Clemson University - Inside Scoop

Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School

• Get involved from the very beginning. Buy a lot of orange t-shirts—you can never have enough. Every student must go to advising meetings before scheduling for classes. Be very careful where you park.

Tips to Succeed

• Beware of pre-test evenings spent drinking.
• Get into club sports if you’re athletic; there are a huge range of options at Clemson.

• Go to class; if you fall behind you may never get caught up.
• Go to office hours and build relationships with your professors.

• Talk to upperclassmen for advice on professors and classes.

Urban Legends

• Whoever reads Thomas Bell Clemson's plaque on his statue outsideTillman will not graduate from Clemson University.

Traditions

• Homecoming and Tigerama - A week before Homecoming, many different student organizations create displays that will be judged on the day of the game. Also on game day, Tigerama is held. Tigerama is the largest student-run pep rally, and it includes the crowning of Miss Homecoming and student-performed skits.
• Howard’s Rock - Originally in Death Valley, this rock made its way to Clemson in 1966 via 1919 Alumnus S. C. Jones. It was placed on the top of the hill, by the football stadium. Coach Frank Howard told his players before a Wake Forest game that if they gave more than their best effort that they could touch the rock. With a victory of 26-3, the players all rubbed the rock. Ever since then, it has been a tradition to rub Howard’s Rock before every home game.

• Running Down the Hill - Called “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football,” this tradition began when it was actually necessary for the players to run down the Hill and onto the field. That was before the west stands were built, though. However, the Clemson Tigers still run down the grassy field before each home game after a cannon is fired.

• The First Friday Parade - Every Friday afternoon before the first home football game, a parade is held to celebrate the new football season. This has been a tradition at Clemson since 1974. Students make floats and parade down the street. At the end of the parade, there is a pep rally.