College of Charleston Top Questions

The best part about CofC is that it is in a beautiful city and it is close to several beaches. The weather here is amazing and there are many events around Charleston that are unique to the area, such as the Spoleto Festival, oyster festivals, many art venues, and even a fledgling contemporary art scene. The size of the college is perfect. You can really get to know your fellow classmates and your professors, but it is not too small. Most people don't know much about CofC and may think that it is not a great institution, but I have friends who went to large universities who have not received an education on par with mine. CofC is a difficult college, not a party school (though we do have a lot of fun also). Charleston is definitely a college town, in addition to CofC, the Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel, Charleston Southern, Trident Tech, a culinary school, an art institute and many other colleges are located in Charleston. The administration is great. The campus is very safe and Charleston has been voted one of the friendliest cities in the country for many years. I guess that the biggest controversy recently involved the student government elections, but I don't know the details. I wouldn't say that the school pride is comparable to larger schools because we don't have football or anything, but basketball is kind-of a big deal. One of the most unusual things about CofC is that we are not a big athletics school. The most memorable event of my time here was seeing Senator Obama speak. Students complain about the constant construction around campus. The college is very old and it seems as though something is always either being built or repaired. It is really distracting to have pile drivers and cranes being operated while taking a test or studying.

CofC campus is awesome!! it's not too big but just large enough to always meet new people. CofC has a tendency to take over the charleston community...everyone loves to interact and really take care of CofC students. i would definately consider charleston a college town/city and absolutely love that aspect of it. however...i wouldn't say that CofC students have an over-abundance of cougar pride like other universities in SC such as Clemson or USC...BUT we DO have so much more to offer on our campus besides just football and basketball such as live music almost EVERY NIGHT (funk, hip hop, JAZZ, punk, rock, country...you name and I'm sure its around) as well as art and wine festivals, spoleto, farmers markets, THE BEACH, boating (oh...on that note...we have our own wake boarding and surfing team - and our surf team went to CA for NATIONALS in 2007, all expenses paid) I love CofC because our campus is open to the students being in control...and that means if you feel like starting an organization or designing your own class... DO IT because they will help you make it happen. In fact, they also really encourage studying abroad and allow you to go through any national study abroad program through ANY credited university, college or tech school in the US.

Once, you get here, you will not only fall in love with Cofc, but Charleston as well. Campus is literally right in the middle of downtown, but it doesn't feel that way. Campus, itself, is full of oak trees and theres a large section that is closed off from the roads, so it really feels like a school. (with beautiful scenery) but its only a two minute walk and all of a sudden you're somewhere completely different with shops, restauraunts, and horse carriages. During the week you'll find that people spend of lot of time in the new library. Its a great place to concentrate and its HUGE. Behind the library is this beautiful fountain, trees, tables...its like this tiny beautiful park to do homework in.

The campus is absolutely gorgeous (if you like the ocean and city spaces) the architecture around the college is absolutely gorgeous and if you'd rather live in a house than a dorm, that can be arranged. You can ride your bike or walk almost anywhere. Folly Beach is about 30 minutes away, as is IOP (Isle of Palms). The Battery and Waterfront are a 15-20 minute walk. The food downtown is delicious (if a bit on the expensive side, so if you like to eat out, get a job or have really generous parents) This town is definitely not focused on the college, it's still a tourist destination (one of the top tourist destinations in the country) but even with the tourists you're still able to enjoy the city. It's not isolated and away from everything like some of the other campuses. There's always something to do if you don't feel like studying or sitting in your dorm.

large number of fraternity boys who all wear the exact same thing, its almost like you join a fraternity and then are given a whole new wardrobe that you must wear on the pain of death

The school is a perfect size. I love it because I can walk to class and see 5 people I know but also tons that I don't. It's not too large that you don't feel comfortable, but it's also small enough so there's variety and change. Definitetly a beautiful city to be in, tons of food to eat at - although watch your money, it goes fast. Kind of an apathetic campus, pretty divided so you must find a way to make friends when you come and GET INVOLVED. I met almost all of my friends through clubs/organizations. If you are looking for a school with great school spirit, this isn't it. Not a whole lot of excitement for the school per se, more for Charleston in general. But, I love the small class sizes, I love the beautiful campus and the fact that I am in a city and can find 3 starbucks within 15 minutes of me at all times. The beach is close, the stores are great, the marina is close, and it is pretty chill.

definitely the city! what it lacks with big time sports it makes up with close beaches, good weather, and fantastic night life. there could be more spirit for the sports and activities, but the kid there love to be there for thier piers and environment. i am never bored. Greek life is active, but not really needed if you can make a lot of freinds and go out on the town.

everyone is laid back. So many awesome, friendly, welcoming kids. making quality friends is not hard at all. The people here are fun loving, the work is not brutal but you still gotta bust your ass on the books sometimes. The beach is 15 minutes away, bars all over downtown, parties exc so the social life is incredible. The city itself is beautiful- more restaurants per square block than any other town in the nation. C of C is an incredible place to go to school, i have not found one bad thing about it and i am a junior.

I like CofC because Charleston is a great city to live in, and the school has a great academic program. I don't think there is that much pride or school spirit since we don't have a football team though. A lot of people go to school where their favorite football team plays, but not here haha. CofC isn't too much of a party school unless you go Greek. But the bars downtown are great.

The school is the perfect size even though there are 10,000 people there. With all the people you seem to run into the same people all the time though. Its right in the middle of downtown so its really busy all the time. Because of it's location though there is always something to do. If you need a breather you don't have to go very far to the water where there is a place to relax. Its more of Charleston pride than College of Charleston pride. If you want major school comradery this is probably not the place. The community is very strong and even if you are from somewhere else you feel like a Charlestonian. It's a gorgeous campus in a gorgeous city and the weather is pretty much always nice. As far as the freshman experience goes though, the meal plan isn't the best, but there is plenty of dining outside campus. A car would also be more of a hassle than a convenience, especially since everything you could possibly need is within a mile away.