<p>I was accepted to Clemson earlier this year with an OOS scholarship and while it is probably where I will end up, I have some reservations. I visited in August and fell in love with the campus, but it was only a day tour so what I'm interested in learning more about is nightlife there. I am a diligent student with a 4.4 GPA and 2200 board scores, so my studies are obviously important to me. However, for me college is about more than schoolwork. I am interested in the entire experience that the town around campus has to offer. </p>
<p>I know Clemson used to be known as somewhat of a party school, but from what I have heard this reputation has faded. So to anyone who knows--what kinds of things to you do at night there? </p>
<p>I have visited UMD a couple times and I know there are bars and stuff there that pretty much any student can get into. Is this the case at Clemson, or are they very strict about having real IDs and such? </p>
<p>Just any information about this sort of stuff would be really helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would say that Clemson is a pretty big party school as with other large public schools. The bars downtown are mainly for people who are of age but there’s this one place called Flip Flops that brings in all kind of national acts to Clemson that anybody can go to. If you’re not of-age, you’ll find that your nightlife will revolve around mostly the fraternity or sororities on campus. You don’t necessarily have to be part of one but you’ll be going to their parties. There are also house parties and parties at apartments at Clemson but if you aren’t 21, not many people will be headed downtown.</p>
<p>I agree, not many people people go downtown who are under 21. There are still plenty of people with ID’s, but I get the impression that most students under 21 would rather pay 50 cents a beer (compared to $3 at the bar) and hang out with their other underage friends. However, after turning 21 many students venture to the bars often. </p>
<p>I do disagree with Pierre about fraternities. While that may be true in many social groups, there are plenty of people who have only attended a handful of frat parties (if any). Don’t think that if you aren’t interested in going greek that you won’t fit in or have things to do. </p>
<p>Is there anything in particular you’re looking for? You sound similar to me. I am in the honors college, have a 4.0 here, did well in high school, but I also like to have fun during my free time. Are their any clubs or sports you’re interested in?</p>
<p>Mitch, what I meant was that if you wanted to be involved in the party scene, Greek may be the best choice for you as someone under 21.</p>
<p>I don’t go to many parties at all and I always find myself having something to do. I play intramurals and am involved in FCA and Central Spirit. If you don’t like to party or getting completely trashed, I agree with Mitch that there is plenty of clubs and events going on campus to keep you busy.</p>
<p>My son in a freshman at Clemson and not interested in joining a fraternity. He is a very hard working student but does like to have some fun on the weekends and is having a difficult time. He says the fraternities are very strict and that only non-members are not allowed at the parties and that is pretty much the only party scene on campus. His dorm seems to be full of guys pledging fraternities or people who are from the area and already know each other or go home on the weekends. He is having a difficult time finding a group of friends. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Prior information I have read about Clemson stated that only about 20-25% of students were involved in Greek like but it seems much higher. It seems that if you are not in a fraternity you live off campus once you are a sophomore. </p>
<p>My son also tried joining a fishing club but felt like people were very narrow minded and not very accepting of new people. What are so good clubs to join for the outdoorsy type?</p>
<p>That first semester as a freshman can be rough…it usually gets a lot better before the end of your second semester. </p>
<p>About 1/5 males are in fraternities, but 1/3 women are in sororities, and in the dorms, that can seem like a lot to a freshman, who’s social options are limited. </p>
<p>There is an “Outdoors Club”, but he may find it easier to meet folks in the gaming/sports clubs (which may not be as cliquish). Perhaps the Urban Gaming club? nothing like a fun game of humans vs. Zombies (no clue what that is…but what the heck!..Zombies!).</p>
<p>I’m a 5th year senior from Massachusetts so hopefully I can add something to this discussion haha. I was actually talking with a friend the other day about why there seems to be a lot of Greek people on campus when in fact it’s 25-30% but like someone mentioned that’s 1 out of every 3-5 people which means someone in every 2 dorm rooms is involved in the Greek system. In addition, you also notice when someone is in the Greek system (what they’re wearing/involved in etc…) while you don’t notice people who aren’t involved in Greek life (if you get what you mean).</p>
<p>Anyways, I’d encourage your son to continue to get involved on campus. If he finds out an activity/group isn’t for him, he needs to move on and get involved in something else he’s interested in. That’s really how you’re going to make friends at a university like Clemson - it’s not going to be going to classes with other people, it’s finding shared interests and developing friendships from there. I know it’s tough for freshman because they’ve lived with the same people for 12 years and then they have to start all over in college but definitely try and make as many connections as you can and get involved with as much as you can on campus. As far as social life, there are parties off-campus that aren’t greek-affiliated. Again, you just have to meet people, develop friendships and you’ll get connected. </p>
<p>As far as people going home for the weekend and hanging out with their friends from high school, I personally think they are losing out on the chances to try something new and meeting new people. As someone who doesn’t know anyone going into Clemson, they can definitely capitalize on this advantage so look at it that way other than lamenting how few people you know. The people I know who have taken the initiative to get involved on campus and become dedicated/passionate about an organization have all really enjoyed their Clemson experience. </p>
<p>So I guess those are my “wise words of wisdom”. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to let me know! As Gator88NE posted, there’s a list of student organizations & clubs. Don’t hesitate to contact them to see how to get involved even halfway through the year! Most students do move off campus after their freshman year. I stayed on campus for 3 years but that is pretty rare.</p>
<p>If you or your son have any questions about anything, feel free to let me know! I’ll message you my personal info if you want to contact me that way. I know it’s tough and I think a lot of students especially out of state students struggle with the transition from high school to college the first semester or two. Definitely don’t get discouraged and just keep looking at the positives and trying to make the most of every opportunity academically and socially.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the information and I will pass it along! He is not super competitive so I think the recreation programs would suit him better than the club programs. CORE sounds really fun.</p>
<p>I think he was a bit overwhelmed at first with all the course work for engineering majors and reluctant to get too involved with extracurricular activities. It seems he has settled in and is more comfortable with the course load and looking for activities to meet people. Thanks for all the suggestions Pierre and GATOR88! I hope he finds something!</p>
<p>That’s perfectly normal and it definitely takes people a while to get used to balancing academics and extracurriculars in college (academics in college is no joke especially in engineering - I’m a civil engineering major). Just let your son know that it’s never too late to get involved. The organizations fair may have come and gone but you can always find a club or activity to get involved in! Don’t be afraid to try different activities until you find something that fits your interests!</p>