The mission of Preston Residential College is to stimulate expression and exchange, and to enhance learning among students, faculty, and staff by establishing a vibrant living and learning community.

PRESTON COMMUNITY
Preston College is a unique learning community. We seek to integrate the academic and residential aspects of college life. A live-in faculty member and 40 faculty associates ensure that Preston is an academic community. To foster a community spirit within Preston, student committees organize activities that involve residents in all aspects of campus life. Recent activities have included volunteering in the community, working in Preston’s garden, and exhibiting student art. We have banquets, teas, and cookouts throughout the year. Preston residents also eat four nights a week in a community dining facility where they are joined by a number of faculty associates, including the principal, each evening.

PRESTON FACILITIES
The college is located directly across the street from the Russell House Student Union and the Thomas Cooper Library. Preston’s spacious lobby has a couch once owned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a 125 gallon reef tank, and a working gas fireplace. Our junior common room has leather couches and a library for relaxing, reading and socializing.

EXPECTATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
Preston College is a continually evolving community that encourages a diverse group of people to live and learn together. By joining the college you will be expected to become an active part of this community. You will also be expected to:

• Maintain a 2.5 GPA
  
• Interact with Preston’s Faculty Associates
  
• Purchase a Preston specific meal plan and attend two-thirds of dinners Monday through Thursday in Preston dining hall
  
• Respect the college's residents and facilities
  
• Support planned activities like banquets, teas, open houses and seminars

HOUSING REGULATIONS
Preston College accommodates both men and women in alternating suites on each floor. Visitors are allowed at any time but must be signed in by a resident at the front desk and escorted by a resident at all times when in the building. Residents must show their ID card to the 24 hour desk assistant when entering the building.

HOW TO APPLY
Preston College conducts its own selection process. You can check your housing application on VIP to see if you’ve been accepted. To be considered for admission you must do the following:

Submit your general Housing application online at https://vip.sc.edu. By completing the learning community application linked below, Preston Residential College becomes your first housing choice and supercedes other housing preferences previously indicated. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 1, 2008 for incoming freshmen applicants. Please mail your completed application to: Preston College • Applications Processing • 1309 Blossom Street • Columbia, SC 29208. They will be forwarded on to the Preston Selection Committee. Even if you are accepted, space is limited, and you may not be placed into the Community initially. If this happens, you will be placed on a waiting list for a space as it becomes available. While on the waiting list, your housing assignment will be made based on preferences noted on the standard housing application/contract.

Thank you for your interest in Preston Residential College. For more information please contact University Housing at (803) 777-4283 or housing@sc.edu.