachers are really helpful. The school is not very diverse but you will not feel like a number.
Tips for prospective students I will suggest that you should get to know the campus and the buildings before starting classes. You should not be afraid to join organizations and groups because everyone is very welcoming.
Academic Rigor The easiness of the classes depend upon your major but all of the teachers are very helpful.
Dorm Life You will meet some very cool peers living in dorms.
Food and Dining College of Charleston has really talented chiefs in the cafeterias and dining halls. There are some pretty delicious local restaurant that are not far from the campus.
What to do for fun events, parties, clubs, shopping and touring Charleston's beautiful sites
Bang for the buck The school is not expensive at all. It's worth every penny.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Every year we have an event called Cougarpolooza and famous artists come down to party and have fun with the students.
Great for these types of students This school is great fro ALL students.
Clubs and Activities There are so many clubs and activities on this campus and all of them are welcomed to new members.
Greek Life Greek life is very opened and everyone will welcome you.
Campus Safety Public Safety is very protective and will walk with you late at night if neccessary.
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Amanda from Doylestown, PA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences I love the College of Charleston. It is a great school to go to.
Tips for prospective students If you like the beach and warm weather, come here.
Academic Rigor Focusing is always important, but there are definitely times when the beach is needed.
Dorm Life The dorms are all pretty nice. Living off campus is something to look forward to though with all of the pretty houses.
Food and Dining The cafeterias aren't horrible, there are lots of off-campus options as well.
What to do for fun There is a lot to do for fun. The beach is 15 minutes way and there are always concerts and events going on downtown.
Bang for the buck It is a little expensive for out of state students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The cistern is the best to study outside, the Marion Square Park too.
Great for these types of students Students who like to go out, like warm weather, and love the beach.
Clubs and Activities There are lots of clubs to do, and intermural sports as well.
Greek Life You should definitely rush to see what it's like and if you like it. It is worth it no matter what you choose. Greek life is pretty big because it is a Southern school.
Campus Safety There is always security around and emergency boxes all over campus.
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Mia from Durham, NC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences charleston is the coolest place to go to college, and everyone knows it. the city is beautiful, and that reflects upon the attitude of everyone here. the school is rich with history and southern charm, as well as the city, and the whole peninsula is your playground.
Tips for prospective students everyday there is a stampede of wonderful opportunities to see and do things you've never done before. my advice to you? watch out! take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for sure, but don't get caught up in them so much that you forget you're in school! it's an easy thing to do in a city like charleston.
Academic Rigor the college is challenging, and the liberal arts curriculum makes it possible to take all sorts of classes on all sorts of subjects, but the classes aren't so difficult that it's impossible to take a class in a subject you have no background in. that's the beauty of our school.
Dorm Life the dorms are great and come with some pretty lucky amenities, including free laundry and cable. the dorm staff are great and take good care of everyone, and every room has the potential to become home. mine certainly has.
Food and Dining wow! our dining halls are absolutely spectacular. they take lots of pride in fresh ingredients and a variety of options, from sunday dinner-type meals to made-to-order stir-fry. and even better, it's all you can eat. you won't need ramen if you come here, although i still eat it because it's delicious.
What to do for fun everything is fun here (even walking to class), but some highlights include: any of the many beaches that surround the peninsula, cheap live music events at one of the city's many venues, shopping on king st. and at the market, frisbee in marion square (or sunbathing!), a basketball game at carolina first arena or a soccer game at patriot's point, a bike ride down to the waterfront, or one of my favorites - a good walk in the historic neighborhoods of the city. you will not be bored here....ever.
Bang for the buck when you pay for the college, you're also paying for the history, the tradition, the charm, the city, and the ability to have a class in a civil war-era charleston single house (look it up). much like a gourmet restaurant takes there atmosphere just as seriously as their food, at the college you get a gourmet education with a five-star atmosphere.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus -we graduate in white dresses/white dinner jackets! when students graduate, they look like something out of a delightful southern family portrait. and our rings haven't changed since we became a school.
on everyone's charleston bucket list:
-watch the sun rise over the water at the battery park.
-get a slice of pie the size of your head at kaminsky's.
-sit on the francis marion statue.
-do homework at the cistern (or just hang out).
-get pizza at norm's.
-run the cooper river bridge
-learn how to longboard
-take yourself on a field trip to the aquarium (say hi to the sea turtles for me)
-go sailing
-take a yoga class or a zumba class (provided by the school!)Great for these types of students -anyone who is seriously up for an adventure
-the southern gentleman
-anyone who has a love of history and/or old beautiful buildings
-people who love the heat (if you don't like nearly sweating your brains out, you should probably go somewhere up north)Clubs and Activities we have a wild amount of clubs and club sports, and everyone is involved in something, whether it's a club that has something to do with their major, a service club, or recreational. all the clubs are welcoming, and you can try any out that you want. as a history major, you can still go to the aquarium with the biology club, and even if you have never rowed in your life, you can join club crew (beware...they operate like a varsity team). along with clubs, there are also tons of organizations off-campus to get involved in and volunteer for.
Greek Life greek like is a big deal here, but only in the sense that everyone has friends in sororities and frats, and everyone knows something about greek life. greek life here is a great thing, and the people i know who are in it really love it, but there are so many people who don't that there is absolutely no worry that you won't find friends unless you join.
Campus Safety seriously, our campus safety is like a ninja army. if you need them, they are there in no time like ants to honey. they take their job really seriously, because this is a city and there is a greater risk living here then if we were a school separated from everything. they will always help you.
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Freshman Physics Major
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences an easy school for some majors and very challenging for others, especially math and science. most professors are very willing to help you in any way that they can. the city is one of the best in the world.
Tips for prospective students be sure to visit the school and if possible, spend a weekend so that you can get a feel whether or not the school is right for you. also, talk to prospective students and teachers in your major to find out what they like and don't like.
Academic Rigor if you are a math or science major, you will be challenged. some of the other majors are not that difficult. the gen. eds are a lot and will take up at least a year and a half but they are not that bad. they give you a chance to explore other options to study so don't think of them as a waste of time.
Dorm Life the upper upperclassmen dorms are pretty nice. the freshmen dorms are disgusting. if you don't like to share i suggest you move off campus or into the upperclassmen dorms asap. but living on campus you are always in the middle of everything and you get to meet lots of new people.
Food and Dining food on campus is not the best. sometimes it is great but usually it sucks. plan on eating out often. the food off campus is always good.
What to do for fun there are always parties going on whether they are on or off campus so if you like to party you can always find one. on the other hand, if parties are not your thing, there are usually school sponsored events going on that are fun.
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Attya from Pamplico, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences college of charleston is absolutely amazing. the people are nice, the town is beautiful and the professors really care for your education. i love it and wouldn't leave for anything.
Tips for prospective students it's a wonderful place but be prepared to spend all your money. king street is shopping central and it's only one block from campus!
Academic Rigor it's a competitive college to get in to and the courses are only as challenging as you make them. study and you'll succeed!
Dorm Life the dorms are super safe to live in. you can choose rooms with up to five other people and it's a great way to make friends.
Food and Dining there are so many places to eat, you won't believe it! anything you want, sushi, mexican, thai... it's there! there is also an amazing off-campus meal plan so you can eat at amazing places without spending money.
What to do for fun i like to salsa dance, hangout at marion square and read, shop, go to parties, the movies, bowling, and play tennis. there's plenty to do!
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Sabrina
Reviewer is A past student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences cofc is a school full of history and beautiful scenery. the instructors are very helpful and the class sizes aren't overwhelming. the campus is an urban setting with many activities to get involved in.
Tips for prospective students get involved in clubs and get to know your professors for recommendations and extra help. don't be shy about asking for help, so take advantage of the free tutoring services available. make sure you visit the campus and take a tour.
Academic Rigor i like a college that challenges me to be my best and cofc did that for me.
Dorm Life i didn't live in the dorms myself, but i used to visit a friend that did and i liked that the dorms were so close to campus. and the way they were set up gave each person his or her own space.
Food and Dining many places on or close to campus to get food.
What to do for fun they always have activities on campus so stay aware of what's happening.
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Kate from Goose Creek, SC
Reviewer is A past student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences college of charleston has a beautiful campus, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities both on campus and around the city. it is also considered a great value in terms of the quality of the education you receive for the money you pay. it's a school worth looking into.
Tips for prospective students visit the campus, and talk to students and professors to see if it's a good fit for you. also, this goes for any school you attend: balance your schoolwork with the fun and freedom of being out on your own. believe me, a little discipline now will pay off later!
Academic Rigor like any school, there are certain programs that are known for being tough (biology, i hear, is one of them for c of c). overall, i felt challenged in my classes, but not overwhelmed.
Dorm Life charleston is a fun town to live in. the dorms are in the heart of the city, so there's always something going on. the dorms themselves range in quality, and some of them can be pretty nice, depending on your budget.
Food and Dining the food in charleston is amazing (husk was named #1 restaurant in america by bon appetite magazine), and there are great restaurants around and near the campus. caviar and bananas is a gourmet food shop and deli is right across from one of the main campus buildings.
What to do for fun there's always something to do. charleston is known for its thriving food and art culture. there are art walks, spoleto festival usa every may, parks, etc. there are also plenty of activities available on campus any given night of the week.
Bang for the buck as i said before, college of charleston is considered one of the best values for the money, especially for south carolina students in good standing. the palmetto life scholarship will go a long way toward covering costs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the cistern is the heart of campus, it's a beautiful park in front of randolf hall, which was one of the original dorms, dating back to the late 18th century. everyone graduates here, the men in white dinner jackets, and the women in white dresses. it's an old tradition, and makes for really special graduation photos.
Great for these types of students anyone looking for a smaller student body, or a great liberal arts education.
Clubs and Activities everything from skydiving to ballroom dancing. i was a member of the c of c fencing club!
Greek Life i never pledged, so i have no idea.
Campus Safety charleston is a very safe city to begin with, but the campus location, and its security staff are top notch.
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Reina from Charleston, SC
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences in addition to a gorgeous campus, cofc has an intelligent and experienced faculty that is dedicated to its student and their success. because of the college's mid-size student population (10,000 undergrad), there's a good balance of plenty of people without feeling lost in a crowd. the college is very expensive, but the great experiences and opportunities (such as the diverse study abroad and internship options) are worth it for everything you learn and the connections you make--both socially and in the working world.
Tips for prospective students if you have an idea of what you might want to major in, definitely look into the college's department of that area, and waste no time getting to know professors and department leaders you may be working with. part of what makes cofc such a great school is the incredible city of charleston--make sure you don't just tour campus, explore the city and really get to know the place you might be living in. it's also important to really be comfortable in all corners of campus, especially places you might use often such as the library and dining halls and gyms. walk around on your own, apart from a tour, and see if you could see yourself there on a regular basis.
Academic Rigor cofc is not the school to go to if you're looking to slack off and still get a's. you really need to put in the effort and study a lot to be successful. especially if you're in the honors college, the courses are rigorous and challenging. however, the faculty is very helpful and willing to work with students outside of class to make sure they understand the material. also, there are several tutoring labs in the library, such as the writing lab, spanish lab, math lab, and more that are very accessible and helpful to all students.
Dorm Life there are several options when looking to live on campus. there are a variety of dorm styles to choose from: suite style, community, apartments, historic houses, and more. all dorms are located right on campus close to the main buildings as well as some of the best parts of the city of charleston. the dorms all feel very safe, without being overbearing or invading privacy of students. another major plus is that all dorms include multiple laundry rooms that are no extra charge for students to use.
Food and Dining cofc students are very fortunate in that meal plans include a lot of variety in where to eat and the types of food offered. there are take-out options as well as sit-down dining. the dining staff is very friendly and they work really hard to prepare food for students that they can access at multiple locations. the only downside is that the city of charleston is known for having really good food, and a meal plan limits how much a student might be able to spend eating out at restaurants.
What to do for fun there are hundreds of clubs and organizations for students to participate in, and every sport has both club and intramural teams in addition to the official school team. charleston has an exceptional night life and both the college and city has a great time. there are also on-campus activities such as frequent art exhibits and festivals, movies are shown in the auditorium, and there is always a cofc performance or sports game. band concerts are often showing either on campus are nearby in charleston, which are always a huge hit. also, the beach is just a few minutes away and is always a good time. and with charleston's year-round temperate weather the beach is almost never out of the question.
Bang for the buck although cofc is pricey, especially for out-of-state students, the overall price includes fees that are often additional at other schools, such as laundry, student health fees, using cofc transportation, attending campus performances and art shows, etc. also, especially for living in a city as popular and exciting as charleston, the price to live here is exceptionally low when living on campus as a student. cofc does a really good job of looking after its students and making sure their academic needs are met, as well as providing them with some of the best living spaces. cofc also has some of the most advanced technology for learning purposes, as well as additional resources in the library and student center.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the cistern is a favorite place for many of cofc's students. it's a very open space in the middle of campus full of grass and trees and some of cofc's most beautiful and oldest buildings. here is where graduation is held, where several art classes are taught, where frisbees are thrown and students nap and more. it's an unusually quiet and peaceful place in the heart of a busy city.
Great for these types of students one of the great things about cofc is that there are so many different personalities among the students, faculty and staff. this is not a school where everyone you meet is the same, where everyone has one of two majors, or where everyone comes from the same place. people at this school come from all fifty states and several different countries, and we all have different plans for during and after our high school careers. cofc is great for the types of students who are looking to mix things up.
Clubs and Activities as mentioned above, cofc has a great number of organizations for students to join, ranging from spanish and french clubs to americans for informed democracy, the visual arts club and the international club, to the running club and real estate club, and more. there are opportunities for all types of athletes, and an outdoor adventure club that takes frequent kayak and camping trips. there's something for everyone, and those who are active are dedicated to what they participate in and accomplish a lot throughout campus.
Greek Life greek life definitely has a presence on campus, but there are several who are not involved as well. and for those who aren't, there isn't a social pressure to feel the need to be in a sorority or fraternity, because there isn't a big devision between those who go greek and those who don't. greek life is an extra social opportunity students have, but it's not the only option to spend their social lives. events hosted by greek life isn't completely exclusive, either, because non-greek students are able to attend and enjoy themselves as well.
Campus Safety because of the downtown location of cofc's campus, safety is taken very seriously. there are always public safety officers nearby for assistance as well as an on-campus public safety office students can go to either for an emergency, to report something stolen, or any other safety concern they may have.
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