McAlister Hall

You must have an appointment to move in. Please refer to your move-in email or the move-in webpage for further instructions. 

Day-of Instructions

Please review the following information closely. It is specific to your residence hall.
  • Driving Directions

    Since many streets are closed for move-in, we provide residence-hall specific driving directions to get you to the unloading zone for check-in. Please use these and not GPS to drive into campus for move-in.

    St. Philip Street from Vanderhorst to Calhoun Streets will be restricted to unloading for McAlister and Berry Halls and CLOSED to THRU TRAFFIC. There is a road closure at St. Philip Street and Vanderhorst Streets where you will stop until directed to proceed as curb space opens on St. Philip Street by Berry Hall. 

    Please note that there will be NO ACCESS to St. Philip Street from Calhoun Street.

    From I-26: Take exit 221B and turn RIGHT onto Meeting Street. Turn RIGHT onto Columbus Street, then LEFT onto King Street. Turn RIGHT onto Vanderhorst Street just before Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church, then turn LEFT on St. Philip Street.

    From Highway 17 North: After you cross the Ashley River, bear LEFT at the first fork, following signs for Cannon Street. At the next fork, stay RIGHT and continue down Cannon Street. Turn RIGHT onto Rutledge Avenue, turn LEFT onto Vanderhorst Street, then turn RIGHT onto St. Philip Street.

    From Highway 17 South: After you cross the Cooper River, follow signs for Hwy 17 S, then bear RIGHT onto the King Street exit ramp. Turn RIGHT on King Street, turn RIGHT onto Vanderhorst Street just before Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church, then turn LEFT on St. Philip Street. 

  • Unloading: Curbside on St. Philip Street

    There is a road closure at St. Philip and Vanderhorst Streets; you will be directed to proceed as curb space opens on St. Philip Street by McAlister Hall.

    Unattended vehicles in the unloading area are subject to towing.

    Your helpers can start unloading while you get your key and parking map.

    We have more than 1,000 students (and their helpers) moving in each day. Unloading areas are limited and we all need to work together for a safe and efficient move-in. Please be aware of the following:

    • Limit the amount of time you’re stopped in a designated unloading-only zone.
    • Unattended vehicles are subject to towing.
    • You cannot park in an unloading zone nor leave it unattended even for a few minutes. Please also do not park or leave your vehicle unattended at a bagged parking meter.
    • Unload your vehicle and then move it to a designated move-in parking area.
  • Key Pickup Location: McAlister Hall

    You will pick up your key at McAlister Hall (80B St. Philip Street) on the St. Philip Street side, across from PG Garage.

    Only students can pick up their key. You will need to provide a government-issued ID (e.g., a driver’s license) to get your key, and to get your Cougar Card if you did not get one during orientation. Make sure you get your parking map/dashboard flier when you get your key.

  • Parking: PG Garage (max 3 hours)

    Students will be given a parking map when they get their key. The flip side must be on your dash, and include the vehicle-driver's phone number, when you are on campus.

    Follow the parking instructions for your hall below. Note that each student will be given a 3-hour garage voucher when they get their key. Although vouchers are valid in multiple garages (Aquarium Garage, George Garage, St. Philip St. Garage or the Visitor’s Center Garage), pay attention to which surface lot or garage your hall indicates.

    After unloading, you will be directed to park in the PG garage where you can park for a maximum of three hours. You must find parking off campus after three hours.

    • If there is not parking available in PG, you may park in the Aquarium Garage and ride the CARTA DASH bus back to campus for free. Each student will be given a 3-hour garage voucher when they get their key. If you park in the Aquarium Garage, you do not have to move your car after three hours; however, you will need to pay for any time parked beyond then.
    • Do not leave your vehicle in the unloading zone – you will be subject to towing.