How do I request more information about housing on campus and a housing application?
Housing applications are automatically mailed to students once they have been formally admitted to Columbia College. If you would like additional information, you may call the Residence Life Office at 803-786-3856 or write to:

Residence Life
Columbia College
1301 Columbia College Drive
Columbia, SC 29203

When will I be notified about my room assignment?
Room and roommate assignments for the fall term are generally mailed by mid-July.

How are room and roommate assignments made?
All room assignments and roommate placements are based on the information provided on your housing application. To increase the chances of roommate pairing, it is recommended that both applicants include their preferred roommate's name on their housing applications.

What if roommates don't get along?
Each resident brings with her a different set of expectations. To encourage open communication, all residents discuss and sign a roommate agreement at the beginning of the fall term and any time there is a change in residence status in the room. Understanding one another's expectations and deciding on room parameters early on is an important first step in avoiding problems.

When roommates have difficulty with one another, we first suggest they talk about their problem. If they are unable to resolve the situation, they should contact their Resident Academic Advisor. The Resident Academic Advisor acts as a mediator to ensure that strong feelings do not hinder the process and that roommates follow the rules. Mediation is effective for sorting through extreme emotions in order to find a rational solution.

If mediation fails, the case is taken to the Residence Coordinator and/or Director of Residence Life. A decision then is reached which may result in one or both roommates moving to another room.

How will I receive mail and packages on campus?
United States mail is delivered to the Columbia College Post Office in the Harrelson Student Center. Address U.S. mail to:

Student's Name
MSC MailBox #
Columbia, SC 29203

Deliveries from United Parcel Service, Federal Express and Express Mail also are made to the Harrelson Student Center.

Deliveries from florists can be made either to the Residence Hall or to the Campus Post Office. If flower deliveries are made to the hall, the deskworker will call residents when deliveries arrive. The address for deliveries of this nature is:

Student's Name
Room Number and Hall
Columbia College
Columbia, SC 29203

Food deliveries are made only to the main door of the residence hall where vendors have access to the outside phone.

Can I ship packages to campus prior to move-in day?
Yes, packages may be shipped to the Campus Post Office one week prior to move in day. All packages should include:

Student's Name
Room Number and Hall
1301 Columbia College Dr.
Columbia, SC 29203

Can students cook in the residence halls?
Kitchen facilities are provided in every residence hall for resident use. Cooking is permitted in the residence hall kitchens. However, grease frying of any food items is not allowed in the residence halls.

What appliances are permitted in the residence halls?
Appliances that can be used in your room include microwaves that use 600 watts or less of electricity, coffee makers and pop-up toasters.

What appliances are not permitted in the residence halls?
Any applicance with an open element or open flame is not permitted in the residence halls. These would include broiler ovens, immersion heaters, hot plates, Coleman stoves, hibachi grills, chaffing dishes, fondue pots, and gas lanterns.

What items should I bring when I move on campus?
Linens are not provided, so you'll want to bring your own sheets, pillowcases, towels, blankets and pillows. You and your roommate also may wish to coordinate bedspreads, drapes, and rugs. Often, these are selected once you're here so you can share ideas for colors (Your roommate is identified on your room assignment information).

If you plan to bring a stereo or television, you should check with your roommate to avoid duplication of such items. And, don't forget your alarm clock and umbrella/poncho.

How many people share a bathroom in the residence halls?
The majority of the residence hall rooms include four people in a suite. A suite is two double rooms connected by one bathroom, resulting in four people sharing one bathroom.

Is phone service provided by the College?
Each residence hall room has one phone line providing local phone service. The College provides a telephone for each room. Students who want to receive long distance service should contact Support Services to be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN can be used to make long distance calls. Students with a PIN will receive a monthly bill, and are responsible for all long distance charges incurred while using their PINs.

Is cable television available in the residence halls?
All residence hall rooms are equipped to receive basic cable TV service. Basic cable is provided free by the College and available in all rooms and tv lounges. Residents must bring a cable cord to access cable service.

Can I bring my computer and is my room wired for computer connections?
Many students bring their personal computers to campus. All residence hall rooms are wired for connection to the campus network and the Internet. To use your computer, it needs to be equipped with an ethernet card already installed and ready to connect to the wall jacks available in your room. On move-in day, you should make an appointment with Computer Services to get an ethernet card installed on your computer. For more information about campus computer services, contact the Office of Computer Services at 786-3646.

Will I have a campus email address?
Yes. All students are assigned a campus email address that is listed in the campus directory with your other contact information. All students are encouraged to access and use their campus email address.

Who is responsible for the safety of my computer files on the campus network?
You are responsible for ensuring that others cannot access your information on the campus network. Every student, faculty and staff member is required to read and accept the College's computer policy. Tampering with and unlawfully accessing someone else's computer files is a felony offense.

Are there facilities for washing and drying my clothes?
Every residence hall has laundry facilities for resident student use. Laundry rooms are only for the use of resident students.

Are pets allowed in the residence halls?
The only pets allowed in the residence halls are fish in tanks no larger than 10 gallons.

Are students required to purchase a meal plan?
All resident students are required to purchase a meal plan from the College. All freshmen must sign up for the 21 meals a week plan. Upper class residents have a choice of a 15 or 10 meal plan. The 10 meal plan is available to seniors only. Commuter students may purchase a five or 10 meal plan.

What is Columbia College's policy on alcohol?
According to College policy, alcohol is not allowed on campus.

Can I bring a car to campus?
Yes. However parking is limited. If you plan to bring a car to campus, be prepared to park some distance from your residence hall. You also must have a parking decal to park on campus. For more information about obtaining a parking decal, contact the Columbia College Police Department at 803-786-3343.

What if I need special accommodations?
Residence Life assists students with disabilities and special medical needs in determining housing that is most suitable for them. Please indicate the nature of your condition on on your residence application. Attach any information to the application that will be helpful to us in planning for your arrival.

May I have guests in my residence hall room?
Guests are permitted in the residence halls only at the request of residents, who then become responsible for their visitors' conduct. All guests must be signed in by their host and abide by College and hall regulations applicable to the resident host.

Guests of the same gender as the resident host may stay overnight in student rooms provided that each resident of the room to be used gives her permission and the Residence Coordinator is notified. Same gender guests may not stay in College housing for more than two consecutive days except by permission of the Residence Coordinator.

Guests of the opposite sex are permitted to visit during posted visitation hours, but are not allowed to stay overnight.