The most general view of Clemson University is often one of the sporting events, super fans and national championships. While these aspects are a considerable part of Clemson’s identity and the student experience, the University is consistently growing and improving to offer its students the best possible living and learning experience.

We have seen this effort in many areas, most evidently in construction around campus and through the Clemson Elevate program, but also in the recent announcement of the inaugural Clemson Music Fest, coming in April.

Although the purpose of attending college is, without a doubt, to obtain a degree and further your education, as students, school work should not take up your whole life. The University offers a wide variety of clubs, organizations and nightlife, but beyond that, the small town of Clemson does not have much to offer. This is not to say it’s the University’s fault, but it is a reality that students often face.

While we are here primarily to achieve an education, that does not mean that other sectors of our lives must be put on hold. But sometimes, living on campus or in a small town like Clemson can make it feel this way.

Students often attend sporting events for excitement, participate in clubs and organizations for a social factor and go downtown for nightlife. But otherwise, there is only so much to do right around campus.

Clubs, organizations and events steeped in tradition can only go so far. That’s why Clemson’s upcoming music festival is such an exciting addition to the calendar of events for students here. While there are many small activities that people of all interests can participate in, there aren’t many outside of sporting events and productions held by the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts for students to experience.

Clemson’s recent acceptance of more modern music artists, like Waka Flocka Flame and Sean Kingston, though met with some backlash, has been the height of excitement for many students at the University. Welcoming new opportunities and being open to student interests is imperative for improving the student experience. The University is making great strides towards this, as seen with the addition of the Clemson Music Fest.

Clemson is ranked No. 41 in the 2024 list of colleges with the best student life in America, which is nine places below the University of South Carolina, Clemson’s in-state rival, according to Niche. Though Clemson has admittedly done a great job in facilitating activities for students and the community in the past, it’s time to add some modernity to the traditions. Clemson Music Fest is a great beacon of optimism for the future of Clemson.

To read how students feel the University is doing at facilitating activities for students and the community, check out this week’s “Speak Up!”.

Kylie Tutterrow is a sophomore political science major from Spartanburg, South Carolina. You can reach her at [email protected].