Freshman Orientation

We have scheduled a number of orientation sessions that will help all new College of Charleston students make a smooth transition to the College. Students and families are invited to join us for a celebration of CofC at the end of day one. 

Students who will be attending orientation in June or July can either stay on-campus (in a residence hall) or book a room in a Charleston-area hotel.  Please note that registering for orientation does not automatically reserve an on-campus room. 

Note: Staying on-campus during orientation is an option that is only available to students who attend the June and July sessions (on-campus housing is not available for family members). There is no formal programming offered in the residence hall during this time. 

For students attending orientation in January, you will be able to move into your assigned campus residence hall room before your orientation.  

After registering for orientation, check out the new student checklist for the next steps.  

Additional Information

You may be part of one of these unique student types.
  • SPECTRA

    SPECTRA students will have to attend an orientation session in June. For information on SPECTRA, call 843.953.5660.

  • First-Year Impact Program

    At orientation, students in the First-Year Impact (FYI) program will meet with the Academic Success and Retention Office and review the FYI program requirements.  Students should check the schedule that they receive at orientation check-in for the time and location of the meeting on the first day of orientation to sign their FYI agreement paperwork. 

  • Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS)

    If you are interested in the Bachelor of Integrated Studies program, please indicate that on your orientation registration form. The BIS program staff will reach out to you regarding the program. If you are a transfer student, the BIS program staff will advise you during your orientation session.

Coming from a hometown that seems like the size of Cistern Yard, the idea of going to college was intimidating. My small group, orientation intern and everyone I met made me feel welcome and excited.

Catherine L.

Community Service Project

As College of Charleston student, you also become part of the community of Charleston, S.C. At the College, we feel it is important to give back to our community and that starts at orientation. 

For the upcoming orientation sessions, we are asking for donations for the College of Charleston food pantry - the Cougar Pantry.  

We have the goal of donating a total of 1,000 items!

We encourage all students and family to help us reach our goal by donating needed items. If you do not want to purchase items ahead of time, you may visit the Walgreens and the CVS within walking distance of campus. You can also drop them off at check in or at the New Student programs office (No. 4 on the campus map).

Please do not donate expired food as the food pantry is not able to distribute it. 

Top Items Needed:

  • Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Pasta and Pasta Sauce
  • Cereal
  • Granola/Protein Bars, Pop-Tarts, Single Serve Snacks
  • Canned Meats
  • Stove-Top, All-In-One-Meals (Rice, Mac-N-Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, etc)
  • Spice and Cooking Basics
  • Hygiene Products

Monetary donations can be made here. 

  • To ensure that the Pantry receives your donation, please select "Other" under DESIGNATION. 
  • Then, type "Cougar Pantry" under HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO DIRECT YOUR DONATION?

You can also search "Cougar Pantry" and give directly via the giving funds search form.

Cougar Food Pantry

Cougar Pantry is a student-driven initiative to help students who face food insecurity. Any College of Charleston student in need can get dry goods and hygiene products at no cost.