The Second Year Connection
During your first year at the College of Charleston, the First Year Experience program and your advisor helped connect the dots for you; this year you need to seek connections on your own. To achieve connections ask questions, get to know your professors, get involved and use campus resources. The second year of college can be challenging but if you stay involved and reach out for help it can be a great experience.
10 Ways to Stay Connected During Your Second Year
2. Talk to your Professors and Academic Advisor to Build Relationships.
4. Get Involved with a Campus Organization.
7. Explore Career Resources and Internships.
8. Investigate Studying Abroad.
9. Consider Undergraduate Research.
1. Attend Campus Events
- Featured Events for Second Year Students
- Athletics Calendar
- Campus Recreation Activities Calendar
- Career Center Events Calendar
- Center for Student Learning Workshops
- School of the Arts Events
2. Talk to Your Professors and Academic Advisor to Build Relationships.
- Make personal connections
- Discuss your interests, aspirations and skills
- Learn how to build relationships and network
- Consider participating in a Higdon Student Leadership Center program: Fall Leadership Conference or Leadership Certificate Program
3. Declare Your Major
- If you haven't already, this is the year to choose your major.
- Attend the Majors and Minors Fair
- Think about what you are interested in and utilize the conversations with your advisor and these resources to choose
- How to Declare Your Major
4. Get Involved with a Campus Organization
- Join a club, organization or participate in intramural sports
- Check out the Student Life website to learn about the more than 200 student organizations on campus.
- Learn more about Intramural Sports
- Volunteer with other students with the help of the Center for Civic Engagement; email: volunteer@cofc.edu; Location: 160 Calhoun Street,Lightsey Center room 203.
- Check your College of Charleston email for news about upcoming campus activities
5. Take Care of Your Health
Keep your body healthy by eating nutritious meals, getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and exercising at least three times per week.
- Check out the Fitness Facilities.
- Dining Services Wellness Education Resources
- Dining Services' Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Emily Ackerberg helps take the mystery out of healthy eating. If you have any questions, you can contact Emily at ackerberg-emily@aramark.com.
- Student Health Services is available. Phone: 843-953-5520;email: healthservices@cofc.edu;location: 181 Calhoun Street
Keep your mind healthy by learning techniques to handle stress and be alert to whether or not your schedule is too demanding or too easy.
- If you feel overwhelmed or just want to talk to someone.
- Students 4 Support (S4S) (trained students) are available Monday - Thursday from 12 - 4:30 pm; 3rd floor of Robert Scott Smalls Building, room 322. No appointment necessary. OR via text at "4support" to 839863 from 12 to 9 pm. Schedule is subject to change.
- Appointments are also available with professional counselors. Contact the Counseling Center for an appointment. Phone: 843-953-5640; Location: Room 319, Robert Scott Smalls Building.
- Mastering stress
- Self-help resources
6. Seek Help with Coursework
Classes may be more challenging during your second year; ask for help when you need it.
- Talk to your professors –take advantage of professor’s office hours.
- Utilize the services of the Center for Student Learning (CSL). CSL tutoring labs can provide assistance in all sorts of course subjects: math, science, writing, foreign language, and even a speaking lab. Presentations are a part of many classes and being able to speak comfortably in front of an audience whether in a classroom or at an interview is a great skill to develop. Phone: 843-953-5635; location: Addlestone Library Room 116.
- Create a study group with a few of your classmates and find a good place to study.
7. Explore Career Resources and Internships
- Use Self- Assessment tools available through the Career Center to discover your interests and abilities such as FOCUS - a no cost, self-paced, online career and education planning tool.
- Part-time work, internship or volunteering can be valuable experience to add to your resume and build a network.
- Find employment opportunities through handshake: to log in go to: https://cofc.joinhandshake.com/login
- Find Volunteer Opportunities with the help of the Center for Civic Engagement; email: volunteer@cofc.edu; Location: 160 Calhoun Street,Lightsey Center room 203.
- Visit the Career Center and Talk to a Career Counselor
- Investigate ways to obtain an internship
- Learn how to create an effective resume and cover letter
- Consider attending some of the workshops that the Career Center offers and the Career Fair they sponsor each year.
8. Investigate Studying Abroad
Explore an international experience to enhance your education. The Center for International Education (CIE) has information on full year, semester-length and summer programs of study in countries around the world.
- Attend Study Abroad Program Fairs on Campus
- Pay attention to important Study Abroad Program Dates
- Visit the CIE website for more information about study abroad programs.
9. Consider Undergraduate Research
Participating in a meaningful undergraduate research project can be an incredible experience during college. Collaborative research is a great way to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
- Talk to your professors for ideas or suggestions.
- Learn more here about Undergraduate Research.
10. Manage Your Money
- Research available types of aid.
- If you have declared your major, you may be eligible for department scholarships
- Research potential outside aid.
- Understand FAFSA application guidelines.
- Create a budget and manage your money.
- Check out Cash Course
- Contact the Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs with questions.