College Of Charleston: Everything You Need To Know To Start The School Year Off Right

Press release from College of Charleston:

August 11, 2021

With the start of the 2021–22 academic year nearly here, the College of Charleston campus will soon be bustling with new students just joining the Cougar family as well as returning students who have spent the summer away from their College home.

Whether you’re embarking on your first year at the College or settling in for your final year, starting the school year off right is essential. And we’ve got you covered with helpful tips for moving into residence halls, getting around campus and staying healthy and stress free as you get ready for the first day of classes on Aug. 24, 2021.

5 Ways to Stay Healthy

If you start to feel under the weather, the College’s Student Health Services is available to evaluate and treat your medical needs:

1. From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses are on hand to treat students who may need anything from allergy shots to treatment for illnesses and infections such as COVID-19 or the flu.
2. If you’re feeling sick early in the morning or late at night or start to feel ill in between classes, don’t worry: CofC students who are physically in the state of South Carolina can also seek care free of charge through the Medical University of South Carolina’s 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care Platform.
3. While a COVID-19 vaccination is not required for any student to enroll or participate in campus activities at the College of Charleston, students are encouraged to receive the vaccine and upload their vaccination status to the College’s medical records database (go.cofc.edu/vax-upload) to help in campus health and safety planning for the fall 2021 semester.
4. Students who are not fully vaccinated must comply with a one-time COVID-19 testing requirement prior to their return to campus.
5. As of Aug. 17, 2021, the College requires face coverings for all members of the campus community, regardless of vaccination status, while around others indoors.

8 Essential Move-In Tips

Move-in day is always exciting (and a little bit hectic). This year, students head back to the residence halls on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, 2021. Here are eight ways to make move-in go smoothly.

1. If you haven’t already done so, make sure to schedule your move-in appointment, as move-in for both houses and residence halls is by appointment only. When you schedule your move-in appointment, you’re signing up for an arrival time, which is when you will pick up your key and unload your car.
2. Write your name and room number in big, clear letters on everything. With everyone moving in all at once, it’s easy for an unlabeled box to get misplaced.
3. A rolling handcart or dolly can save you time as you haul your clothes, bedding and tech into the residence hall. There will be a limited number of moving bins available.
4. Nails and screws are not allowed on residence hall walls, so make sure you have Command Strips or hooks for hanging art, installing floating shelves or displaying your favorite decor.
5. Only bring what you need: For example, every residence hall has some form of refrigerator in the room or suite, so students don’t need to bring a mini-fridge.
6. The use of extension cords in residential spaces is prohibited. Power strips are recommended instead. Power strips in residence halls should be a UL-approved, grounded, three-wire model equipped with a fuse or circuit breaker. They should be plugged into a permanent outlet.
7. Bring a floor cleaner like a vacuum, broom or mop, as well as disinfectant wipes, paper towels and bathroom cleaning supplies. Students are fully responsible for cleaning their own suites.
8. Collapsible bins, hangers, stackable plastic drawers, over-the-door hooks – anything to maximize storage and space – are a must.

Get a Ride

As an urban campus, it couldn’t be easier to make your way to class or explore the historic city of Charleston. Here are some easy ways to get around:

Cougar Shuttle: This CofC service offers free, safe rides to students anywhere on the Charleston peninsula at night. The Cougar Shuttle operates during the fall and spring semesters from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., seven nights a week. Call 843.352.8886 when you’re ready to ride. Reservations are not accepted. Students must present a valid Cougar Card to shuttle staff to board.

Bike Share: Need a free ride? The College’s Bike Share program offers free bike rentals to any current students, faculty and staff. Short-term bikes can be rented for 24 hours, while long-term bikes can be rented for a semester.

Catch the Bus: The Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) manages the bus system around downtown and the greater Charleston area. The system has routes that serve the Charleston peninsula, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island and Mt. Pleasant — and CofC students ride for free. All you have to do is present your Cougar Card (College of Charleston ID), and you’re good to go.

For full information on CARTA schedules and routes, visit the CARTA website.

This press release was produced by College of Charleston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.