Visit the College of Charleston

Congratulations! 

Now that you're admitted, join us back on campus to learn a little bit more about the programs and opportunities that await you at the College of Charleston.

Bring along your family for sessions covering financial aid, academic advising, diversity and inclusion, the student life experience, and of course opportunities to meet your new Cougar classmates. You can also take a campus tour to explore opportunities with clubs, organizations and gain information about the available majors, minors, and academic programs.

It's a full schedule of events and sessions to get you ready for your life as a Cougar.

Choose Charleston Event Dates:

• February 22 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Registration
• March 22 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Registration*

*Honors students are encourage to come to Honors Experience Day in March.

Experience campus like a Cougar!

See for yourself what it's like to be a College of Charleston student. Explore campus and learn more about the admissions process and our academic programs. Bonus: You'll hear from current students about their experience as a Cougar.

Meet with faculty and join interest sessions on topics like admissions, academics, financial aid and student life. While you're here, you’ll soak up all that Charleston has to offer.

• September 30 @ 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration
• October 18 @ 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration
• November 9 @ 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration

Big on Business? Eager for Education? Psyched for Psych?

Choose from regularly scheduled on-campus and virtual sessions that explore many of our academic schools, programs and other special topics.  Customize your campus visit experience by adding these interest sessions to your day!

We're always excited to show you around campus. However, there are some times, days and holidays when we don't host our traditional campus tours.

On those rare occasions when we're not available to guide your tour, pick up a self-guided walking tour from the Office of Admissions (65 George Street), or download a campus map. Then head over to the iconic Cistern Yard to begin your adventure.

Learn the history behind each of our buildings and spend a little extra time at the stops most relevant to your College of Charleston experience.

The College of Charleston welcomes groups to come and take a tour of campus. 

To help us best accommodate your group, please note the following group tour guidelines:

• Group tours are reserved for groups of 10 or more guests from high schools or community organizations.
• Priority is given to groups from South Carolina when visiting our campus.
• Group tours are available Monday through Friday. While we try to accommodate our group tours, we must schedule these around our regularly scheduled tours.
• Group tours are not offered during peak tour season or when campus is closed.
• Chaperones are required for all group tours
• Groups are limited to no more than 60 guests (including chaperones.)

Please fill out the Group Tour Request form and our Group Tour Coordinator will be in contact about availability. Please submit your request no later than 2 weeks before your preferred date.

Currently, we are unable to host K-8 groups to campus due to the high volume of visitors. If you are a K-8 group, you are more than welcome to visit campus and pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure and walk around campus. We can also point out some areas on campus that may be interesting to your younger students.

If you have any questions please contact our Group Tour Coordinator at specialtour@cofc.edu.

Welcome to campus!

Once your visit is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you used to register online. Your confirmation will include some important information for your arrival on campus:

• Where to meet to begin the tour
• How to get here
• Where to park (View additional parking info)

Your visit experience will last approximately 90 minutes and includes some time to view our video and speak with an admission counselor.

We encourage you to arrive and check in as close to your scheduled time as possible. Your tour will begin promptly at the start time listed on your registration. We'll do our best to accommodate you if you're running late, however, we may need to direct you to a self-guided tour if you miss your start time.

We're excited about your visit! We know you are too!

Come prepared for your tour by wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather/season. Bring along a refillable water bottle.

We enjoy showing off our campus to Bulldogs, Tigers, Gamecocks, Chanticleers and especially Cougars.

However, with the exception of registered service animals, pets must remain outside of College of Charleston buildings. Consider giving your pet a stay-at-home day during your tour.

Service animals are always welcome and must remain under control of their handlers at all times.

We know your family wants to be part of your experience and we highly encourage family and guest participation.

However, we do try to keep our our tours small and personable, so please limit your party to no more than three guests.

We do understand exceptions may need to be made, and we will accommodate your party without prior confirmations.

Campus tours will take place rain or shine.

Our tours are mainly outdoor walking tours, so please be sure to check the weather before you come so that you can be prepared.

In the case of severe weather, your tour guide will present a virtual tour to you. You will have the opportunity to speak with an admissions representative if you would like.

If the university closes for inclement weather, you will be notified via email.

Time to gear up!

Your tour guide will show you where our bookstore is located on campus during the tour. After your visit, stop by and and shop all College of Charleston gear.

Have a few questions about your intended major? Want to get a feel for your academic program?

Rather than sitting in on a class, we find it much more beneficial for you to meet with someone in a specific department for a one-on-one chat.

To request a meeting with an academic department of your interest, please email us at campustour@cofc.edu.

Your campus tour will include some must-see sites you definitely don't want to miss:

• Residence Hall rooms: You tour will take you inside for a look at one of our residence hall rooms. You can also take a virtual look at all our residence hall accommodations.
  View Residence Halls on YouTube.
  
  
• Photo Ops with Clyde: No visit to campus would be complete without a selfie with the Clyde the Cougar statue at the entrance to Cougar Mall.
  
  
• Cistern Yard: Soak in all the tradition! In a few years, you'll return to this spot in front of majestic Randolph Hall and receive your diploma during your commencement ceremony.
  
  
• Hidden Gems - The Pond behind the Stern Center: Okay, maybe not so secret - or hidden - but a great place for a quiet study break or a rocking DJ. Just ask the turtles.

If you need to request accessibility accommodations, please contact the Office of Admissions to request services such as a wheelchair or an ASL interpreter,  They will connect you with the appropriate member in our office to make sure we accommodate all your needs. If possible, please make your request at least two weeks in advance to allow time for arrangements to be made.

The Office of Admissions is located on the ground level of our Craig Hall. We also offer accessible restrooms in the lobby of our visitor center.

Our Center for Disability Services (SNAP) is dedicated to ensuring that all programs and services of the College of Charleston are accessible. They provide assistance and guidance to students with a documented disability to ensure equal access to all programs and services. In addition, they offer educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff that enhance understanding of the various types of disabilities, promoting an environment respectful of all.

For more information about our Center for Disability Services connect with them at 843.953.1431 or email at SNAP@cofc.edu.