<p>I just received a letter from Clemson telling me to apply for housing. Can anyone tell me anything about the Freshman dorms I might want to try to get into. Also how hard would it be for a Yankee like me (Long Island, NY) to fit in. Thanks</p>
<p>Haha, I am a Yankee too (New England)! I just got back last week and didn't have too many problems--just one person told me that I should stay in New England b/c that's where I am from. Other than that, it really wasn't a problem. Clemson is 35% out-of-state, which a lot in comparison to USC and UNC. I met quite a few people from New England and the Mid-Atlantic, and all they all agreed they had no problems. In fact, they said that it was a refreshing change, as the Southern way of life is a bit slower and more laid back; also, Southern hospitality prevails at Clemson, so most consider it out of character to be anything but welcoming to people, regardless of what part of the country they are from. I will say, however, that the school is very Southern in spirit: Greek life is huge as is dressing up for guys and girls and Christianity is as well--it's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are from the North, it may take a bit of getting used to.</p>
<p>As for dorms, I went into the High Rises (females only) and Holmes (the Honors dorm), both were VERY nice, carpeted and roomy. I believe the options for males are the Low Rises. </p>
<p>Here are the descriptions, with pictures <a href="http://www.housing.clemson.edu/content/residence_descriptions.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.housing.clemson.edu/content/residence_descriptions.php</a></p>
<p>Hope that helped!</p>
<p>Have to disagree with jelybo07 a bit. There is a definite greek presence but I'm not so sure one would call it huge. There is an element that dresses up. My impression that those who do dress up tend to be greek. However, there is more than enough space for those not interested in the greek life or in dressing up. None of my son's friends do either of those :-)</p>
<p>My son is a freshman and also from Long Island. He hasn't had any problems fitting in and he really loves it there. Although his best friend, he made there, is from Boston, he has made many friends from the southern states and has even gone home with 2 of them for the weekend. That was helpful because he couldn't make it home for Thanksgiving, but luckily he was invited to a friend's home. Travel to and from this school is not easy, but overall it is very worth it! I agree that southerners are very friendly. I don't get the feeling from my son that greek life is that overwhelming, but be prepared FOOTBALL IS HUGE! It is nice though... gives a real sense of spirit to the campus. My son is in the marching band and loves it.<br>
As far as dorms go, he lives in Homes hall and seems to enjoy it. Next year he is planning to live in the Stadium Suites. He thought about a campus apartment, but they were on the other side of campus (too far from everything). I would say look at location when deciding on a dorm. How far are you from classes, library, rec center (if you like to work out), dining halls, downtown, etc? Good luck!</p>
<p>The only thing I know about dorms other than Holmes (honors dorm) and Manning (all girls high rise) and the Greek quad (self explanatory) is to stay away from the Shoe Boxes as they are not so hot. Unless things have changed, your application date determines your dorm assignment position. In other words, the earlier your application date, the higher up on the assignment list you are. Good Luck.</p>
<p>BG123456,</p>
<p>Thanks for all the good info on housing.</p>
<p>Where do most honors students live after Freshman year? National Scholars? Why?</p>
<p>In my son's group, some stayed at Holmes for Sophomore year, some went to Stadium Suites & some went to Lightsey (on Campus apartments). The reason's varied depending on the kids. Holmes is such a central location. Stadium Suites is nicer than Holmes (so I hear - it's newer I think & maybe bigger). Apartment living, especially on campus, is an attractive option. Those that stayed at Holmes for Soph year are going to apts on & off campus for Jr year. Some of those at Lightsey for soph year are going to off campus apts for Jr year. From what I hear, the primary reasons are more space &/or more privacy. My S stayed at Holmes for Soph year & is going to Lightsey next year.</p>
<p>By application date, do you mean application for housing or your original application date?</p>
<p>original application date</p>
<p>Can I get a few more comments about the freshmen dorms. Thanks.</p>
<p>if you a male, id say Byrnes. Its a high rise and they are nice.</p>