5 Ways College of Charleston Students Enjoyed the Snow

^{Photos by Maxwell Vittorio}

What comes to mind when we think of CofC students enjoying the weather? Probably images of surfing ocean waves, basking in the sun and building sandcastles. In other words, a beach day. Certainly not a snow day.

Well, with a rare snowstorm hitting Charleston on Jan. 21–22, wintry weather put College of Charleston students to the test last week – and it’s safe to say they passed!

So, how do you enjoy 4 inches of snow in a city known for its beaches, palmetto trees and sunny weather?

Here are five ways CofC students made the most out of the snowy weather!

Catching the first snowflakes to fall in seven years

The fun didn’t wait until morning. As soon as the bricks became speckled with snow the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, students bundled up and headed out into the wintry night. The white flakes against the dark sky were quite a sight to see – and to play in!

Boogie boarding in the Cistern Yard

Lacking a sled proved no obstacle for CofC students! Instead of riding waves at Folly Beach, students were coasting on snow in the Cistern Yard. (You know, it’s sort of the same idea: The “water” was just a bit … colder.)

And, for those who didn’t have boogie boards? A cardboard box did the trick!

A good, old-fashioned snowball fight

Snowflakes weren’t the only things in the air: Snowballs were whizzing around too! Whether supplied from the Cistern Yard or in front of the residence halls, there was plenty of snow ammunition to go around!

Building a snowman (or snow-woman!)

Students took a break from building sandcastles and tried their hand at snowmen. Somehow, you can never be too old for imaginary friends – especially ones with sticks for arms and buttons for noses. If only we just had a magical top hat!

Seizing the photo op

^{(Photos by Lizzie Koschnick)}

The College of Charleston campus is known for being gorgeously photogenic, but the snow somehow augmented its natural charm. It was like sprinkling powdered sugar on top of your dessert!

The snowy backdrop sure made some memorable photos – and not just on campus, but throughout the city! From icicles on the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park to palmetto trees towering above blankets of white, students took advantage of capturing their city in this rare, snowy light.

^{(Photos by Mary Carr and Evelyn Sanchez)}