Staff Cheyenne Abrams* — Editor in Chief Zoe Murrie* — Managing Editor
CYM STAFF PAGE
Elizabeth Quarles — Creative Director
Denzel Wright* — Head of Photography Liz Hipes* — Features Editor
Shannon Murray* — Opinions Editor
Katie Hopewell— Campus and City News
* indicates students worked on orientation issue Disclaimer:
CisternYard Media (CYM) is staffed with students who are free to select and create the materials to be published. The College of Charleston provides editorial freedom to the student members of CYM. The views expressed in work created by CYM may not reflect the views of The College. 2
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A letter from your Student Government Association To the Class of 2023: Kuwakaribisha, كب الهأ, bienvenido and welcome to the College of Charleston!
get to decide how your future will unfold. You are the pilot on the As you begin your jouney, path to your own future, and the starting with an exciting and College is your runway. Although informative orientation session, there are over 10,000 students at the Student Government Association would like to welcome the College, and some of your time you to the Cougar family. You each may even be spent abroad, when you’re in Charleston you will be have made an amazing choice in surrounded by family. Throughout your pursuit of higher education that will set you apart for the rest your time here, you will see that faculty, staff and students alike of your lives. Being a student truly care about each individual at at the College of Charleston distinguishes you not only locally, the College, and we are all here to but also internationally. Whether support each other’s growth and you plan to study in the School of success. Business, Languages, Cultures, In the words of President and World Affairs, or Sciences and Hsu, “... the world knows we’re Mathematics, you are on the the a first-rate, global institution,” right track to growing as a person and you are now a part of it. But and becoming a global citizen. what does this mean? You are No matter where your studies now connected to a network of take you, the College will be your over 80,000 alumni based all over forever home. the U.S. and the world. You now have access to globally certified Whether you’re sitting on and recognized professors and the patio of City Bistro or on a administrators. You are now a terrace in Trujillo, Cáceres, your time at the College of Charleston part of an institution older than the country we live in. It is up to will be filled with unbeatable you to seize every opportunity opportunities. With engaging presented to you to create a future classes, top-notch athletics, for yourself and for our world. and over 200 student-led organizations to choose from, you But don’t worry, you’ll have help
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along the way! Do not hesitate to join organizations or groups that interest you (like Student Government, Cistern Yard Media or any other!), capitalize on the value of a liberal arts education by taking any of the various, diverse courses offered, and leave your own legacy at the College. Most importantly, when you have crossed the Cistern, you will truly “know thyself” and be ready to take on the world. We wish you the best of luck in your time here and look forward to seeing your many successes. With Cougar Pride, George Hicks, SGA Student Body President and Class of 2021 Kelly Lifchez, SGA Student Body Vice President and Class of 2021
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College of Charleston Fun Facts The original spirit colors for the College were light blue and white, but were changed in the early 20th century when athletics program began competing against The Citadel, which had the same colors.
The College of Charleston was established in 1770, making it older than the establishment of the United States.
The College is so historic - it’s the oldest municipal college in the country and 13th oldest college in the Nation.
The school has 61 majors
You’ll never have to worry about your college’s football team losing a game because... well...we don’t have one
The oldest bricks on campus are found at Towel Library. The foundations of the building were used in the Revolutionary War – some buildings still have structure damage from it.
Five campus buildings are designated national historic landmarks.
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The College of Charleston is featured in many films. Including The Patriot, Cold Mountain, The Notebook and Dear John
The Cistern was once a reservoir for the College and the City of Charleston!
Charleston has been voted one of the top cities in America by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler for its unique cultural and beautiful landscapes.
Fact check us: today.cofc.edu/2014/06/06/10-epic-facts-college-charleston/
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1. Take advantage of your major or foreign language department by studying abroad for a semester 2. Do the Cooper River Bridge Run/walk the bridge 3. Take an African American studies class
6. Take a physical activity class like sailing or kayaking 4. Pull an all-nighter in Addlestone Library 7. Join your fellow cougs at one of our home basketball games 8. Shop at the historic Charleston Market
5. Meet Bill Murray! You can sometimes spot him walking the streets near his Charleston home.
9. Go on a Gullah-Geechee tour to learn more about the culture of Charleston
10. Eat at the late night window at the dining hall 11. Enjoy Charleston’s beautiful weather by studying at the Cistern, or Rivers Green. Feeling adventurous? Meet up with friends at Waterfront Park or the Battery for a study session. 12. Attend a farmer’s market 13. Go to as many Spoleto Events as you can 14. Shop on King Street on Second Sunday 15. Finish off some of your best years by walking across The Cistern
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Places To Study Of course, there are the classic places to study like the Addlestone Library, Starbucks and The Cistern, but there are so many other hidden gems around Charleston to get work done. These places make it easy to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard and get focused.
Library Nook in The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art The Halsey has a hidden library with a great number of interesting books, a large table and silence. This space is great for secluding yourself and getting rid of distraction.
Second State Coffee Second State is a quaint coffee shop with the best lattes on the peninsula. This soothing open feeling area is great for studying, and often has dogs coming in and out.
Kudu Patio One of the best outside studying areas is the Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer outside patio. This space is filled with modern string lights, good coffee, tables and lots of greenery
Rivers Green Studying on Rivers Green can be a great break from the stale atmosphere of the library. Every semester there are many events held here including a stress relief fair, coffee with the president and volleyball
The Battery The Battery is a great place to study outside while admiring Charleston’s famous harbor and sunsets. This outside study area has chairs and tables, or you could bring a blanket and study next to a tree.
Stern Student Center Stern has four floors and many places to hunker down to get work done. Along with comfortable chairs and tables, Stern also has a food court for any of your snack break needs.
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Your Guide to Living in Charleston
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Tricera Coffee: Tricera Coffee on George Street is offering up awesome coffee with a prehistoric aesthetic. Grab your iced latte on your way to class or before heading to King Street for your afternoon shopping and you’re good to go.
Playa bowls:
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee: Like there slogan says, Bitty and Beau’s is more than a cup of coffee. This is a coffee shop that promotes inclusion, acceptance and love for people with different disabilities and is staffed by those who struggle with disability. An amazing experience and seriously more than just a cup of coffee but also a dose of love and respect.
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Welcome to Pineapple Land! Found on King Street, Playa Bowls is home of every superfood bowl imaginable. From acai bowls to pitaya bowls, green bowls, coconut bowls and more, Playa Bowls is your destination to relish in healthy living and eating. They are now apart of the off campus meal plan!
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Persimmon cafe: Grab your dirty laundry and head out for lunch. No, seriously. This unique place allows college students to wash their clothes in their laundromat and order a sandwich or coffee while they wait! A great place to multi-task and juggle all the things you need to do at once. Feeling super productive? Bring your laptop and get a quick study session in too.
Jeni’s Icecream Just walk in and smell this place and your mouth will be watering. Jeni’s homemade ice cream includes unique flavors including Frosé Sorbet and Texas Sheet Cake. Did we mention dairy free too? The perfect spot to cool down on a hot Charleston day! Stop by their king street location, but plan ahead because sometimes the lines are a bit long.
Sabatino’s Pizza: This whole-in-the-wall pizza joint was first started by the owner in Brooklyn but he wanted to bring his New York style pizza to places other than...you know, New York! So he came to Charleston and the same way he made pizza in Brooklyn is the same way he makes it here at his Calhoun Street location. Definitely the most authentic New York place to grab a slice in Charleston.”
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The Battery/Rainbow Row:
Located on the tip of the peninsula, the battery offers a perfect view of the bridge and historic Fort Sumter. Here, people walk their dogs, lay on the grass and listen to music or just absorb all that our town has to offer. Round the corner for a strip of unique colored houses and snap a photo for your next instagram post.
Record Stop:
Record Stop is a unique and very personable record store that originated in New York and created by Yankee native Bruce Berg. The vibe and personable experience scream New York and the good ole’ days of blues, rock and roll, soul etc.
Red Rose Vintage:
Red Rose Vintage is a weekend pop-up shop that re-sells vintage clothes out of an old RV to tell a story and create an atmosphere of positivity and pure nostalgia. To learn more about Amy Rose and her vintage adventures, follow her on instagram @redrosevintageshop.
Folly Beach: Here in Charleston, it is common for people to go to the beach year round. For College of Charleston students, the best way to do this is on a hot Saturday on Folly Beach. Being the closest beach, many college students spend their sunny weekends here escaping the hussle and bussle of the city.
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Advice From Upperclassmen
Budget your money
Most freshman don’t realize how much money they’ll actually spend during their first year of college. Trying to navigate freshman year with a diminishing bank account will only lead to disaster. It can be easy to spend all of your money on Uber and food, but by budgeting with apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint and PocketGuard, taking care of your finances can be easy!
Go to your classes
This one might seem self explanatory, but not having parents in Charleston make it tempting to skip classes. A great number of professors do not take attendance, but expect the students to desire to attend class in order to learn. In many classes, professors will mention information that will not be found online, so it is important to be present.
Think ahead
The best way to do well on all of your assignments (big or small) is to think ahead for when things are due. This can be easy with a good planner. At the beginning of the semester go ahead and write down all of the due dates written on the syllabus and continue to add more as the semester continues.
Get involved
One of the great things about college is all of the opportunity. Get involved in the things you have always wanted to try. From Greek Life to acapella, CofC has a lot to offer. Can’t find something you’re interested in? Start your own club with friends! With just yourself and a few others, one great idea can be The College’s newest student organization.
Use the planner on degree works
While academic advising is a great resource, it is always smart to do research ahead of time. The planner on degree works can be used to plan out any and all semesters at CofC and is a great way to make sure you fulfill all requirements and graduate in a timely manner.
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Introduce yourself
The best way to be present on campus and make friends is simply to introduce yourself. Introduce yourself to the people on your hall, your professors and even the people working at the dining hall. You will be surprised at the advantages you receive when people know your name.
Utilize the resources on campus
Cofc offers the Center For Student Learning (CSL) that includes help for may subjects including math, foreign language and writing. The CSL is located in the library. Check online for hours and appointments. The Advising center is also an amazing resource for making schedules and exploring majors. Student Health Services is a free medical center located on College Way that is very helpful for flu season and other health needs.
Say “Yes” to adventures
It can be easy to forget that you’re living in one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Take advantage of the beauty Charleston has to offer. Go on adventures and soak up the time you have right now. Be the college student you always wish you could be.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help/take it slow
Always remember that time for you is important. One of the biggest mistakes a freshman can make is getting burnt out in the first semester. Take time on assignments, balance school and friendships and never be afraid to ask for help from parents, friends or faculty.
Internships/& jobs
Most majors have an internship requirement or option and professors are willing to help you find a good fit. Internships not only look good on a resume, but they also help you decide what career you might want. Do not be afraid to try something out of the box because you might just discover a new passion while developing an important professional network.
Try different classes
Students do not have to declare their major until second semester sophomore year and declaring a major is super easy at the College. Do not feel like you have to decide on a major right away and let your general education requirements serve as a framework for discovering new classes. For history: take a Jewish Studies class, or for science: try astronomy; you never know what might resonate.
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Having Fun Under 21
of televisions to catch your favorite sports game. The Alley has given bar food a modern twist with menu items like the chicken and waffle sliders, the pizza burger and wing flavors including honey habanero.
Going out during your first couple years of college can be tough. You’re stuck between using that fake ID to hangout with your older friends on Upper King or staying home in your dorm and binging the newest season of “Grey’s Anatomy” with takeout pizza. Being in a new town and having a craving to go out can be tough; thankfully Charleston has plenty of places to go and things to do for all ages and attitudes. For the foodies: While hitting the clubs with your friends may seem like a great time, why not get chocolate wasted at Kaminsky’s on Market St? Call ahead for reserved seating and take your roomies out for some cheesecake or decadent shakes that are 100% Instagram worthy. For the outspoken: If nightclubs aren’t your scene, head over to the East Bay Meeting House for Poetry Nights hosted by The Unspoken Word once a month. Beginning at 8 p.m. this event has no cover charge and anyone is welcome to present their poetry. The Unspoken Word was founded in 2014 by College of Charleston Graduate, Derek Berry, some of his work can be online, with his most popular being “Ghost Town.” For the gamers: Unfortunately there comes a point in life where attending Chuck-E-Cheese is frowned upon. Thankfully, The Alley has everything we need for the perfect night out. Located at 131 Columbus St., this eight lane bowling alley is also equipped with retro arcade style games (yes, including skee-ball), and plenty
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For the music fans: Music Farm is the place to be for concert-goers looking for budget friendly prices and a good music selection. Located across from the Visitors Center on 32 Ann St., Music Farm allows local and nationally recognized bands and performers to book their venue. You can also check their events calendar on their website to see what other shows and shops they have going on. Follow the Holy City Vintage Market on Instagram for their upcoming Market dates. Be sure to check out Charleston Music Hall for other concerts and shows coming to town. For the fierce: It may come as a surprise that Charleston has a heavy drag queen scene. Gather your friends up for a good time on a Wednesday night for Drag Queen Bingo at Mellow Mushroom on King St. If you don’t want your weekend to end Sunday morning head over to Sushi Blue for a drag queen hosted brunch. “Tabboo Tuesdays” is Tabbuli’s weekly drag show. Gather up friends for these nights full of laughs, jokes and maybe even prizes. For the adventurers: Hop on a CARTA bus and head to Frankie’s Fun Park on Ashley-Phosphate Rd. for a day filled with go-karting, putt-putt golf and enough arcade games to make you go bankrupt. Frankie’s is definitely an all day place to go for fun with your friends and a break from the Charleston craziness. Wash away your sorrows with a giant slushie and cash in your tickets for prizes before making your way back to the peninsula. For the trivia buffs: Spending an evening with your closest friends (or strangers) at a local restaurant testing your most random knowledge is definitely a good pass time. Check out Geeks who Drink, a pub-quizzing company that sends hosts to different restaurants around town to test your knowledge in music, movies, history and more. You’ll enjoy smack talk with the table next to you and finding out your friends know the most random
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information, stick around long enough and you may win a gift card to come back next week! Currently Geeks who Drink is at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co, in Charleston at 7:00 PM, and Home Team BBQ in West Ashley at 8:00 PM on Mondays, and at Palmetto Brewing Company, downtown on Tuesday’s at 7:00 PM. You can find themed trivia nights Wednesdays at Holy City Brewing Company in North Charleston, located on Dorchester Rd. For the laid back: Tabbuli Grill has a great mediterranean menu and offers a hookah selection which is seemingly popular among students. Located at 6 N. Market St., Tabbuli is a prime location for tourists but draws local crowd as it is the only hookah bar in the area. For the sports fans: If there aren’t any sporting events at the College to attend, check the schedule for the South Carolina Stingrays, Charleston’s hockey team located at the North Charleston Coliseum. Catch a bus to the Coliseum and wander around tanger until a game. Participate in themed nights like Harry Potter night or Marvel Super Hero Night. Throw pucks to the ice in the nightly puck toss, and stick around some nights to meet players after the game. If hockey isn’t for you, see if the Riverdogs have a game going on. Friday nights will usually end in fireworks at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. There’s plenty to do in Charleston, it’s just about looking for it. These events are all available to students under 21 most nights, and allow you to keep your innocence for just a while longer.
Photos provided by Wes Hicks and Hayes Potter
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Wellness at the College: Where to Work out Your Body and Brain Your first year of college can be stressful. Between a more difficult class schedule, unhealthy dining hall options and no parents to keep you on the right path, it can be hard to maintain your mental and physical health. While it may seem challenging, prioritizing self care is necessary for survival. Luckily, CofC provides many resources for maintaining a healthy, balanced school life.
George Street Gym/ Silcox Gym: The George Street Gyms are home to all thing fitness at
CofC. From basketball courts, to treadmills and group workout classes, Silcox is the best place to get your sweat on at the College. Located at 50 George Street, the gym is just a brisk 10 minute walk from campus. No other place is as good for maintaining your physical health. It is open about 12 hours a day to help you squeeze in a sweat whenever you need it.
Student Health Services: Between stressed out immune systems and
germy residence halls you are bound to get sick during your first semester at the College. Located behind the Robert Scott Small academic building, the Student Health Services is available to students for flu shots, STD/STI testing and for general sick visits. Health Services takes online appointments five days a week and is speedy when you get that end of the semester bug.
Cougar Counseling: College can be stressful and it is normal to feel sad or anxious
during this transition. It can be helpful to talk to someone and this is where Cougar Counseling comes to the rescue. Cougar Counseling is a free peer-facilitated counseling service for students on Campus. Cougar Counseling says “The Mission of The Counseling Center is to increase student psychological resilience and personal growth to support persistence and success in school.” Besides one on one counseling, the team helps with substance abuse, veterans services, anonymous reporting and emergency services. Students can text 4support to 839863 to visit the third floor of Robert Scott Small for help. No one should be ashamed to ask for help, and Cougar Counseling makes the process easy and painless.
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In The Know: What’s Happening This Year on Campus
2019 is going to be an exciting year at the College. As part of its 250th birthday campaign, and the welcoming of its 23rd president, The College of Charleston is getting involved with the community as much as possible. Here are some things to look out for this year.
President Hsu — College of Charleston will be ushering in its 23rd president this
fall as Dr. Andrew Hsu takes on the position as president. Coming to Charleston from the University of Toledo, Dr. Hsu has a degree in hydraulic engineering from Tsinghua University in Beijing. President Hsu has also earned master’s and PhD degrees from Georgia Tech and was formerly employed by NASA. Be sure to say hello to President Hsu and his family as they move on campus and learn all about cougar spirit.
History.Made.Here — The College celebrates a monumental birthday this academ-
ic year as it turns 250. The theme for the birthday celebration was announced this Spring. The term “History.Made.Here” reflects the College’s rich history as one of the oldest public colleges in America. As the College turns 250, it hopes to make even more history and create the model for a diverse, modern college.
100 Years of Women — Despite being founded in 1770, the first woman was ad-
mitted into the College in 1917. To celebrate 100 years of white women’s admittance at the College of Charleston, the College dubbed 2018-2019 the “Year of Women.” Various departments on campus have set up conversations and events around the theme. CisternYard even published a magazine for the Year of Women.
Reboot the Commute —
Living in Charleston, it is hard to ignore the daily traffic congestion. While many students live within walking distance of the College, many do commute. To help alleviate congestion for commuters and walkers alike, the College has teamed up with the city to create a guide to decreasing the amount of traffic in the area.
The Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina — To celebrate its 25th
birthday, the JHSSC will be hosting an exhibit in Addlestone library entitled “A Store at Every Crossroads: Documenting the Stories of South Carolina’s Jewish Merchants.” The exhibit celebrates a 300 year history of Jewish owned businesses in Charleston. The exhibit starts May 18 and runs through December 1.
In the Zone — The office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services will be
expanding its Safe Zone training with a series of lectures for the 2019-2020 academic year. The lectures, dubbed “In the Zone” will serve as a 201 follow up to the 101 trainings. Topics will cover LGBTQ+ life in the lowcountry, transgender experience at the College and queer representations in media. Look out for the first In the Zone during pride week in September.
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Join our Team!
Interested in working in media? Have a creative side you’re itching to get out? We’re looking for students to volunteer for the following:
News Writers Radio DJs Sales Assistants Ad Designers Content Creators Videographers Find CisternYard on Cougar Connect at cougarconnect.cofc.edu/organization/cisternyardmedia
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