Welcome to the College of Charleston!

 

Congratulations on choosing this unique public liberal arts college known for its challenging curriculum. We pride ourselves on being the oldest institution of higher education in South Carolina and the thirteenth oldest in the United States. The College’s beautiful campus is situated in the heart of historic Charleston close to the Atlantic Ocean.

 

This document has been created as a guide to facilitate your adjustment to the College of Charleston and the United States society.

 

Here you will find important information needed before and during your time as a student at the College, including legal issues, the American academic system and the American lifestyle.

 

Academic System

 

The academic year at the College of Charleston is composed of two semesters of approximately 16 weeks in length. The school also offers summer class from May through August. Please note that this may be very different from your own system.

 

Semester Hours (Credit Hours)

 

The credit a student earns is measured in units called semester hours. The semester hour value of most courses is the same as the number of hours per week the course meets during the fall or spring semester. A normal course load for undergraduate students is 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, or 4-5 courses.

 

The academic system in the U.S. differs from most other systems in the world. You will need some time to learn how the American classroom operates and to adjust to your new lifestyle, American culture and the College of Charleston. It may be wise not to take more than four courses (12 hours) during your first semester. Consult with your academic advisor and pay attention to the level of the classes.

 

Levels of Classes

 

The classes are labeled with numbers between 100 and 400 that indicate the level of the class. No prerequisites are required for the 100 classes since they are taught on an introductory level. The level of the class is progressive. The 300 and 400 classes are usually more difficult and demanding and often build on material taught in previous levels (100 and 200).

 

Be sure you are aware of the prerequisites required for each course before registering. You may need permission from the teacher and provide transcripts from classes taken at previous institutions. For detailed information about each course, read the course description in the undergraduate catalog. Course listing for each semester are available on the College of Charleston website (www.cofc.edu).

 

Full-Time Status

 

Students at the College are considered full time if they are registered for 12 or more hours and therefore pay full time tuition. It is extremely important for international students to maintain full time status. This requirement is strictly enforced by U.S. Immigration Services. Failing to do so will have severe consequences including possible deportation from the U.S.

 

Grading System

 

Students receive letter grades for every course in which they enroll. Each letter grade has a numerical “quality point value” as follows:

 

Letter Grade Quality Points

 

A Superior 4.00

B+ Very good 3.50

B Good 3.00

C+ Fair 2.50

C Acceptable 2.00

D Barely Acceptable, Passing 1.00

F Failure 0.00

WA Withdrawn, Excessive

Absences (equivalent to an F) 0.00

 

The grade point value multiplied by the number of semester hours for the course will be total “quality points”. The total quality points divided by the total quality hours will yield the grade point average. Students must achieve at least a grade point of 2.0 to graduate.

 

Drop/Add Courses

 

During the first week of classes each semester, you can drop or add (provided the class is not full) classes without any penalty appearing on your student record. You drop individual classes or labs through Cougar Trail (the student’s personal internet account) on the web.

 

After the first week of classes you may withdraw from a course before the official withdrawal date of the semester provided you do so through Cougar Trail. A grade of “W” (withdraw) will be entered on your record in place of a grade.

 

NOTE: Not attending class does not cancel your registration for that class. It is necessary to drop the class on Cougar Trail.

 

Attendance

 

Unlike other international academic systems where attendance sometimes is voluntary, it is a crucial part of any course in the American academic system. Students are expected to attend all classes and laboratory meetings of each course for which they are enrolled.

 

During the first week of classes, instructors will announce and distribute their attendance policies, including criteria to be used in determining excused absences. The instructor determines whether the absences are excused or unexcused and whether make-up work will be permitted. Attendance is often included in the final grade.

 

Every professor will distribute a syllabus at the beginning of the semester that includes the attendance policies as well as information about course readings, examination dates, etc.

 

Examinations

 

All classes are taken in conjunction with one another, with exams and papers throughout the semester. During the week before fall break and spring break, which is referred to as Midterm, most professors require a more extensive exam or paper.

 

A final examination, which often contains all the material studied throughout the course, is administered during the last week of the semester. Examinations must be taken at the scheduled time listed in the syllabus. The weight of the final examination in determining your overall grade varies from one course to another, and is at the discretion of the professor.

 

Programs of Study/Courses

 

The College of Charleston offers a wide range of Academic Programs that lead to Bachelor and Master Degrees. Degree seeking international students who will complete all or the major part of their higher level of education at the College of Charleston are asked to contact the Office of Admissions for further information. If you will be taking classes as part of an exchange program with your home university you are already attending, you are eligible to apply to any classes offered by the college as long as you meet the prerequisites. Some classes will fill up quickly and you are never guaranteed a place. View the course listings in the undergraduate catalog for detailed information about what classes the College of Charleston offers and what is required for each one.

 

NOTE: not all classes are offered every semester. Check the undergraduate catalog for class descriptions AND the course section search to find out which classes are offered each semester.

 

Academic Calendar

 

Fall 2005

 

Classes begin August 23

Last day to withdraw from classes with

a grade of “W” October 4

Fall Break October 16-18

Thanksgiving Holiday November 23-26

Last day of classes December 5

Final exams begin December 7

Final exams end December 14

Midyear Commencement December 18

 

Spring 2006

 

Classes begin January 9

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 16

Last day to withdraw from classes with

a grade of “W” February 21

Spring Break March 5-11

Last day of classes April 24

Final exams begin April 26

Final exams end May 3

Undergraduate Commencement May 7

 

Preparations

 

Application Process

 

Degree Seeking Students

 

International degree seeking students who wish to enroll in August for the fall semester should apply by April 1, and those wishing to enroll in January for the spring semester should do so by November 1 in the year prior to their intended enrollment.

 

In order to be considered for admission an applicant must submit a completed application form and a non-refundable application fee. An application can be downloaded or requested from the Office of Admissions by visiting www.cofc.edu/admissions/degree/apply.html. Here you will find additional information about what you need to provide with your application, such as certification of Finances, Transcripts, etc.

 

Exchange Student

 

If you will be attending the College of Charleston through an exchange program, your home university is responsible for the application process. As soon as the International Office receives the application from your university, an 1-20 or DS-2019 (needed to apply for a student visa) will be sent to your home address. The International Office will send you the form at the beginning of the semester prior to the one you will attend the College of Charleston.

 

Applying for Classes

 

Exchange students should provide the International Office with a transcript of completed classes from their home university. As soon as you receive the I-20 or DS-2019, you can send the International Office a list of the classes for which you wish to enroll.

 

NOTE: not all classes are offered every semester. To see what classes are offered the semester/semesters you will attend, check the undergraduate catalog AND the course section search.

 

Passport

 

Make sure your passport is valid and will not expire during your time abroad. Hold on to your I-94 form, which will be stapled onto your passport upon entering the U.S.

 

Visas and Immigration

 

F-1 Student Visa

 

An F-1 visa is issued to degree seeking students. To obtain an F-1 visa, an individual must be accepted by the College as a degree seeking student. Upon acceptance by the College of Charleston, the Office of International Education & Programs issues the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) to the student.

 

When you apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate, you will be required to submit the following items:

  • I-20 form
  • Receipt of SEVIS fee payment
  • Application for a nonimmigrant visa (OF-156)
  • Proof of intent to enter the United States for educational purposes only
  • Proof of permanent residency in a foreign country and strong family or business ties which you have no intention of abandoning.

 

It is extremely important for a student on an F-1 visa to maintain legal status throughout the program of study in the U.S. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996 places particular emphasis on the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining F-1 student status. Read the Staying Legal section to review the basic federal regulations.

 

For further information about the cost and application process, contact the American Embassy in your home country.

 

J-1 Student Visa

 

A J-1 visa is issued to non-degree seeking students, i.e. exchange students. Upon acceptance at the College of Charleston, the Office of International Education & Programs issues the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) to the student.

 

When you apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate, you will be required to submit the following items:

  • DS-2019
  • Receipt of SEVIS fee payment
  • Application for a nonimmigrant visa (OF-156)
  • Proof of intent to enter the United States for educational purposes only
  • Proof of permanent residency in a foreign country and strong family or business ties which you have no intention of abandoning.

 

It is extremely important for a student on a J-1 visa to maintain legal status throughout the program of study in the U.S. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 places particular emphasis on the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining J-1 student status. Read the Staying Legal section to review the basic federal regulations.

 

To enter the U.S., the following documents are required:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid U.S. visa
  • Valid form, I-20 or DS-2019
  • Current proof of financial support
  • Transcripts (not required but strongly recommended)

 

Two Year home residence requirement for J-1 exchange visitors

Certain J-1 exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, which means they have to return to and be physically present in their home country for at least two years after the completion of their program in the United States. Until this requirement is fulfilled or waived, the exchange visitors are ineligible for adjustment of status to other U.S. visas (such as H-1, L-1, permanent residency, etc.)

 

The two-year home residency requirement applies to J-1 students, scholars and their J-2 dependents if:

  • Their program was partially or fully funded by a government agency of the United States or of the visitor’s home country
  • The exchange visitor is engaged in a field that is on the “Skills List” issued by USIA
  • The exchange visitor came to the U.S. to receive graduate medical education or training in the U.S.

 

The two-year home residency requirement may be waived for the following reasons:

 

1) “No Objection” statement from the exchange visitor’s home country.

 

A request for the waiver is submitted to the J-1 visitor’s embassy in Washington, D.C. If the request is approved, the home country (usually the embassy in Washington, D.C.) sends a “No Objection” statement to the United States Department of State. The USDS, after collecting information from the exchange visitor, will then make a recommendation. This process usually takes 4-6 months or longer. Once the request has been filed with USDS, the exchange visitor may not receive further program extensions.

 

2) Exceptional hardship

 

The exchange visitor must demonstrate that fulfilling the requirement would cause exceptional hardship to his/her U.S. citizen or permanent resident dependents. The request is filed on INS form I-612.

 

3) Persecution

 

If the exchange visitor were subject to persecution in his/her home country after returning from the U.S. because of race, religion, or political opinion, a request for the waiver can be filed on INS Form I-612.

 

4) Interest of a U.S. government agency

 

In this case, the application for the waiver is made by the government agency itself, demonstrating that it is the interest of the public and it would be detrimental to the program if the exchange visitor had to leave.

 

 

 

Maintaining Your Status

 

As an international student, you are obliged to meet the requirements of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. To maintain legal status make sure you do the following:

  • Keep your passport valid at all times
  • Maintain full-time enrollment each semester (12 undergraduate credit hours, 9 graduate credit hours)
  • DO NOT work off-campus
  • If you have on-campus employment, make sure you do not exceed the 20 hours per week limit while school is in session. Full-time on-campus employment is only permitted during vacations as long as you enrolled full-time during the previous semester and will be enrolled full-time the following semester
  • Report any change of your local address or phone number to the International Office
  • Leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period of the program end date on your I-20 OR your graduation date.

 

Leaving the U.S.

 

If you are planning to leave the U.S. during the holidays and will be returning for the completion of your studies, remember to bring these items to reenter the country:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid visa
  • A valid I-20 or DS-2019 (forms must be signed by the International Office prior to departure)
  • Proof of current enrollment or if traveling between semesters, proof of registration for next semester (not required but strongly recommended).

 

Canadian Citizens

 

Canadians re-entering the U.S. do not need a passport (if no passport, they will need a birth certificate and photo ID to prove citizenship) or a U.S. visa, but they will need an endorsed DS-2019 and valid I-94 (for re-entry).

 

Travel to Contiguous Territory (i.e. Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands other than Cuba)

 

Some individuals will require visas to enter Canada or Mexico. It is best to get current information directly from the consulates of those countries.

 

When traveling to contiguous territory, international students do not surrender their I-94 (small white card issued to you when you entered the U.S.). It is needed to re-enter the U.S.

 

In general, to re-enter the U.S. from contiguous territory, the student must present a valid passport with a U.S. visa stamped within (valid or expired), their I-94, and DS-2019 as well as financial documents. It is best to carry a transcript and current registration information.

 

Re-entry for most students with an expired visa is possible as long as the trip is less than 30 days, the student has not traveled to a third country from the contiguous territory and the student was in status in the U.S. when entering contiguous territory.

 

Students from certain countries (currently Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Cuba, North Korea, and Libya) may not benefit from this visa revalidation.

 

Airport Transport Visas

 

Several countries in the European Union have begun to require airport transit visas from some nationals. The general list is that holders of passports from the following countries will need airport transit visas: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria and Palestinians holding travel documents for refugee status issued by Egypt, Lebanon or Syria. Germany also requires an airport transit visa for citizens of Turkey.

 

There are exceptions to the above information. In addition, the U.K. requires an airport transit visa for citizens of some countries. Go to www.britainusa.com/visas/visas/asp for transit visa information for the U.K.

 

The best thing to do is to check the consulate website of the country where you will transfer planes. This information changes frequently and it is hard to give advice on all the exceptions.

 

Health Insurance

 

Before leaving your home country, make sure that you have health insurance. The United States does not have a national health care plan and medical care can be very costly. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment will often be refused without evidence of insurance of deposit. Medical facilities in the U.S. are of a very high standard.

 

Remember to bring copies in English from your insurance company explaining what the insurance covers, expiration dates and who to contact if any problems occur.

 

Health insurance is mandatory for exchange students and strongly recommended for degree seeking students. If you are a degree seeking student and are considering getting your insurance while in the U.S visit www.hthworldwide.com or www.twlord.com.

 

The College’s Student Health Services (SHS) provides primary care to all registered students. The Health Service fee is included in the tuition. Summer fees may apply for students not taking summer sessions. Read more about the SHS under the health care and hospital section in this guide.

 

Language Requirements

 

In addition to satisfying the College’s general admission requirements, degree seeking international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This should be done through satisfactory results on either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams. The College of Charleston requires a minimum of 550 on the paper-based or 213 on the computer based TOEFL test.

 

Language tests are not required for international students studying through an exchange program between the College of Charleston and their home university.

 

Vaccinations

 

All students at the College are required to have immunization for:

  • Tetanus (must be given within the last 10 years)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) (proof of 2 doses after 1st birthday)
  • Tuberculin PPD (within the last 12 months)

 

You can have your vaccination taken in Charleston or bring medical documentation from your home country showing that you have received the vaccinations. You should provide the Student Health Services with your medical documentation when you arrive in Charleston.

 

Meal Plans

 

At the College of Charleston, it is common among students to sign up for a meal plan. A meal plan gives you the opportunity to have some or all of your daily meals at any of the four eating places around campus. The College offers a variety of meal plans. Coffee shops are also located across campus. Please visit the Dining Services website at www.cofc.edu/campusdining/mealplans.html.

 

 

 

 

 

Important Dates to Remember

 

Application deadline for the fall semester April 1

Application deadline for the spring semester November 1

 

Arrival Date

 

We highly recommend you arrive at least 3 days prior to the beginning of the semester. This will give you time to get settled, move in to your residence and most importantly, participate in the information sessions and orientation activities for international students that take place during the first week of classes.

 

Travel to Charleston

 

Charleston can be reached easily with commercial domestic airlines from major ports of entry such as New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Los Angeles or San Francisco. Most flights arriving in Charleston connect in either Atlanta or Charlotte.

 

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located only 15 minutes from the College and the downtown area. Staff from the International Office will pick you up at the airport when you arrive, as long as you have requested this service.

 

Remember to inform the International Office of the place, time, and date of your arrival two weeks prior to your arrival!!

 

The International Office cannot pick you up if you do not fly into the Charleston airport. Note that making other arrangements to get to Charleston can be more costly in time and money.

 

Charlotte Airport, N.C. 3 hour drive from Charleston

Atlanta Airport, GA 5 hour drive from Charleston

 

Arrival in Charleston

 

As long as you have notified the International Office with information about your arrival, someone from the staff will pick you up at Charleston International Airport (CHS). We will then take you to your place of residence. If you are staying off campus, make sure that you have the full address and directions.

 

NOTE: don’t forget to inform the International Office about your flight number and which airline you are flying with!!

 

If you will be living in one of the on-campus residence halls and arrive before the date of opening you will need temporary accommodation. See below for suggested and linked hostels and hotels.

 

Temporary Accommodation

 

Charleston’s Notso Hostel

156 Spring Street

Charleston, SC 29403

Phone (843) 722-8383

E-mail: www.notsohostel.com

 

www.hotels.com

www.yellowpages.com

www.expedia.com

 

Registering for Classes

 

Degree-seeking students will register for classes during the College’s General Orientation together with American students. The Office of New Student Programs will mail degree-seeking students an information packet regarding this orientation.

 

Non-degree seeking students studying through an exchange program should already have registered for classes before arriving in the U.S. (see section applying for classes). Upon arrival they need to visit the International Office to pick up their schedule and meet with an international advisor.

 

Social Security Number

 

Social Security is a retirement and medical benefits program administered by the U.S. Government since 1935. All U.S. citizens are holders of a Social Security Card since the numbers are used to report wages to the government.

 

In order to work on-campus you will need a social security number. Applying for one is free.

 

How to apply for a social security number:

You apply for the social security number at the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are two offices in the Charleston area:

 

Rivergate Center #1 South Park Circle

4995 Lacross Road 5th floor, Suite 500

North Charleston, SC 29406 Charleston, SC 29407

Phone (843) 727-4345 Phone (843) 727-4345

 

The International Office provides transportation for students who can’t find that on their own.

 

You will need to bring:

  • Passport
  • I-94 (the little white card issued to you when you arrived in the U.S. showing your lawful immigration status)
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • An original, signed letter from the International Office showing that you already been offered a job on-campus
  • To save time at the social security office, we recommend you fill out the application form beforehand. Social security application forms are available in the International Office.
  • Specific information for F-1 students can be found at:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10180.html

  • Specific information for J-1 students can be found at:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10107.html

 

 

Frequently asked questions regarding social security numbers:

 

1) How long will it take to get a Social Security number?

 

  • The SSA office needs to verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before they can assign you a social security number. They issue your Social Security number and card within two weeks of receiving the verification from DHS. Most of the time they can verify documents quickly with DHS online. If your documents cannot be verified online, it may take DHS several weeks or months to respond to the request.

 

2) Can I start working before I receive the number?

 

  • The SSA does not require you to have a number before you start work, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers to report wages using the social security number. While you wait for your number, your employer can use a letter from the SSA stating that you applied for a number.

 

Housing

 

Where you live during your study abroad experience is important. American students generally spend their first years at college in on-campus residence halls and later share an apartment off-campus together with other students.

 

On-campus Residence Halls

 

The College of Charleston offers female, male, or co-ed housing on campus, http://www.reslife.cofc.edu. All on-campus housing is furnished and equipped with air conditioning. You will also have access to washing machines, dryers, vending machines, study rooms and computer rooms with Internet. There is also a daily newspaper service at the desk of each residence hall.

 

In most residence halls you will share a bedroom with another student as well as kitchen and bathroom. Some residence halls offer single bedrooms for a higher cost. You will share housing with International as well as American students.

 

Assignments are made by matching your answers to the questions on a “Lifestyle Indicator.” On the indicator, you designate your lifestyle patterns, such as what time you go to bed, what time you usually wake up, and your smoking / non-smoking preference.

 

Once you are accepted to the College, the indicator will be sent to you by the Office of Housing and Residence Life together with the application forms. We urge you to apply early, as space is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

What to Bring (for Residence Halls)

 

Please visit a list of items to bring if you are living in an on-campus residence hall. http://reslife.cofc.edu/oncampushousing/livingoncampus.html#bring. The list also includes items that are prohibited from the residence halls.

 

Off-campus

 

If you prefer to have your own bedroom, you are more likely to find that through off-campus housing. It is up to you whether you choose to look for a place with international or American students.

Living off-campus provides more freedom, but also more responsibility. The College of Charleston is not responsible for assisting you in finding off-campus housing.

http://reslife.cofc.edu/offcampushousing/offcampushousing.html.

 

Renting an apartment or house in Charleston can be very expensive which is why sharing the costs with several people is a good way of keeping your expenses down. You should, however, keep in mind that rent will only be a part of your total monthly expenses. Utilities (i.e. electricity, water, telephone, cable), transportation and food should also be calculated into your monthly budget.

 

The easiest way to find off-campus housing with other College of Charleston students is to visit the College website, which provides listings of students looking for roommates to live in apartments or houses off-campus. Here you also can post your own contact information while looking for a place.

 

Questions to Ask Prospective Landlords/Landladies

 

As you look for an apartment, you should try to learn as much as you can about the place before you sign a lease. Questions you want to ask:

  • How much is the rent? How many students may rent and live at this rental address? May I rent for a twelve-month, six month or lesser time period? Where and when must rent be paid? If rent is paid after the due date, do you charge a late fee?
  • Do I pay for heat, water/sewer, hot water, parking, air conditioning, garbage collection, cable TV, pets (are pets allowed)?
  • How much is the deposit? When must it be paid? When is it returned, or could it be used as my last months rent?
  • Who is the landlord/landlady? What is his/her address? What rules must I follow upon signing the lease? How much notice is needed to renew or terminate the lease?
  • Does the lease contain escalator clauses that could cause my rent to increase during the lease period?
  • May I sublet or assign my lease?
  • Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?
  • Is there a fire extinguisher in the apartment?
  • Are laundry services available on the premises? If not, where is the closest laundromat?
  • How many parking spaces are provided? How do I get a parking space?
  • What is the earliest date I may move in?

 

Abbreviations used in apartment listings:

 

NS non-smoker

Apt apartment

Twnhse townhouse

Prkg parking

F female

M male

Grad graduate student

Prof professional

Pref prefer

E,g,c,p electric, gas, cable, phone

Util utilities

BR bedroom

Furn furnished

Unfurn unfurnished

Part furn partially furnished

Eff efficiency

W/d washer and dryer

AC air conditioning

DW/MW dishwasher, microwave

FP fireplace

HW floors hardwood floors

OBO or best offer

W with

w/out without

ch/ca central hear/central air

 

Estimated Costs Per Month

 

Rent $400-$750 (per person)

Utilities $100 (included in the rent for all on-campus housing)

Food $200

Books $400 per semester

 

Scholarships

 

As a state-affiliated institution, the College of Charleston is not in a position to offer scholarship assistance to international students. We recommend you find a sponsor and/or contact the Ministry of Education in your home country. You could also search on the internet for scholarships that might apply to a study abroad from your own educational institution or other foundations.

 

 

Important Addresses

 

Office of International Education & Programs

66 George Street

Charleston, SC 29424

Phone (843) 953-7661

Fax (843) 953-7663

E-mail: mackg@cofc.edu

 

Public Safety

81 A St. Phillip Street

Charleston, SC 29424

Phone (843) 953-5611

www.cofc.edu/publicsafety/

 

Student Health Center

181 Calhoun Street

Charleston, SC 29424

Phone (843) 953-5520

http://www.wellness.cofc.edu/health.htm.

 

 

Hours of operation:

Monday - Thursday

8:30 am - 7:00pm

Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00pm

 

Auxiliary Services

 

66 George Street

Charleston, SC 29424

Phone (843) 953-7834

http://www.cofc.edu/auxiliaryservices/.

 

 

At the auxiliary services you get your Cougar Card upon arriving at the College. The office also provides students with information regarding all parking procedures. Here you can also buy the discounted city area transit pass.

 

Cougar Card

 

The Cougar Card is the official College of Charleston ID card.

http://www.cofc.edu/auxiliaryservices/cougar/index.html. The card offers a meal plan card, discretionary account and vending access. The Cougar Card is also equipped with a personalized bar code, which allows you to check out books at the College of Charleston library. The card also gives you access to all computer laboratories and gym facilities.

 

The Cougar Card is a non-transferable picture identification card. The card offers students a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash. The card is free of charge. If you lose your card, it costs $10 to replace it.

 

International Club

 

The International Club is a college-sponsored club run by students. It is open to any student at the College, though the majority of the members are international students. Joining the club is a great way to meet other international students and to see more of Charleston and participate in social activities.

 

The club organizes barbecues, beach parties, visits to plantations, hockey games, movies, a Superbowl party, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, GA, boat trips and various other social activities throughout the semester.

 

The club meets every other Friday. You will find out more about the club and meet its members during the orientation days.

 

Survival Guide from A-Z

 

  • Alcohol
  • Banks, beaches, biking, books
  • Clubs, car renting/buying, cinemas, clothing, computer labs, currency
  • Dates and numbers, driving, driver’s license, drugs
  • Electricity, embassies and consulates, emergency
  • Health care
  • Internet access, internships
  • Laundry, library
  • Newspapers
  • Opening hours
  • Pharmacy, police, public holidays, post office, phone
  • Religious life
  • Sports
  • Transportation, time, tourist information
  • Work, weather, weights and measures

 

Alcohol

You have to be 21 years of age to drink or buy alcohol in the United States. Bars, clubs, and stores that sell alcohol will always ask for some form of picture identification showing date of birth. You can use your driver’s license or passport. Your college student ID does not work as an identity card off campus. Purchasing alcohol for anyone who is under age is illegal. Possession of an open alcohol container is illegal outside bars, restaurants, and private homes.

 

Banks

The banks in Charleston are open between 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday. Drive through banks open at 8:30 am and most banks stay open an hour later on Fridays.

 

To open a bank account you need your passport and your student identification card (Cougar card). The most common banks in Charleston are Wachovia and Bank of America.

 

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are situated on campus and around downtown and will accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and American Express. You may have to show your ID when you make a purchase with your credit car and the signature on the back of your card may be checked as well.

 

Beaches

South Carolina and Charleston is known for its beautiful beaches. The most popular beach among college students is Folly Beach. Other great beaches are the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. All beaches are approximately a 15 minute drive from campus.

 

Biking

Downtown Charleston, unlike many other American cities, is suitable for walking and biking. The best way to get around if you live downtown is by bicycle. You may purchase bikes at large discount stores such as Wal-mart or K-mart. If you are looking for a used bike, look in the local newspaper or on the bulletin boards on campus.

 

Books

The textbooks and other school supplies can be extremely expensive in the U.S. The best way to save money is to look for used books at the College bookstore or buy the required literature online. http://www.bkstr.com.

 

You generally have about two weeks to return any books you will not need as long as you save the receipt. At the end of the semester, you have the opportunity to sell your books back. The return, however, is minimal. The college bookstore is located on Calhoun Street.

 

Clubs

The College of Charleston offers over a hundred different student clubs. They range from academic major related clubs, political clubs, sports clubs, language and culture clubs. http://studentlife.cofc.edu/StudentOrganizations/clubs-orgs.html. The College also has its own newspaper called the George Street Observer, College radio and College TV. At the beginning of the fall semester, all clubs participate in a fair on campus where they provide students with information about their activities.

 

 

Car Rentals

There are several car rental agencies in the Charleston area. Most of them operate at the airport but sometimes offer pick-up services at local destinations in the downtown area. Some car rental agencies have restrictions about leaving the state you are renting the car from and require that the driver is at least 25 years of age. If you are planning on leaving the state of South Carolina, make sure that is covered in the rental agreement.

 

When you rent a car, it is highly recommended that you sign up for fill coverage insurance for any physical damage to the car. The insurance will be more expensive if the driver is under the age of 25.

 

You will need to have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Generally, the cheapest options can be found online.

 

Thrifty Car Rental

www.thrifty.com

 

Alamo Rent-a-Car

Phone (843) 569-1900

www.alamo.com

 

Avis

Phone 1 (800) 732-3232

www.avis.com

 

Budget Car and Truck Rental

390 Meeting Street (downtown location)

Phone (843) 577-5195

www.budget.com

 

Hertz

Phone (843) 767-3078

www.hertz.com

 

Enterprise

Downtown location

www.enterprise.com

 

Buying a Car

 

If you will be living downtown, the campus, shops, restaurants, and bars will be within walking distance. However, to visit the beach, shopping malls, and movie theaters you will need a car.

You may count on friends for rides or rent a car, but if you are staying for a longer period, you may want to consider buying one and then reselling it when you leave the U.S.

 

With owning a car comes additional costs such as insurance, taxes, maintenance, parking and repairs that you should take into consideration before deciding whether you want to buy a car.

 

At www.charlestonautonet.com you can find listings of car dealers for both new and used cars in the Charleston area. You can also look in the classified section of the Post and Courier newspaper for advertisements for used cars.

 

Cinemas

 

These are the most common movie theaters in the Charleston area. Check the City Paper and the Post and Courier for updated movie listings.

 

American Cinema Grill

446 King Street (downtown)

Phone (843) 722-3456

 

Palmetto Grande

1319 Theater Drive (Mt. Pleasant)

Phone (843) 216-8696

 

James Island 8

1743 Central Park Rd. (James Island)

Phone (843) 795-9499

 

Citadel Mall Cinema I-VI

Citadel Mall, West Ashley

Phone (843) 763-7052

 

Clothing

 

Charleston and South Carolina is hot and humid from May to September. However, it can get cold with degrees under zero during the winter months. Pack for hot summer weather but remember to bring an extra coat or jacket for the chilly period of November to February.

 

Students dress very casual for class. If you are planning to have an internship or work on-campus during your time at the College, you will need to bring more formal work clothes like dress pants and shirts.

 

Computer Labs

The two major computer labs on-campus are in the Marlene and Nathan Addelstone Library and on the fourth floor of the JC Long building. Here you have access to scanners, printers, and computers equipped with internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, SPSS, Pagemaker, and Photoshop. Check with the computer labs for opening hours.

 

The computer lab located in