Frequently Asked Questions

Orientation Reservations
Orientation Costs and Fees
Travel and Accommodation Information
Orientation Schedule and Activities

General Orientation Questions

Is orientation required?

Yes, in order for Clemson University to best meet your needs as an incoming student, you need to attend summer orientation in June or July. Orientation provides opportunities for you to meet other students, register for fall classes, and learn about the campus and the many opportunities it has to offer. You will also find out where to go for help, meet with faculty and staff from your department, and have a chance to become acquainted with our campus.

Should I bring a family member (parent or guardian)?

Highly recommended - We do offer specific programs and activities for parents and guardians where they will have an opportunity to learn about their students’ academic path, meet other parents, and learn about the different opportunities and areas of assistance on campus for their student. While it is not required for parents or guardians to attend orientation, it is highly recommended.

Siblings - The programs offered are designed specifically for parents/guardians and entering students. Younger children may tire easily and get bored with the process. If you choose to bring another child you will be asked to pay the $25 parent/guest orientation fee for that child.

Is there a specific orientation session I should attend?

All freshman orientation sessions are open to ALL freshman. Students in the Honors College, Early Success Program, FIRST and MEW do have special orientation sessions.

An optional overnight session for transfer students is offered during one session. This session is designed to provide transfer students with a further introduction to campus and Clemson traditions, and allow students to meet other new transfer students and Clemson students.

Student-athletes should attend the sessions advised by their coaches.

How long is orientation?

Summer orientation for freshman is a two-day program beginning at 8 a.m. on day one and scheduled activities end at approximately 1:45 p.m. on day two (optional activities will conclude between 3-4 p.m. on day two). The session is full of programs and meetings designed to provide you with information needed to register for classes, prepare to live on campus, and transition you to college life. Please make your travel arrangements according to these times.

Transfer orientation is a one-day program beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at approximately 5:30 p.m. The session includes programs and meetings with information concerning credit evaluations, registration for classes and your transition to Clemson.

Orientation Reservations

How long should I wait before registering for Orientation?

Orientation sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, by academic major. To get the session that fits within your summer schedule, please register as soon as possible.

Are there waiting lists for Orientation sessions?

Unfortunately, we do not maintain waiting lists for any of our sessions.

I want to attend the same orientation session as my friend, how do we do this?

You and your friend can attend the same orientation session if you register and complete payments at the same time, requesting the same orientation session. We will try and accommodate this request. However, because reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, we cannot guarantee your request.

What if I need to make a change to my orientation reservation?

To make changes to your guest list and T-shirt/croakie order, you may: (a) call New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402, or (b) e-mail your change requests to orientation@clemson.edu.

To request any changes to your session date or program participation, please call our office at 864-656-4402.

Orientation Costs and Fees

What is the cost of Orientation?

The cost of attending summer Orientation is included in the 'Orientation and Transitions' fees. These fees cover the actual costs of delivering a series of integrated programs designed to assist new students in their successful transition to Clemson, as well as their housing and meals during the session. The fees below are based on actual costs of delivering specific orientation and transition programs and services to new freshman and new transfer students. Orientation and Transition fees are non-refundable; if there are any questions, please call New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402.

General Fees

Freshman Orientation and Transition Fees are $275 per student.
Transfer Orientation and Transition Fees are $220 per student.

Financial assistance may be available in cases of extreme need; please contact our office for further information, 864-656-4402.

Optional Summer Orientation Fees

Parent/Guest orientation fees are $25 per person. These orientation fees are non-refundable. NO Parent/Guest housing is provided.

Freshman Orientation: Pre-Orientation housing ($20) is available. Orientation housing between the two-day Freshman program is included in the Orientation and Transition Fees.

Transfer Orientation: Pre-Orientation housing ($20) is available. Post-orientation housing ($20) is also available to Transfer students at the conclusion of their Orientation session.

CU Tonight: This optional overnight session for Transfer Students ($55.00) is a program where incoming transfer students can start their Clemson experience with additional activities on campus and interaction with current transfer students.

Orientation T-shirt ($13) is a shirt specifically designed for incoming students and only sold during orientation.

Clemson croakie ($7) is also only sold during orientation.

You can add any of these optional summer orientation items when you register online for orientation. Once you have completed registration, you can also add or remove parent/guests and merchandise, up to 10 days prior to your scheduled session, in one of two ways: (a) call New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402, or (b) e-mail your change requests to orientation@clemson.edu. To request any other changes to your registration, please contact our office at 864-656-4402.

What meals are provided during Summer Orientation?

The Orientation and Transition fee covers the actual costs of delivering a series of integrated programs designed to assist new students in their successful transition to Clemson. Meals included during summer orientation are listed below.

Freshman Orientation:

Day One - Coffee and tea (Students and Parents/Guests)
Day One - Lunch (Students and Parents/Guests)
Day One - Dinner (Students only; Parents/Guests may pay per meal at the Schilletter Dining Hall)
Day Two - Dining Hall Breakfast (Students only; Parents/Guests may pay per meal at the Schilletter Dining Hall); Continental Breakfast (Parents/Guests)

Transfer Orientation:

Coffee and tea(Students and Parents/Guests)
Lunch (Students & Parents/Guests)

If I register for orientation and decide not to come, can I receive a refund?

Orientation fees are non-refundable; if there are any questions, please call New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402.

If a parent/guest registers for orientation and decides not to come, can I receive a refund?

Parent/guest fees for orientation are non-refundable during your orientation session. Changes to parent/guest participants should be made at least ten days before your orientation session by calling New Student and Family Programs at 864-656-4402, or sending us an e-mail to orientation@clemson.edu.

When do I pay my tuition bill?

Bills are generated in mid-July and are available online at the Student Information System. Bills are NOT mailed home. More bill information can be found at Student Financial Services.

Travel and Accommodation Information

What is the GPS location for orientation?

The GPS address for the Hendrix Student Center is 720 McMillan Road, Clemson, SC.

If I'm driving, where do I park on campus during orientation?

If you plan to drive, parking is available in a designated parking lot on campus. You will need to bring a copy of the parking pass (found in the Pre-Orientation Guidebook) and place it on the dashboard of your vehicle. Please do not park in spaces marked "Visitor"; you will get a parking ticket. Those vehicles displaying a disabled placard or license plate may park as allowed by South Carolina law.

Where do parents and guests stay for orientation?

This summer, we are offering on-campus family accommodations to make your orientation experience economical and easy. The cost is $55 per person for one night (evening of day one) and includes:

private room with bath,
linens and towels,
wi-fi internet access (no television or alarm clock provided),
dinner at Schilletter Dining Hall on day one ($8.51 value),
breakfast at Schilletter Dining Hall on day two ($6.23), and
parking adjacent to Clemson House residence hall.

In addition, family members may stay the night before the orientation session for $20 per person.

Clemson's Martin Inn is the preferred hotel for orientation participants. Local hotel specials may be found at the Clemson Visitors Center.

Do I have to stay on-campus during orientation?

Orientation housing for freshmen is included in the orientation fees. Students who have stayed in the on-campus residence halls in the past have commented on the positive benefits of this experience. NOTE: If you check into Lever Hall the night before your orientation session, you will be charged an additional $20 for the pre-orientation housing fee, whether or not you sleep in the room that night.

If I'm flying to come to orientation, what airports are around and what flight times should I arrange?

The Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is approximately 45 minutes from Clemson. The two major airports near Clemson are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte International Airport (CLT); each are approximately two hours from Clemson. Shuttle services from the area airports to campus are available from third-party vendors, such as Airport Shuttle of Clemson at 800-669-6463, Anderson-Clemson Shuttle Services at 888-732-5550 or Larry Andrews Airport Services at 864-653-5677.

When scheduling flights, please keep in mind your travel time to and from the airport and Clemson. Freshman orientation check-in is from 8-9:30 a.m. on day one and concludes no later than 3 p.m. on day two. Transfer orientation check-in is from 8-9:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 5 p.m.

More travel information to and from Clemson University can be found at the Clemson Visitors Center.

What if I'm traveling alone to Orientation (no parents/guests are attending with me)?

Students traveling alone to orientation should make sure that appropriate arrangements concerning transportation, housing and other accommodations are made in advance of their arrival on campus. 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. Please review all the information on the orientation web site to understand the schedule and activities associated to the program, including the travel time to and from area airports.

Helpful tips and information:

Helpful contact numbers

Orientation 864-656-4402
Orientation housing 864-656-2140
CUPD non-emergency 864-656-2222
Airport Shuttle of Clemson 800-669-6463
Anderson-Clemson Shuttle Services 888-732-5550
Larry Andrews Airport Services 864-653-5677

Pre-orientation Housing Procedures - Lever Hall

Pre-orientation housing check-in is from 3-7 p.m.
Anyone arriving after this check-in time should still go to Lever Hall. The contact number for the manager-on-duty will be posted on the door. Call the manager to access the building and check-in to orientation housing.
If you check in to Lever Hall the day before your orientation session, you will be charged $20 for pre-orientation housing, whether or not you sleep in the room that night.

Dinner options on/off campus the night before orientation

Harcombe Dining Hall (see Campus Map) will be open for general campus use (students, faculty/staff and camps) during the summer. The cost is approximately $8.00 for dinner; cash and credit cards are accepted at the door. Harcombe entrance closes at 6:30 p.m. in the summer.
Off-campus dining is available at restaurants in downtown Clemson; most restaurants close around 8 p.m. during the summer.
Many pizza restaurants deliver to on-campus locations. A phone book with local delivery is always available at the front desk of Lever Hall.

Orientation Schedule and Activities

What do I need to bring to orientation?

Please bring an open mind, patience and excitement! Bring comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be walking a lot. It is also recommended to bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Students are provided in the residence halls with linens, blanket, pillow and shower towels. Alarm clocks, televisions and phones are not available in the residence hall rooms. Orientation is a fun, but sometimes an overwhelming experience. The Orientation Ambassadors and staff are here to assist you during your stay!

Will I have to walk a lot during orientation?

We provide shuttles that run every 5-15 minutes throughout much of the orientation day. However, many participants prefer to walk between events and programs. Therefore, we recommend cool and comfortable shoes and clothing.

If I or a parent/guest requires special needs or assistance, will it be provided?

Yes! On your orientation reservation please note any assistance that may be required. We will provide special transportation for persons requiring assistance getting around campus. In addition, all of our CAT buses meet ADA requirements and are equipped to handle special needs.

Do I meet with my academic advisor during orientation?

Yes! During orientation you will meet with your academic advisor, in addition to attending a college meeting. The college meeting is established to learn the policies and graduation requirements. The college meetings will vary in time and information content due to the many differences between them.

I had a family member attend Clemson previously; do I need to come to orientation?

Yes! Orientation is unique to each student who attends. Clemson is continually improving its programs and services, thus it is important to attend orientation to learn about Clemson's current academic requirements, services and polices. Orientation is also an opportunity to meet other students experiencing the same transition. Many life-long friendships have been established from attending orientation.

As a transfer student, I attended orientation at my previous institution; do I need to come to Clemson's orientation?

Yes! Clemson has its own unique academic requirements, policies and student services. In order to fully understand everything Clemson has to offer it is required to attend orientation. In addition to learning about Clemson's resources, transfer students will have an opportunity to review course evaluations, meet with their advisor and register for classes.

Will I be able to register for classes during orientation?

Yes, there will be time for you to meet with your academic department and register for fall classes.

When do I find out about my roommate?

Roommate housing assignments are mailed at the end of July. Due to the number of students living on-campus, the Clemson Housing department is unable to assign roommates prior to orientation.