My son (out of state) was invited to the Bridge Program for Class of 2023 and we would love to hear from recent Bridge students and parents (past 2 years since the housing was moved on Clemson campus). We see this as a huge opportunity for him to attend his “dream school” but want to make sure there isn’t something we are missing. Many thanks.
@mav4818. We are in state and have heard great things from others that went through the bridge program. You use to live off campus, but now the bridge students live on Clemson Campus and there is a bus that goes over to the CC. So I think that is even better now living on Clemson Campus! It’s only for one year too, so majority of your classes will be at Clemson.
@momof2023. Very much appreciate your reply.
My daughter is currently in the Bridge program. Besides being homesick for the first few weeks, it has been a great experience. She has a meal plan, and eats on campus. She uses Clemson library, and student gyms as well. Bridge students live in the same ‘dorm’ (which is apartment style w/ small kitchen and living area) as freshman football players ? so it’s been fun for her to see those guys around - especially during football season. She takes the shuttle to TCTC sometimes… but she has a car, so she mostly drives. The only negative was being unable to join a sorority. For an out-of-State kid, it just made it a little harder to make friends in the beginning of the year. My advice: if you are going to choose Bridge, schedule a visit! You will be impressed with what they have to offer. Also, make a point to get involved in activities within the Bridge program and at Clemson. She definitely feels like a ‘clemson’ student .
@tiger92fan. Appreciate your feedback. Have already scheduled a Bridge tour for next week. Besides greek life it seems Bridge students can’t purchase athletic tix in same manner as Clemson students - did your daughter attend football or basketball games?
@mav4818 Congratulations ! I posted more information on my similar thread, so I won’t rehash it hear, but go take a look for it. On the football tickets, our Bridge Information session guide (part of the Bridge program 3 years ago) told us she had purchased football tickets as a Bridge student and went to every game.
@NotSoFranticDad Thank you for all your feedback. Very reassuring and helpful. We are doing orientation Friday. Appreciate all the info
@mav4818 Yes - Bridge students had access to football tickets. They have to stand in line on game day (or the night before) for ‘hill’ tickets. She was able to get a student ticket when she wanted one ( we also had extra season tickets , which was helpful for the more popular games ). Bridge students were not eligible for the ‘lottery” for tickets like Clemson students.
@mav4818 Bridge students can also purchase season tickets for football and sit in the student section.
My son is out of state and started as a freshman in 2018 in the bridge program. He had a really great first semester. The housing is great and he loves where he lives in Lightsey. He likes his classes and has been challenged. He eats on the Clemson campus and goes to the gym there often. He loved the football games. The bridge students were offered tickets to buy. He used them sometimes but also liked getting the hill seats too. Overall, it has been a great experience. He has made great friends and feels part of the Clemson family. He would tell you that having a car there has been helpful as a bridge student. As a parent, I wanted to be sure to let other parents know that my son’s freshman bridge year has been good. The bridge invitation can be confusing at first, but don’t let it be. I would suggest making a trip to see TCTC and talk with them. Clemson was my son’s dream school and the bridge program got him there and he is happy!
Thanks @WVmomma - always great to hear from current families !
@Baxter126, @WVmomma, @NotsofranticDad, @tiger92fan : Many thanks to all for the information and feedback