Policies Guide 2026-27

Welcome to Clemson Home’s Rules and Policies, your essential guide to living in University Housing at Clemson University. These policies ensure a safe and supportive community environment where every resident can thrive academically and socially.

All residents and their guests are expected to follow all Clemson Home rules outlined here as well as federal and state laws, University policies, and the Student Code of Conduct while in residential spaces. These rules are designed to foster a respectful and positive living environment for everyone. Specific rules may apply to different residence halls, apartment complexes, Fraternity/Sorority housing areas, and Living-Learning Communities (LLCs).

University Housing reserves the right to restrict any item or activity that may jeopardize the well-being of the University or its residents. Each resident is responsible for familiarizing themselves with and following these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for all.

Compliance with Staff

Residents should read and understand the University Housing Contract and Addenda found on the Clemson Home website as well as follow all University policies, the Student Code of Conduct, official University information, and federal and state laws. Additionally, students must follow all reasonable verbal and written directions and communications from University staff, including all posted signage.

Conduct Process

Any violations of the Housing Contract or Student Code of Conduct may result in an incident report from the Office of Community and Ethical Standards, potentially leading to disciplinary actions such as administrative sanctions, temporary removal, eviction, suspension, or dismissal. Fines, restitution, and legal prosecution may also apply for violations of state and municipal laws.

Disruptive Behavior

Residents should avoid disorderly, crude, intoxicated, or indecent actions. Actions that interfere with or disrupt normal University or University-sponsored activities, including teaching, service, research, or administration, are prohibited.

Personal Responsibility

As a resident of Clemson Home, you are expected to take personal responsibility for your actions and belongings. This includes maintaining the cleanliness of your living space, following all community guidelines, and being respectful of others. You are accountable for any damage to University property caused by you or your guests. It’s important to be proactive in addressing conflicts and to seek assistance from University staff when necessary. We do recommend that they get renter’s insurance since the University cannot be held responsible for damage to personal property. Living in a community requires mutual respect and cooperation to ensure a positive and safe environment for everyone.

Shared Living

Living with roommates or suitemates requires cooperation, communication, and respect. Shortly after move-in, all residents will create a roommate agreement covering responsibilities, noise levels, cleaning schedules, guest policies, and personal boundaries. This agreement helps ensure a harmonious living environment and sets clear expectations.

Residents should address conflicts promptly and respectfully using the Roommate Mediation Form in the Clemson Home Portal. Successful shared living depends on respecting each other’s space and boundaries. Be considerate in shared areas, and always seek consent before using a roommate’s belongings.

Solicitation

Using University Housing for any commercial solicitation or canvassing is not allowed. Residents may not run any sort of business from University Housing that requires a business license, either for profit or personal gain. This includes web-based and/or e-commerce businesses.

Vandalism

Vandalism of any kind is strictly prohibited within University Housing. This includes defacing or damaging property, whether it’s University-owned or the personal property of another resident. Spray painting is not permitted in buildings or on University structures, including but not limited to, stairwells, hallways or sidewalks. Acts of vandalism undermine the community and may result in severe disciplinary actions, including fines, restitution, and potential legal consequences. Residents are responsible for their behavior and the actions of their guests. If you witness or experience vandalism, report it immediately to University Housing staff or the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD). Maintaining a respectful and secure environment is a collective responsibility.

Fire Safety

When a fire alarm sounds, you must immediately evacuate all University buildings. Tampering with fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, EXIT signs, and the alarm system, is prohibited. Violator must pay the charges of tampering and may face disciplinary action.

Do not block windows/doors or hang items from the ceiling, pipes, or sprinklers/sprinkler heads. Lights are not permitted to be wrapped around bedposts or bed frames or hung underneath. All curtains or window treatments must be made of fire and flame-resistant materials and flammable materials such as streamers and paper should be limited on doors. Candles, incense, wax warmers, halogen lamps, lava lamps, hoverboards, and other comparable items are prohibited. All cords and lighting strings should be checked for fraying, bare wires, loose connections and cracked plugs. Use only UL-approved surge protectors with built-in overload protection (breakers). For more fire safety information visit https://clemson.edu/cusafety/cufd/.

Safety and Security

All residence hall doors remain locked, and residents will have access through TigerOneID. All guests must enter and exit with a Resident. Locked security doors must stay locked. Do not prop doors open or allow unauthorized guests to “tailgate”. Keep your windows and doors locked while sleeping or if you are away. Ground floor windows should stay locked, and security screens should not be touched. Report any security breaches immediately to CUPD.

Computing

All residents must comply with the Clemson IT Security Policies and Standards Personal found on the CCIT website. Wireless routers are prohibited in University Housing. Exterior antennas and satellite dishes are prohibited.

Prohibited Items

• Air conditioners and space heaters
• Alcohol/drug paraphernalia and alcohol (if underage) and illegal/non-prescription drugs
• Parachute canopies on the ceiling
• Cooking appliances (i.e., rice cooker, toaster oven, hot plate)
• Fog, Smoke, and Haze Machines
• Weapons, explosives, and fireworks
• Dart boards
• Candles and wax warmers
• Incense
• Mounted TVs
• Paint on walls
• Halogen lamps
• Hoverboard
• Extension cords
• Pets other than fish
• Screws, nails
• LED strip lights that are not installed per manufacturer directions or plugged directly into a wall outlet (no adhesive strips)

*Common bathroom areas will be cleaned by custodial staff all residents who have a sink, bathroom or kitchenette in their space will be responsible for their own cleaning. Room decorations such as posters, curtains, bulletin boards, etc. may be used along with push pins and white sticky tack. However, no drilling or nailing is allowed. Curtains (tension rod recommended) must be fire resistant.

Weapons

No weapons, including, but not limited to firearms, explosive devices, or weapon components, are allowed in University Housing. This also includes guns, taser guns, swords, BB guns, air pistols, pellet guns, rifles, bows, arrows, knives, or martial arts devices. Paintball guns, slingshots, explosives, fireworks, dangerous chemicals, and chemical mixtures are prohibited in University Housing, even if not used as a weapon or destructive device. Utility knives and kitchen cutlery not being used for their intended purposes are classified as weapons. Individuals authorized to carry a concealable weapon by SC Code (23-31-205 et seq.) are not permitted to possess concealable weapons in University Housing.

Windows & Screens

You cannot post, display, or attach items to the window in any way. This policy includes signs, flags, cans, bottles, posters, etc. Window screens should not be touched. Also, do not display any inappropriate items on public-facing locations.

Elevators

Jumping and other horseplay may cause the elevator to stop, trapping passengers. Overloading or damaging elevators may result in outages, fees, and disciplinary action.

Electrical Outlets

Up to two surge protectors per wall outlet are allowed, and a surge protector may not be plugged into another surge protector. Extension cords are prohibited. If two or more items or two items using more than 1500 watts together are plugged into a single wall outlet, you must also use a U.L. approved surge protector with a built-in circuit breaker.

Alcoholic Beverages

You may only possess or consume alcohol if you are 21 and older, but strictly within your private living space, which is inside your room or apartment.

Alcoholic Beverage Containers & Paraphernalia

You are not permitted to consume or display alcohol or alcohol-related items in any public spaces including signage and containers in room windows/windowsills.

All Fraternity/Sorority Housing areas, like chapter rooms, study spots, hallways, or shared spaces, are alcohol-free. Kegs and other alcohol dispensers are not allowed anywhere in housing, even private rooms/apartments.

Drugs and Paraphernalia

State and federal laws, along with the Student Code of Conduct, prohibit illegal drugs. University Housing also prohibits drug paraphernalia – bongs, hookahs, clips, or anything else that suggests you possess or are using drugs.

Tobacco Use & Smoking

No tobacco or smoke-related products are allowed on Clemson University’s campus, including all residential facilities in University Housing. This covers cigarettes, cigars, water pipes (hookah), kreteks, bidis, electronic cigarettes (vaping/JUUL), smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any non-FDA approved nicotine delivery device. Keep it smoke-free!

Furniture & Room Alterations

If you lose or damage any fixtures, furnishings, or other items in your residential space, you will be charged to replace them. Changing out plumbing fixtures of any kind, including shower heads, is not permitted.

Do not paint or put wallpaper on the walls or furniture, mount TVs, or make any other changes to your provided space or furniture.

Keep your original University-provided furniture throughout your stay; nothing may be stored, removed, or swapped with other Residents. Anything found to be missing will be charged to you. Residents may bring extra furnishings, but they must be freestanding and stay clear of walls and existing furniture. Waterbeds and any other water-filled furniture are not allowed.

Bed Lofting

All standard Twin XL beds provided by the University are bunkable/loftable, so homemade lofts, DIY bed risers, and raised platforms are not allowed. Only use the furniture as intended to loft your bed using the process found at housing.clemson.edu/loft. Bed furniture in Douthit West cannot be lofted. Beds must be delofted before check out occurs.

Air Conditioners

All buildings are air conditioned, and students may not bring their own window or portable unit. However, small, personal fans are allowed.

MicroFridges

You may keep a refrigerator in your room if it is no larger than 3.6 cubic feet, however microwaves are only permitted through a combination MicroFridge multi-appliance that is available for rent. This unit includes a microwave (the only microwave allowed in residence halls or suites), a refrigerator, and a zero-degree freezer. If you are interested in renting a MicroFridge, just go online to Collegiate Concepts for more information or to place an order. Orders placed by the advertised deadline date will be delivered to your room before the scheduled move-in date. Refrigerators must be plugged directly into wall outlets.

Kitchen

Apartment Cooking:

Most kitchen appliances, including microwave ovens, are allowed in apartment kitchens, such as George Foreman Grills®, Panini presses, air fryers, slow cookers/crockpots, and toasters (not toaster ovens).

Residence Hall Cooking:

Residence hall electrical capacity can be limited and overloading them can cause fire hazards, so residents are encouraged to use hall kitchen areas. Appliances with exposed heating elements (electric woks, Hibachi grills, camping stoves, toasters, toaster ovens, griddles, air fryer, etc) are not permitted. In your room, only single-unit appliances with sealed heating elements with an automatic shutoff (coffee makers, electric kettles, etc.) are allowed.

Microwave ovens are provided in hall kitchens. All cooking appliances must be plugged directly into wall outlets or surge protector; extension cords should not be used with these items.

Bathrooms

Common bathroom areas will be cleaned by custodial staff. All residents who have a sink, bathroom or kitchenette in their space will be responsible for their own cleaning. If you are in a suite or apartment, it is up to you to keep your bathroom clean! If you lose or damage any fixtures, furnishings, or other items in your residential space, you will be charged to replace them. Changing out, adding, or removing plumbing fixtures of any kind is not permitted.

Laundry

Residents are expected to be responsible and keep up with their laundry. Residents are responsible for providing their own laundry detergent/softeners for H.E. machines. To maintain sanitation and safety standards, odor from unclean laundry is unacceptable. To ensure the laundry process runs smoothly, avoid overloading the machines by only filling them halfway and doing multiple loads if needed. Always monitor your clothing, remove your laundry promptly, and respect others’ belongings. Be sure to place laundry tablets directly in the machine and put soap in the dispenser. Change for the washer/dryer is not needed, we now offer limitless laundry in all our residential communities.

Maintenance

If you find a maintenance issue, report it to University Facilities. You can call them at 864-656-5450 or submit maintenance requests University Housing & Dining website. If you don’t report it, it won’t get fixed!

Cleanliness

Residents, you are responsible for keeping your room clean. You must dispose of all your trash and clean your

room regularly – dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and anything else you think you might need. If you are in a suite or apartment, be sure to clean your bathroom and shared space too. Avoid having open food, expired items, overflowing trash, and odd odors.

Recycling & Trash Disposal

You are responsible for your own trash and recyclable materials. Do not let your trash or recycle bins overflow and do not place personal trash in common space trash cans.

Inspections

Residents agree to periodic inspections that ensure community health and safety. Items violating policies or laws will be removed for the well-being of the community. Failed inspections may lead to judicial meetings and/or related fines/sanctions.

Guests

Daytime Guests:

A guest is someone who is not assigned to your residential community. Residents only have access to their assigned residential space and are considered guests in all other communities.

You may have guests in your room only if you have permission from your roommate/suitemate and the guest is escorted at all times when they are in the community. You are responsible for your guests’ behavior, and they must follow all Housing and University rules.

If your guest violates Housing and University regulations, both you and your guest may face disciplinary action. If there’s noise or other problems, staff may ask your guests to leave.

If, at any time, the number of guests in a room causes an issue in the community due to noise or other violations of the University Housing Rules and Regulations, staff may direct them to leave the room or apartment.

Overnight Guests

Visitation hours in all campus residential areas are set by mutual agreement among roommates or suitemates at the beginning of each year or when occupancy changes.

The roommate/suitemate’s expectation of privacy, sleep and study take precedence over the privilege of a host to have a guest. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct and must be present for the visit.

Cohabitation is not allowed, which is living together with your guests for over three days or regularly visiting overnight. Only you and your roommate – the people officially assigned to your room – may stay in your room.

Keys

Remember, all keys are University property—no duplicating is allowed. University keys include hard keys, temp keys, e-keys/fobs, IDs, etc. Your keys and TigerOne ID must be kept with you at all times. Lending or giving your keys or ID to others could lead to a referral to OCES, or even forfeiting key rights under the Housing Contract. You will receive your key at check-in and must return it to your RCM (Residential Community Mentor) or the Area Desk at check-out. If you lose or do not return this key or do not return a temporary or e-key within the required time, the locks will be changed you will be charged a lock change fee.

Room Assignment

Room assignments at Clemson Home are made by bed space, meaning each resident is allocated one bed space within the room. If your roommate or suitemate moves out, you are not permitted to take over the vacant space, as a new student can be assigned there at any time. Once assigned, residents may not switch rooms without prior authorization from University Housing and the space may not be sublet. Room changes can be requested during designated periods, and emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All residents must adhere to the terms of their Housing Contract, which is personal and may not be transferred or assigned to another person. This includes occupying the assigned space and respecting the rights and privacy of their roommates. Once the contract term has begun, University Housing will only provide access to the contracted space to the assigned student. Parents, friends, and other delegates may not obtain keys or access to the space on a student’s behalf.

Privacy

Do not make, try to make, send, or try to send audio, video, or images of people in private spaces (bathrooms, bedrooms, showers, etc.) without their permission. Watching or spying on people in places where they expect privacy, especially during nudity or sexual activity, without their knowledge and consent is prohibited.

Move-Out

During move-out, follow all posted and communicated check-out procedures. Room keys must be returned properly to avoid being charged for lock changes. Check outs are at 10 am on the day of move-out unless approved by a staff member.

Holiday Breaks

Residence halls and apartments stay open during spring and fall breaks, as well as Thanksgiving. There are fewer staff members, but security keeps their regular schedule. Only apartment residents can stay during the winter break. Halls close for the winter break between fall and spring semesters. If you are in an apartment and need to stay, complete the winter break form in the Clemson Home Portal.

Mail and Deliveries

All mail should be delivered to the mailboxes assigned by Student Mail Services. Mail, packages, and/or flowers will not be delivered to rooms, apartments or Area desks. If you choose to leave these items in public areas, they will not be delivered to you, and there is a high chance they could be stolen. Residents can also utilize food delivery services, but must meet the delivery person at the front door of the building.

Census

Residents in University Housing may be chosen by the U.S. Census for various surveys. Participation may be mandatory or voluntary, as instructed in a letter provided by the Census worker. U.S. Census workers with proper identification are allowed in University Housing facilities without an escort for official business, and residents can verify field representatives by checking their names at https://staff.commerce.gov/. Residents are encouraged to follow all U.S. Census requests as required by law.

Common Spaces

Clemson Home prioritizes your safety. Please be mindful when using common areas to avoid accidents. Try to keep these spaces clean and do not leave any personal items in the common areas because they may get stolen.

Balconies

You may not take any action that creates hazardous conditions, including dropping, throwing, or causing objects to fall from windows, doors, ledges, balconies, or roofs. Spray painting is prohibited on balcony spaces.

Grills

Residents cannot store charcoal or propane grills, gas tanks, or grill supplies in any campus residential space, including apartments.

Pool Use

Residents and guests are also responsible for keeping the gates locked and secured and following all policies, closures, and hours of operation. Pets and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Remember, the pool/lounge is an amenity, and its availability is not guaranteed under the housing contract. Residents using this area are responsible for notifying Maintenance of repair needs and should not attempt to make any repairs or adjustments themselves. Interruptions or non-availability do not violate the contract terms. Outdoor furnishings should stay where they are.

Bicycles and Motorized Vehicles

Park all motorized vehicles where Parking and Transportation Services have designated areas—this includes scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, and anything with an electric, combustion engine or utilizing lithium batteries.

Do not chain your motorized vehicle to signposts, railings, or any other University property.

Keep motorized vehicles out of University Housing and Dining facilities.

If you break these rules, your vehicle may be confiscated until the matter is reviewed by OCES for further action.

Bikes should be chained to designated bike racks located across campus.

Floor Meetings

Floor meetings are essential for fostering community and ensuring all residents are informed about important updates and events. Residents are required to attend all floor meetings conducted by their Residential Community Mentors (RCMs). These meetings cover vital topics such as safety procedures, policy changes, upcoming events, and other important information relevant to your stay. You may not miss a floor meeting without prior approval from your RCM.

Fraternity/Sorority Housing

Housing Access:

Members not living in the chapter hall will have access based on current rosters submitted to Fraternity/Sorority Life. Access for non-resident members is limited to 8:00 a.m. through midnight daily. Your chapter is responsible for overseeing members and guests in your community.

Subleasing:

The University Housing Contract is personal and may not be transferred or assigned to another person. The space may not be sublet. Once the contract term has begun, University Housing will only provide access to the contracted space to the assigned student. Parents, friends, and other delegates may not obtain keys or access to the space on a student’s behalf.

Letter Display:

You can decorate your residential space with chapter letters but follow University Housing contract rules about window displays. Large chapter letters are only allowed in chapter room windows. You cannot paint crests and letters in living spaces, but they may be framed and must be removable. Organizational letters should be uniform and placed in designated locations specified by University Housing.

Study Spaces:

All study spaces in Fraternity/Sorority Housing must be used for studying purposes only, failure to do so may result in the space being locked and/or inaccessible for chapter use. Approved items for these spaces include bookcases, file cabinets, tables, lamps, chapter office/art supplies, computers, couches/chairs (not from University Housing rooms), chapter trophies/decorative items, and fans. Additional items not included within this list must be first approved by residence hall staff.

Noise and Quiet Hours

Residence halls should have a calm atmosphere for sleeping and studying, and not loud or disruptive. “Courtesy hours” are expected all day, every day, while typical quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 8:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday. During finals, quiet hours are 24/7 for the entire exam period and at least three days beforehand.

Fish are the only pets allowed in University Housing, and their aquarium cannot exceed 10 gallons. Breaking this rule may lead to pet removal, damage payments, extermination charges, and possible disciplinary action. You will be charged all fees necessary for cleaning and/or pest control due to a pet violation. If you need a Emotional Support Animal, reach out to Clemson University Student Accessibility Services for a case-by-case evaluation.

Residents who abandon their assigned space may be required to surrender their right to a key. Any abandoned property will also be disposed of after a ten-day period.