Clemson Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is general information regarding orientation sessions for all new students. If you have any specific questions or need more information, please call New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402 or email us at orientation@clemson.edu. Provide your name and XID for our reference.

  • Who should attend orientation

    • You, the student, need to be here.  Orientation is a mandatory program at Clemson, with many academic and campus life presentations and programs, and course registration for the fall semester.
    • You may attend any open session; open sessions will show up as available choices in the drop-down box during online registration. Students in the Calhoun Honors College, Early Success Program, FIRST Summer Preview, MEW and scholarship athletes do have special sessions they are asked to attend.
    • Your session date is not confirmed until you complete the online registration. Session availability is first-come, first-served, based upon your academic major.
    • If you wish to attend a particular session with a friend, we encourage each of you to sign up at the same time and select the same session.
    • Once a session has reached capacity, it will be closed. We do not maintain waiting lists.
    • It is highly encouraged that you bring your parent(s) or guardian(s). We offer a specific program, apart from the student program, for your family members to learn about their student's academic path, meet other parents and learn more about campus and its resources.
    • Sibling attendance is not recommended. The guest program is designed for parents/guardians. Younger children may tire easily and get bored with the process.
    • Significant others are welcome. However, they will follow the guest program. He/she will not be able to tag along with you in the student program.

  • What to bring to orientation

    • An open mind, patience and excitement!
    • Comfortable clothing and shoes
    • An umbrella and raincoat - just in case
    • Paper and pens for taking notes
    • Money for snacks and souvenirs
    • FYI: Alarm clocks, televisions and phones are not available in the residence halls.

  • Traveling to campus

    • Travel arrangements are not included in the Orientation and Transition Fee and are your responsibility to coordinate.
    • Arriving by air? Greenville SC (GSP) is the closest airport and is approximately 1 hour away. Clemson is halfway between Charlotte, NC (CLT) and Atlanta, GA (ATL); each airport is about 2 1/2 hours away.
    • Shuttle services (third-party vendors not affiliated with the University): Airport Shuttle of Clemson at 800-669-6463; Anderson-Clemson Shuttle Services at 888-732-5500; or Larry Andrews Airport Services at 864-653-5677.
    • Driving to campus? GPS address for Hendrix Student Center is 720 McMillan Road, Clemson SC 29634.
    • Are you traveling alone? Although Clemson is a very safe place and environment, it is good to practice general caution when traveling to a place by yourself for the first time. Ensure that your travel arrangements are confirmed in advance. Review the orientation web site for check-in information to Manning Hall and the information in FAQs. Do not hesitate to contact our office or any of the other departments on campus if you need assistance; helpful and emergency contact information is provided below.
    • There will be directional signs on campus for Orientation Housing at Manning Hall, Parking at Lot C-1, and Orientation Check-In at Hendrix Student Center.
    • To check-in for your orientation session, follow the signs to Orientation Parking, Lot C-1. A parking pass will be available for you to download/print from the online Pre-Orientation Guide. You will need to place it on your vehicle's dashboard. Shuttle buses will then bring you to Hendrix Student Center.
    • Vehicles displaying a state-issued valid disability access parking permit or license plate may park as allowed by South Carolina law.
    • Many local area accommodations for your guests are available. We recommend the James F. Martin Inn, located at the Madren Conference Center on campus. Reserve now at 888-654-9020.
    • More information can be found: Clemson Class of 1944 Visitors Center and Campus Maps.

  • Getting around on campus during orientation

    • Shuttle buses will be available in the morning and afternoon between Hendrix Student Center and the assigned parking lot. The buses will also be available throughout the day between orientation program events.
    • The program includes walking on campus; we suggest cool and comfortable clothing and shoes.
    • You will not need your car during the on-campus program events.
    • If you arrive the night before your session, there are several dining options: (1) Harcombe Dining Hall will be open until 6:30 p.m. for general campus use during the summer evenings. The cost for dinner is about $8; cash and credit cards are accepted at the door. (2) Off-campus dining within walking distance is available at restaurants in downtown Clemson; most restaurants close around 8 p.m. during the summer. (3) Many pizza restaurants deliver to on-campus locations. A phone book with local delivery options is always available at the front desk of Manning Hall.

  • General questions

    • What about special needs or assistance for you or a family member? We can help; call us if you have questions at 864-656-4402. During the online registration process, please note any assistance or accommodations that may be needed. All of our CAT buses meet ADA requirements and are equipped to handle special needs. Our Dining Services partners are prepared to assist with any special dietary needs.
    • Do I really need to attend orientation because (a) I attended orientation at my previous institution, or (2) my family member went to Clemson? Yes, orientation is unique to each student who attends. Clemson is continually improving its academic and campus life programs and services for you. Orientation is an opportunity to meet other students who are experiencing the same transition. Many life-long friendships have been established during orientation.
    • Do I meet with an academic advisor? Yes, you do. You will attend a meeting specifically for your college, and have a one-on-one advising meeting with an academic advisor. Then you will be ready to register for fall semester courses.
    • How do I find out about my roommate for the fall semester? You will be emailed the information in mid July; included with your assignment will be a link where you can find out information about your roommate.
    • How much is a t-shirt or croakie? The t-shirts and croakies sold at orientation are designed specifically for our orientation attendees. The t-shirt is $13 and the croakie is $7. You may purchase these items during the online registration or during session check-in upon arrival.

  • Helpful contact and emergency information

Division of Student Affairs
Student Affairs Giving
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