Now that you’re a Buc…
Campus life at Charleston Southern University provides opportunities for you to get involved, meet new people, develop your leadership skills, try new things, discover your passion and more. This is your community – the people you go to class with, live with, work, serve and play with. Find your place in the larger CSU community. #onceaBucalwaysaBuc
It’s Time To Connect
The first thing you need to do to get involved is download the free Buc Nation App. It’s a Bucs Life!
All students are expected to know the information in the Student Handbook. It’s a good idea to take a look through it.
Living on campus provides experiences that include making new friends, facing new challenges and developing memories that will last you a lifetime. Check out all that we have to offer! Click here to view our housing options.
With about 50 options to choose from, you will have ample opportunity to connect with other students. See the list here!
Welcome Week Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. New Resident Check-in (Commuter Lot)
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Playfair (Buc Dome)
The ultimate icebreaker! It’s the perfect way to make new friends on campus!
7:00 p.m. The Voyage (Chapel)
This will be your first opportunity to receive Chapel Credit!
8:30 p.m. Ice Cream Chillout (Chapel Portico)
For the latest events and schedule, go to the BucNation App!
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Returning Resident Check-in (Commuter Lot)
8:30 a.m. Breakfast with the Crew Members
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. New Student Pool Party! (Brewer Center) Come enjoy a waterslide, dip in the swimming pool, relax to music, and stay cool with popsicles.
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Bucky’s Welcome (Buccaneer Field at Whitfield Stadium)
Our first Sweet 16 event of the year! Fun, fireworks, games, gifts and food!
For the latest events and schedule, go to the BucNation App!
11:00 a.m. Campus Worship w/ Dr. Costin and Summit Church (Chapel)
7:00 p.m. Baptisms at the swimming pool (Brewer Center)
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Shake It Up (Buc Stop)
Milk shakes, games, music, games, and prizes!
For the latest events and schedule, go to the BucNation App!
Monday, Aug. 22
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Directions and Donuts (Reflection Pond)
Tuesday, Aug. 23
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Directions and Donuts (Reflection Pond)
Wednesday, Aug. 24
11:00 a.m. Prayer First Chapel
Let’s start off this semester with prayer as we begin the school year!
7:00 p.m. REC FEST (Brewer Center)
Join the Campus Recreation Team for some exciting games and competitions!
Thursday, Aug. 25
8:00 p.m. ELEVATE (Chapel)
Join us for our weekly campus-wide worship experience and connect with a Small Group!
Friday, Aug. 26
7:00 p.m. New Student Campfire
Join the Board of Student Organizations for smores and more at Eno City. You will not want to miss this rite of passage experience!
Saturday, Aug. 27 – Sunday, Aug. 28
ROCK THE BOAT
This event is so popular that we needed to two dates to make room for everyone to attend! What an incredible opportunity to make lifelong memories with friends and to see our beautiful city from the Charleston Harbor! Select which date you want to attend and purchase your ticket on “It’s A Bucs Life” Buc Nation App.
For the latest events and schedule, go to the BucNation App!
Aug. 20 Bucky’s Welcome
Aug. 27 – 28 Rock the Boat
Sept. 10 Waterpark Takeover
Oct. 1 Shimmy at the Shed
Oct. 21 Densonville
Oct. 28 BucTober
Nov. 4 Christmas at CSU
Nov. 17 OCC Packing Party
Jan. 13 Live in Color
Jan. 25 Polar Bear Plunge
Feb. 3 Strike Night
Feb. 9 Bucky’s Birthday Bash
Feb. 25 Buc Town BBQ Fest
March 25 Spring Formal
March 31 Drive IN
April 22 Buc Fever Fair
Traditions at CSU include our Sweet 16 events. Make sure you check them out here.
Town Hall with FAQs
Student Life
- Do I and/or people helping me move in need to submit a negative COVID test? If so, are at home, rapid tests permitted?
We are not requiring this. If someone is sick, they need to stay home until they feel better.
- How many people are allowed to join the student for Move In Day to assist with moving in? Some families have 4 parents and a few siblings.
We have no set limit.
- I haven’t been assigned a dorm yet and wonder when that will happen? Who can I reach out to?
It should be happening the week of Aug. 8. We are blessed with a large freshman class, so we are doing our best to place them together.
- What will healthcare be like on campus? What if a student needs medical attention, including a COVID test?
We are finalizing a partnership with Roper St. Francis Express care less than one mile from campus. Details coming the week of Aug. 8.
- What happens if a roommate or suitemate gets COVID?
If at all possible, the sick student should return home. If that is not possible, we do have a very limited number of quarantine rooms—but those are very limited.
- If my child gets ill on campus and doesn’t drive is there a clinic on campus. I understand there is a hospital across the street.
There is Trident Hospital across the street, but we will have a partnership with Roper St. Francis Urgent Care less than one mile down the road.
- Will there be students staying at the hotel on campus like last year?
Yes.
- Knowing there wasn’t an open door policy for anybody in the previous year, would we at least be able to have same gender this year?
Open house rules are listed on the Residence Life link on the website.
- Are there any planned activities for early move-in students (like those attending band camp)?
The Buc Nation App has the entire schedule. Download links can be found here.
- Can students receive packages in the mail? What is the procedure for that?
Write the student’s name on the package and then 9200 University Blvd., Charleston, SC 29406.
- How and where do we buy parking passes?
Online under the Security tab.
- Can you have 2 refrigerators if they both fit? Do they need to be a specific size?
You can bring 2.3.1 cubic feet mini fridge. It’s the most popular size.
- Do students have access to water bottle filling stations?
Yes!
- Do dorms have any kitchen type sink they can wash dishes or water bottles in?
The new Residence Hall does. There are sinks in the laundry rooms around campus.
- Do students need their own vacuums/mops?
Yes.
- How do students discard/empty trash collected throughout the week?
Dumpsters are outside each residence hall.
Financial Aid
- How do I access financial aid awards?
Sign into your MyCSU and go to the Financial Aid tab. Click the hyperlink “View My Financial Aid Live.”
- Why does this look different than what shows up on my bill?
Many factors can cause issues with financial aid not showing up: missing documents, no FAFSA, not registered, registration does not match financial aid awards (ex: registered part time but awarded full-time aid)
- Please explain FERPA and sending emails with CSU email
We ask that all students utilize their CSU BUC Mail. Students will need to make sure parents are listed on their FERPA and that parents know one question and answer listed on the FERPA.
Student Accounts
- How do I make a payment?
Log in to the MyCSU portal with your username and password; click on “Students” and then your payment link. You can also use MyCSU to enroll in e-refunds, a monthly payment plan, and to ensure all documents are on file. There’s also a no-interest monthly payment plan available. You may choose a 5-month plan. or a 4-month plan. The enrollment fee is $45. Payments are auto drafted.
Academic
- Where can students get their schedule?
Go to MyCSU – log in and click on Student Schedule.
- ROTC – Do I have to purchase any uniforms and what is the dress code for physical fitness attire?
Navy polo shirts and PT clothing are provided by AFROTC. Cadets must purchase khaki pants, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate footwear for physical fitness training.
- If a student needs tutoring or academic help, where should they go? What is available to them?
MyCSU Homepage, click on Student Success Center. There you can learn about Math Help, Tutoring, the Writing Center, and the Learning Center. Appointments can be scheduled online, and sessions can be conducted either in person or via zoom. Writing assignments are submitted electronically for initial review and then consultation is scheduled with the student. There are also online Library Resources available by visiting the Library webpage.
- Can returning students drop/add on their portal?
Yes, MyCSU provides access to this service. Some students will need to meet with an advisor prior to being permitted to add/drop a course.
- How do I know what type of computer to get? Should I get a certain PC or Mac at CSU?
CSU is a wireless campus, so your computer must be able to connect to the internet wirelessly. We do not specify a Mac or a PC. Both types of computers are also available for students in the Computer Labs and the Library.
General
- I am unable to access my student email inbox – when will that become active for incoming freshmen? Who should I contact if I can’t get in?
Once students are accepted, they are assigned a CSU Student email address. Information is sent via Slate from Enrollment on how to access their email. If they have issues, they can contact our 24/7 line at 1-844-348-6649, or visit https://csuniv.edusupportcenter.com/ to talk to someone via Chat or Email.
- Who do I contact for wi-fi issues?
If you have issues connecting to the student wi-fi, please call 843-863-7762 or email wireless@csuniv.edu.
- Do residential students have to buy a meal plan with actual cash or card?
For information regarding meal plans, go to https://csuniv.campusdish.com/MealPlans.
- How do I change my meal plan? And when can I do this?
Meal plans can be changed at the beginning of each semester by the drop/add deadline. This process moved to online and is done through the student portal.
- Where do students get books? Is everything digital?
Book rentals are included in the price. The primary inclusion is digital books. However, if there’s only a physical copy available, that is also included in tuition. To upgrade to a physical copy where a digital copy is present, that is an additional fee (~$10 per credit hour). Slingshot, our book servicer, delivers the materials right to the dorm room door for those who live on campus. Commuters may choose to pick up in person at the Campus Store or pay for convenient delivery.
- How can a CSU parent join the Parents Council?
Reach out to parents@csuniv.edu to connect with the Parents Council!