Congratulations. You've been accepted to one of the finest colleges in the Southeast. Here is some information that will help you make a smooth transition to the College.

letter of acceptance

After you've been accepted, we will send you a packet that will include your formal letter of acceptance and instructions on what you need to do next. Keep in mind that it takes a few days to receive this via mail. You might see your acceptance posted on online in our MyCharleston portal before you receive your packet.

MyCharleston Account. OOPS! We’re currently experiencing a computer glitch which might cause some of you to receive an error message if you’ve not yet logged into your MyCharleston account. If this happens, please contact our helpdesk (helpdesk@cofc.edu or 843.953.3375) immediately and indicate that you are trying to log in for the first time but are receiving an error message. Helpdesk hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.

making your deposit

In your packet you'll receive information on how to make your  non-refundable enrollment and/or housing deposits. Keep in mind, if you are a freshman and want on-campus housing for the fall semester, you must deposit and submit your housing application by May 1. After that date, we cannot guarantee you housing. We assign housing in deposit date order, so the earlier you deposit, the better chance you have of receiving one of your top choices. Your deposits cannot be refunded if you change your mind.

Please note: we are in the process of launching a new online EBill system. Please phone us (843.953.5670) if you are unable to deposit online in MyCharleston.

You can deposit online or mail us a check. To deposit online, you will need to log in to our new portal, MyCharleston. Once you are logged in, click on the Student tab, then E-bills, and then Deposits. If this is your first time logging in, please carefully follow the instructions at my.cofc.edu for Applicants First Time log in. If you want to mail us your deposit, but no longer have the enrollment form, you can download one here. 

Once you've paid your deposit

Your MyCharleston account is where you will access information about financial aid, billing and find the application for housing and orientation. From now on, you will use your permanent MyCharleston credentials to log-in. Details about your new permanent credentials were sent to you when we received your deposit.  If you paid your deposit but did not receive this information, please contact helpdesk@cofc.edu.  Keep an eye on your e-mail inbox for instructions from our IT department about setting up your new campus issued e-mail account. Then you can check your CofC e-mail account at webmail.cofc.edu. Be sure to watch out for phishing. We will never ask you for your username or password via e-mail.

Housing and Orientation

Once you've made your final decision to enroll, and have submitted your deposits, you'll receive information in the mail and via e-mail on housing (if you wish to live on campus) and orientation. Please note: orientation information will be mailed beginning in March. All new students are expected to participate in one of the two-day orientation before classes begin. During orientation, students will have the chance to meet other incoming students, meet an academic advisor, register for classes, meet faculty from various programs on campus and learn about the campus and the services that are offered to students.

Fall Semester New Student Calendar

Download a New Student New Student Calendar from the Office of New Student Programs. This handy month-by-month checklist will help you prepare to enter the College.

Events and Visits

 

If you have not yet visited campus, or can't make it to Accepted Student Weekend, we encourage you to attend our open house. You'll be able to take a tour (which includes our residence halls), meet other College of Charleston students and learn more about academics and the College's support services.

Cougar Tracks Shadow Program

The Cougar Tracks Shadow Program will give you the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a College of Charleston student. Accepted students are paired with a current student who they will shadow for a full day. This program is only available on Mondays when classes are in session. To register for the Cougar Tracks Shadow Program, please fill out our request form.

Submit Your Transcripts

If you wish to receive transfer credit, submit all official college transcripts (including dual-credit coursework credit completed in high school but awarded through a college of university) and all official AP, IB, and CLEP scores. Test scores can be submitted directly from the testing agencies, or on your transcripts. Transfer credit evalautions will be finished no later than your orientation.  

ROAR Scholars - TRIO Program

Accepted students who are considered first-generation college students (parents did not earn Bachelor's degrees), low income (as defined by the Federal government), or have a documented disability (includes physical and learning disabilities) may apply to be a ROAR scholar. The ROAR director, counselor and peer mentors will work closely with the students to ensure they are receiving the assistance they need in the areas of study skills, advising, group study, exposure to cultural events, personal financial education, career counseling and mentoring.

Summer Courses

Want to get a jump on your college career? You can register for our Summer Sessions. If you have work or other commitments that prevent you from registering for a traditional class try one of our distance education/online courses.   

Cougar Excursion

Cougar Excursion is a weekend leadership retreat for incoming students. Held over three days, you'll make connections to the College and your fellow students, learn how to get involved on campus, and participate in team-building excercises. Cougar Excursion is held in August.

Summer Preview

Summer Preview brings select groups of incoming first year students together who want to explore their new learning environment and get a head start on their college experience. Students will participate in a variety of experiences within close proximity to the College of Charleston campus. The focus will be on learning about Charleston and its surroundings. Summer Preview is held in August. 

Paying Your Tuition Bill

You can pay all bills online through MyCharleston.

Find Your Inner Cougar

Buy some gear in our bookstore online, and if you’re in the neighborhood, head to a game. Visit the Cougar Athletics websites at www.cofc.edu/athletics  or www.cofcsports.com.