The countdown to the first day of classes at the College of Charleston is officially underway, and for nearly 3,000 incoming freshmen, the new chapter has already begun. Move-in activities started early this week, with staff, volunteers, and crews helping students settle into their new homes on campus.
To manage the flow of traffic, the college has scheduled specific move-in times and blocked off streets, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone. Early Wednesday morning, the campus was bustling with excitement as students and their families arrived to kick off the school year.
A Warm Welcome for Freshman Jolie Ward
For incoming freshman Jolie Ward, a Charleston native, the transition has felt seamless. “The atmosphere is just very… homie. I feel like I can meet people easily. I grew up in Charleston so I feel like it’s a little bit easier. I’m used to the humidity, so it’s normal for me. It just feels like a very nice environment to learn and to grow in myself and I’m very excited for that,” Ward shared with enthusiasm.
New Initiatives for Student Success
In addition to the usual programs designed to help students adjust to their first year, the College of Charleston is rolling out new initiatives aimed at supporting student success both academically and socially. Alicia Caudill, Executive Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of helping students navigate this exciting and challenging time. “Students are learning a lot of new things, learning the city, the campus, meeting new friends. We want to support and encourage them. We want most of their days to be good, but there might be some challenges. We want them to know the college is here to help them through those challenges,” Caudill explained.
Freshmen Share Their Hopes for the Year
Freshmen are already looking forward to their upcoming experiences. Sarah Jones, an incoming freshman, said, “I really hope to get good grades this year, and hopefully get into the honors college and pass biology. That’s a big one.” Meanwhile, Jacob Geddings expressed his hopes to “get good grades and find my people.”
Move-In Continues Over the Weekend
Move-in will continue Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As many students are still arriving, officials advise drivers to avoid the campus area during these hours to help ease traffic congestion.
With fresh faces filling the campus, the College of Charleston is off to a great start, and students are eager to embark on their academic journeys.
