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College of CharlestonMove-In Guide

Charleston, South Carolina

🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1770🔗 www.charleston.edu

College of Charleston's historic campus centers on Cistern Yard in the heart of downtown Charleston, with first-year students housed in suite-style halls like Berry, Craig, and McConnell.

Enrollment

10,880

Total Students

Freshman Class

2,720

Approx.

Move-In Dates

Aug 14-15, 2026

Fall 2026 (completed)

Acceptance Rate

65%

Most recent cycle

Move-In

Fall 2026 Move-In Details

By appointment only for all halls and houses. Early Move-In (Aug. 12) is for approved groups or extenuating circumstances only; additional appointment slots run Aug. 16-18 as needed.

Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.

Move-in day logistics

Arrival window
Move-in is by appointment only, Aug. 14-15, 2026 (with additional appointment slots Aug. 16-18 as needed) - book your one-hour arrival window through the MyHousing/Dining portal by July 30.
Check-in location
Arrive within your booked one-hour window to unload and pick up your key - present your Cougar Card and a government-issued ID at check-in. No more than three people should assist with move-in.
Parking
Campus parking is limited to three hours - move your vehicle off campus after unloading. Follow your hall's specific driving directions (not GPS) to reach the correct unloading zone.
What you'll receive
Your room key and a rack card with information to help you get settled into your space.
Vehicle restrictions
Campus garages cannot handle vehicles taller than 7 feet or towed trailers - arrange off-campus parking if your vehicle exceeds these dimensions.

Move-in day tips

  • Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
  • Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
  • Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
  • Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.

Housing & Dorms

First-year halls (5)

Reserved for first-year students

  • Berry Hall

    Suite-style · Coed

    First-year only

  • Buist Rivers

    First-year only

  • Craig Hall

    Suite-style · Coed

    First-year only

  • Liberty Hall

    Suite-style · Coed

    First-year only

  • McAlister Hall

    Suite-style · Coed

    First-year only

Residence halls (2)

Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)

  • McConnell Hall

    Suite-style · Coed

  • Rutledge Rivers

    Suite-style · Coed

Apartments (3)

Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students

  • George Street Apartments

    Apartment-style · Coed

  • Kelly House

    Apartment-style · Coed

  • Warren Place

    Apartment-style · Coed

Housing Links

Who can live where

First-year only:
Reserved for incoming first-year students.
Residence halls:
Not marked first-year only, so they may also house returning students. Assignment follows the school's housing process.
Apartments:
Apartment-style housing, often for sophomores and up. Confirm eligibility with the housing office.

Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.

Orientation

New Student Orientation (register in advance - August session fills fast)

All new students are required to attend one orientation session.

June 1 - August 14, 2026

Orientation tips

  • Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
  • Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
  • Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.

Costs

Room & Board

$15,237

Estimated / Year

Figures shown are estimates for room and board only, and can vary by hall and meal plan. Check with College of Charleston's financial aid office for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Nearby Essentials

  • CVS Pharmacy0 miles
  • Walgreens0.2 miles
  • Target0.3 miles
  • Publix1.2 miles
  • Walmart4.7 miles

Need Dorm Essentials Delivered?

More Links

Checklists

Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist

A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at College of Charleston.

Get the checklist

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Dates last checked September 2026.