It must be almost time for Clemson football.
It’s move in week in Clemson.
It’s that time of year when it’s almost impossible to drive to the grocery store for an entire week, much less try to go anywhere to eat. The campus is packed to the gills with a litany of different characters. There’s the clueless freshman, who is a literal fish out of water. Seasoned Sophomores with the foundation of the 1st year behind them are walking around ready to take on the rest of college. And then there’s the Juniors and Seniors living out their glory days (and super seniors….and some super, super seniors).
This is not meant to be a “passing on of knowledge to newcomers to Clemson” article but more helpful tips for everyone to get to know or even refresh yourself going into a new year. Clemson is the best 4 (maybe 5 or 6, but who’s judging) years of most people’s lives, yours truly included.
Clemson is truly a unique place to spend 4 of your biggest growth years in. It’s not a big city, but it has enough. It also challenges you to make new friends and get out of your comfort zone at times. It’s super easy to blow away your best years sitting around your dorm or apartment playing Call of Duty or Madden, but there are some things that are just worth doing to truly experience college.
So, here’s some knowledge to impart on those descending on The Hills this week.
Find a collective group of people to build your relationships.
Seems easy right? Some people are way ahead of me on this, I mean you went to Clemson for more than just football and school, right? It sounds easy but for some it takes time. Having a core group of friends (whether that be in a Frat, FCA, CRU or any other student organization) is something that can make the mundane into something hilarious. I was in FCA and it was freaking amazing. It wasn’t just limited to Thursday nights at 9:19. There were tailgates, library bridge raves and just general shenanigans. To raise money for our mission trip one year, a pool of us signed up for a game called “Assassin” where you use your friends to help you “hunt down” a person you are assigned to find at the beginning of the game. It sounds like the largest game of tag in the world because it is; it was ridiculous, but so amazing to watch play out. These groups can help build you up and grow for these integral years.
Once you have your friends, find your spot to tailgate
You aren’t limited to just one either. Some people have dozens, and to those who do, I commend your dedication. I had 2 in college that you could generally find me at. Outside of Brooks parking (back before it was an IPTAY lot) was the McDowell family. The cornhole was fierce. The trash talking was better (still is). Steaks for big games was a tradition and, for a broke socially inept college kid, it was paradise.
The other was the Moon Family Tailgate in Shotgun Alley. It was an active tailgate with tons of friends, a lot going on, and pretty close to the stadium. Their set up was immaculate and usually even had food left over for postgame. Left over tailgate burgers just hit different after a win against Auburn.
Do something that gets you out of your comfort zone
For some people it’s meeting new people. For others its working out. Heck, there are plenty of people who went to swing dancing, shag or contra dancing that were out of their comfort zone. Whatever it is, once you try it there is a chance you’ll love it. For me, it was simple: (to be honest, I don’t know if it’s kosher to say this but here goes) I tried out to be the Clemson Tiger Mascot. In the end it didn’t work out- the suit is a little tight for guys with broad shoulders like me. I may have looked like a “chunky Tiger” but in the end, I can say something that not many people can say: I have been in The Tiger suit.
Clemson football is not the only thing to do on campus, get out and about and explore your options
Go to more than just football games
I am a Clemson die hard. And that goes for more than just football games. I was elated to see Clemson win a Natty in soccer this past year, and when you immerse yourself in all of Clemson’s athletics you’ll understand why. It’s a misnomer that Clemson is a “one sport school”. You would be incorrect on that assumption. Clemson has proud men’s and women’s soccer traditions, and Riggs is arguably the most picturesque venue in all of college soccer. Baseball and (now) softball have proud traditions and rabid followings. And when basketball is good, Littlejohn is an A+ venue for a game.
And finally-
Just take it all in. Everyday. You live in Clemson for goodness sake!
There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like walking out after a 3:30 game kickoff victory in mid-October with the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Hartwell with a cool breeze at your back after a big win. As I walk out of the portal of TDT in the upper deck around that time of day, I have to take a deep breath and soak it in. God may not be a Clemson fan, but man He knows how to set the scene. There is no way I can describe that feeling of walking out of class in the fall or the spring on a Friday after my last class and taking in the scenery in Clemson. Bowman. Downtown. Even around Hendrix Center, there is a palpable sense of energy that just cannot be replicated. An underrated feeling? A wet rainy cold February night making your way to warm up in Littlejohn and watch an upset of over an ACC team. Take it in. Clemson can be surreal at times. And for people like me, it still is.
That’s it. That’s all the party knowledge I have for anyone coming into the best time of year. Oh yeah, and don’t forget, wear orange on Friday.