<p>Hello CC!</p>
<p>I will be attending Clemson University this fall. I have orientation in a few weeks and I'm so excited! I can't wait to be a Tiger. Until then, I'm trying to prepare myself in every facet possible. I was hoping to get the inside scoop at Clemson so I can be successful to the highest potential. So here goes a few questions:</p>
<p>My number one dorm choice was the Clemson House (in particular, the CASH community), how's the dorm in comparison to the other freshman dorms (besides Holmes)
What are some things to do on campus?
How do I jump in and immerse myself into the Clemson social life?
What are the "must-do's" at Clemson?
IMPORTANT: How hard is it to maintain a 3.8-4.0 GPA? I had a 3.8 GPA at math and science magnet school taking 8 APs.
Any other random tips? </p>
<p>Thank you so much! :)</p>
<p>Hey congrats on picking Clemson! I have tons of advice (a lot I don’t follow which is why I’m not going to graduate with a 3.8 GPA…) but hopefully you’ll make better use of my own advice! hahaha</p>
<ol>
<li>Clemson House is by far the best dorm. I know a few people who lived in the CASH community and they had a great experience from what they’ve told me. It’s definitely the best dorm for freshman (on par with if not better than Holmes)</li>
<li>Best way to get involved in clemson social life is to get involved. Join student organizations, volunteer, play a club/intramural sport. Most of my friends have been either in my major or from the organizations I joined. There’s a big fair at the beginning of the school year on Bowman Field where every organization has a table and you can sign up/learn more. Here’s a list of every organization on campus and a short description: <a href=“https://secure.stuaff.clemson.edu/organizations/[/url]”>https://secure.stuaff.clemson.edu/organizations/</a>
Also if you are thinking about rushing a fraternity or sorority, I’d definitely recommend it since I’ve heard tons of great things from people who have gone through the process (especially girls). I didn’t rush because I had absolutely no interest but if you are on the fence, I’d do it anyways.</li>
<li>It really depends on your major as for how hard it will be to keep a good GPA. There are many resources to help you out and definitely take advantage of them as you need it. There’s tutoring, academic coaching/counseling (if you are struggling to hold yourself accountable for your schoolwork), supplemental instruction (for big classes where a student who has taken the class before will hold review sessions at night and sits in your class). I suggest you read through this website: [College</a> Survival Skills](<a href=“http://www.clemson.edu/collegeskills/INDEX.HTM]College”>http://www.clemson.edu/collegeskills/INDEX.HTM)
There are a lot of great study tips that you should definitely take.</li>
<li>Another random tip is to get involved in Creative Inquiry where you can do research with a professor as an undergraduate. Just look through the list of projects on this website ([Creative</a> Inquiry : Clemson University](<a href=“Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research | Clemson University, South Carolina”>Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research | Clemson University, South Carolina)) and email the professor if you are interested. Some other things to consider during your years at Clemson is study abroad, or get an internship/co-op position so you have some work experience before you graduate!</li>
</ol>
<p>As for things you have to do at Clemson, I’ll let you figure that out on your own since you’ll know pretty soon haha, you’ve got 4 years!</p>
<p>Definitely let me know if you are have anymore questions!</p>
<p>@Pierre:
Thank you for the response! I’ve since then switched my dorm choice to Benet (a living learning community for all political science, business, and other social science majors). My academic advisor recommended it. I’m still confused as to whether or not I’d want a better dorm or a dorm that’s closer to everything. From what I understand, the CH is far off the beaten path. I’ve also received an email today stating that I was accepted into the CASH community, I’m still not sure though if I want to devote the time to the community service or focus on my passions and clubs and activities that will look better for law school, as well as a job (which will be harder to handle considering I’m only willing to work 12 or so hours a week and I’d have to do 4 or more community service a week. I’m still deciding between the two, nevertheless. I’m definitely going to join clubs (actually I have a list of the clubs I want to go ahead and join! :)) As my have aforementioned, my major is political science or perhaps journalism…how difficult is that?
Creative inquiry sounds really interesting! I’m not sure if the opportunities are good for a polisci major, but I’m definitely going to look into that!</p>
<p>My son was in the living and learning community in Benet freshman year and moved to Clemson House sophomore year (CH was not an option his freshman year.) He liked Benet a lot - co-ed dorm and close to everything - particularly the stadium and his business course buildings. Obviously, CH offers suite living over a traditional dorm setup, but he said he would still have preferred Benet and the living & learning community his freshman year. As you indicated, the choice depends on your priorities and interests.
Good luck - you’ll love Clemson!</p>
<p>Clemson House is off on its own little hill so you are right but it is good exercise (well in my opinion) and the rooms are much nicer than those in Benet. Ultimately what you pick is up to you, it seems that maybe the political science living learning community might be a better pick for you but it really doesn’t matter in my opinion what you pick as long as you are happy with your choice. Political science shouldn’t be a hard major compared to other majors on campus such as engineering or nursing or architecture but as with all college courses will involve a lot of work</p>
<p>Thank you again Pierre and Tiger10 for the input. I feel more confident in my Benet Hall choice. The close proximity to everything and that everyone is a freshman endeavoring in the same field of majors would probably be more rewarding and beneficial than the CH. Worth giving up the possible $3000 scholarship that comes with the CASH community.</p>