Campus Visit FAQ

How do I prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit to the College of Charleston?

We look forward to welcoming you to campus. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring a refillable water bottle and wear comfortable shoes. 

Your visit experience will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tour takes about an hour, but we encourage you to take time to watch our video presentation or speak with an admission counselor.

When should I arrive to the Office of Admissions for my visit?

Please arrive for your visit as close as you can to your scheduled time. Parking information may be found here. Our tours begin promptly at the start time listed on your registration. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but you may be directed to complete a self-guided tour with materials provided by our front desk. 

Can I schedule a meeting with an admissions representative?

Yes, we will have counselors available  You may choose to schedule your meeting virtually by contacting an admission counselor.  We also recommend all campus visitors take advantage of the College of Charleston virtual information session prior to you visit.  Additional virtual resources, including our interactive virtual tour may be accessed on our Virtual Visit Center.

Can I get a school excuse for my visit to the College of Charleston?

We have school excuses available after your tour is finished. Please come back by the Office of Admissions front desk and ask a Visitor Experience Representative.

How do I set up a campus visit?

You can sign up for a campus visit online. Please be sure to have the student’s information prior to registering. Please register each prospective student separately, if traveling with a sibling or a friend.

How do I know my visit is confirmed?

Once your visit is confirmed, you will automatically receive a confirmation email sent to the email address you provided on the online registration form. Your confirmation email is very important, as it has information on where to meet, how to get here and where to park. You can use the link provided in your email to check “My Events” from our main event page to confirm date and time.

Are family members and guests allowed on the tour?

Of course! We highly encourage family and guest participation. To accommodate the greatest number of prospective students, we ask visitors to bring no more than three guests. We do understand exceptions may need to be made, and we will accommodate your party without prior confirmations.

Do you offer tours of the residence halls?

Yes! You will be able to go into one of our residence hall rooms to take a look. You can also view all of residence hall rooms virtually.

Will I get a chance to visit the bookstore while on campus?

Yes! Your tour guide will show you where our bookstore is located on campus during the tour and you are encouraged to shop all College of Charleston gear after you finish.

Are the tours capped?

Yes, we keep our tours small to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

Can I have a private tour?

We do not offer private tours.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

The College of Charleston welcomes patrons and their service animals to our campus. Service animals must always remain under control of their handler.

If your pet is not a registered service animal, it must remain outside of College of Charleston buildings.

Can I sit in on a class?

We do not offer opportunities to sit in on a class. We find it much more beneficial for you to meet with someone in a specific department rather than sitting in on a class. One-on-one appointments are typically reserved for seniors and transfer students. To request a meeting with an academic department of your interest, please email campustour@cofc.edu.

What if it rains?

We hope that it will not rain on your visit; however, if it does, we will still offer tours. Our tours are mainly outdoor walking tours, so please be sure to check the weather before you come so that you can be prepared. In the case of severe weather, your tour guide will present a virtual tour to you. You will have the opportunity to speak with an admissions representative if you would like. If the university closes for inclement weather, you will be notified via email.

Can I bring my luggage to the tour?

Yes! We know sometimes you may be flying into Charleston and must come to our campus straight from the airport. We are happy to hold your luggage safely until after your tour.

Guest Accessibility

The College of Charleston works to offer accessible visits that enhance your campus experience while accommodating for the varying needs of guests.

Requesting Accommodations for a Visit

Please reach out to our Office of Admissions to request services such as a wheelchair or an ASL interpreter, admissions@cofc.edu. They will connect you with the appropriate member in our office to make sure we accommodate all your needs. If possible, please make your request at least two weeks in advance to allow time for arrangements to be made.

The Office of Admissions is located on the ground level of our Craig Hall and you can find parking and building entrance information here. We also offer accessible restrooms in the lobby of our visitor center.

Our Center for Disability Services (SNAP) is dedicated to ensuring that all programs and services of the College of Charleston are accessible. They provide assistance and guidance to students with a documented disability to ensure equal access to all programs and services. In addition, they offer educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff that enhance understanding of the various types of disabilities, promoting an environment respectful of all. For more information about our Center for Disability Services connect with them at 843.953.1431 or email at SNAP@cofc.edu.