Clemson University Author:Andrew Coleman Introduction from the Author — Clemson University is a public university located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in South Carolina. The town of Clemson, SC owes its existence to the University—about 14,000 undergraduates attend the school and keep the area alive with excitement. Students at Clemson take great pride in their s... more »chool and for good reason—the 25-second rush down the hill by Clemson’s football players has been coined the most exciting in college football.
The school is fond of its tradition and heritage. It was founded in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson, originally as an all-male military college. Clemson College stayed this way until 1955, when it was granted “civilian status.” In 1964, it was declared Clemson University in recognition of its expanded academic offerings and research pursuits.
Class sizes at Clemson tend to vary from large lectures ranging in the hundreds to smaller, discussion-oriented classes with no more than 25 students. Typically, freshman and sophomore level classes that fulfill general education requirements tend to be the largest, and junior and senior level courses tend to be much smaller. Clemson has a handful of outstanding professors whose classes fill almost immediately during the registration period. Find out who they are and get in their classes—fast!
Life at the University is rarely uneventful. There are many things to do on campus during the weekend, especially during football season. Spring semester is a great time for camping or hiking—the weather is great and you don’t have to worry about missing a football game. Students are very involved in activities outside the classroom such as club and intramural sports teams, social organizations, and volunteer services. There is always a group traveling off campus to take part in various activities—find something that interests you and get involved! A large school like Clemson offers countless opportunities for everyone.
When I first arrived at Clemson as a freshman, I had no idea what to expect of the school. Now, as a junior, I am glad I made the decision to come to Clemson. It’s a great place to spend four years, and I’m thankful for the opportunities it has provided me.