Starting college at Clemson University can feel like stepping into a completely new world. You’re surrounded by thousands of people, events and opportunities you’ve never imagined. The best advice? Put yourself out there. Say yes to the unexpected. Try new things, meet new people and take the leap, even if it’s out of your comfort zone.
At Clemson, there are endless ways to explore and connect with new people. Whether you’re more outgoing or a little more reserved, getting involved early on will help you feel more confident and improve your overall college experience. You don’t have to commit to everything forever, just show up, try something new and see what clicks. Most clubs and events are free, so there’s no financial pressure. The real goal is discovering what you enjoy and who you want to become.
A great place to start is Tiger Prowl, the huge organization fair held each fall. You’ll find booths for hundreds of clubs, academic groups, sports, cultural organizations and tons more creative circles. It’s a low-stakes way to meet people and ask questions. Plus, let’s be honest: the free T-shirts, stickers, snacks and water bottles make it all the more fun. People joke that college students will do anything for free stuff, but when you’re stretching a student budget, every freebie counts!
And the free things don’t stop there. Clemson constantly offers free events, from movie nights at Hendrix, to game tournaments, mental health workshops and outdoor adventures. If you’re ever feeling lonely, stuck in a routine or just want to break out of your shell, showing up to something new can change your entire day. Watch for emails, social media posts and campus flyers; they’re your guide to what’s happening and when.
Putting yourself out there also means doing the little things, like taking the CATbus with a new friend, going to a club meeting even if you don’t know anyone yet or stopping by a table on campus and striking up a conversation. It may feel awkward at first, but those small steps lead to the real connections that define your college experience.
Clemson is full of opportunities waiting to be discovered. You don’t need a perfect plan, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take the chance. Try, explore and let yourself grow. Many things you try likely won’t stick, but one or two just might change your life. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing to try.
