The College of Charleston, or The College, as it is fondly called, is probably one of the most unique, if not the most unique place to go to school in the United States. It has everything -- thriving nightlife, the beach, a beautiful city and beautiful people. There is nothing quite like waking up to 80-degree weather in October, either. That being said, there are some things that College of Charleston students just learn as they go along.
1. Wearing Nike shorts and an oversized T-shirt is the staple outfit of almost every girl for at least three quarters of the school year.
And it's perfectly acceptable, because it's seriously the comfiest thing ever.
2. There is nothing quite like waking up after a night out and going to Jack's Cafe.
If you haven't been to Jack's, do you even go to CofC? The answer is probably not.
3. Wearing shorts and tank tops until near the end of October is normal.
You'll get strange looks from tourists and foreigners, but hey, why bother when it's probably going to be 86 degrees by noon?
4. Getting stopped by tourists on the way to class is a common occurrence.
And even though you're going to be late to help them, you do it anyway because that's the way Charlestonians are.
5. The stairs in Bellsouth were created by the Devil himself.
Those stairs will make any star athlete feel out of breath and out of shape.
6. Jay walking is practically a sport.
No one waits for the hand to turn into a little man, and if you do wait, you're a freshman or a tourist. (Notice the little red hand in the photo --those people walking are definitely natives).
7. Second Sunday is sacred.
Everyone goes out in their Sunday best, hungover or not, and roams the streets looking for puppies to pet and food to try.
8. Laying out in Marion Square in your bathing suit is normal.
Tourists probably think we're weird, but when you don't have a car to get to the beach, Marion Square is the place to tan.
9. Murray is basically Charleston's mascot.
If you don't know who Murray is, you're definitely not a real CofC student. And by the way, I'm not talking about Bill Murray. I'm talking about the adorable dog in the window of the art building.
10. You can't walk across the actual Cistern.
Seriously, don't do it. It's gonna add a semester to your time at CofC. Some people don't believe it, but why risk it?
11. To survive, keep your head down in Cougar Mall.
Otherwise, 12 different organizations are going to stop you on your way to class and ask you to buy some sort of treat.
12. Trying to cross Calhoun between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. is literally hell.
I can't tell you the number of times that I have been rammed into by another student. Not fun.
13. Flooding is normal, and because of this, kayaking down a street is also normal.
I can't say I've ever done it, but I've definitely wanted to try.
14. Berry Residence Hall is haunted.
Okay, this might not be true, depending on your view of ghosts... but as a resident of Berry Hall, I can tell you I've heard some strange things at night.
15. While all of the public safety officers are pretty cool, Smalls and Chisolm are by far the best.
Seriously, there are no cooler people to talk to when you're coming back to your dorm after 10:45 p.m.
16. Barefoot Scooter Guy (the real BGS) is real, and he is a legend.
(Here I am, the author, luckyenough to meet and get a picture with Charlie, a.k.a. Barefoot Scooter Guy. He is super nice, FYI.)
17. If you see a puppy on campus, you spend 10 seconds thinking about trying to pet it or not.
Then you text your friend and ask if it is a good idea, you snapchat the puppy, and by the time you decide you want to pet it, it's gone.
18. There is nothing better than getting Jenni's after a super stressful day.
Goat cheese and cherry ice cream? Yassss please. #bringitback
19. Crazy sh*t happens in CCA.
I think it's called Sterling Apartments now, but whatever. Crazy stuff goes down in CCA, and only those who live in CCA know about it. It's kinda like a cult, but a cool one.
20. There is nothing more beautiful than a Charleston sunset as seen with your friends.
Great company, a great view, and a beautiful place. There is nothing better.
