Frequently Asked Questions

Clemson University is located in Upstate South Carolina, the state’s fastest-growing region. Campus is nestled on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Lake Hartwell. Clemson is about 40 minutes from Greenville, named one of America’s Best Downtowns by Forbes. Other metropolitan hubs — including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Asheville, North Carolina — are just a few hours’ drive away.

The weather in Clemson is very warm (sometimes very hot!) in the summer. Daily temperatures will be between 80 – 90 degrees and humid. Nights can also be very humid with temperatures in the 70s. Scholars should bring appropriate clothing for warm weather. Scholars will be given a refillable water bottle at check-in.

Arrival is Sunday 3:00- 4:30 pm at the residence hall.

Departure is Friday from 3:00-5:00 pm at the residence hall.

Yes! The Summer Scholars program can provide van transportation to and from the Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) for program participants who will be using air transportation to and from our program. GSP is a small and very easy to navigate. The airport is approximately 1 hour away. There is a $200.00 charge for this service ($100 each way).

Sunday Pick-Up

Our Sunday pick-up shuttle will be at the airport during the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm.  Please arrange for arrival to be in that window. After arriving head downstairs to the baggage claim area. Your scholar should look for a counselor in a purple polo shirt. If your flight arrives after 3:00pm, please arrange transportation to Clemson using a car service (Uber, Lyft, etc.). Private transportation arrival to campus for scholars on Sunday should be between 3:00-4:30pm.

Friday Departure

Our Friday departure shuttle will depart Clemson at 3:00 p.m. for all flights. Please select departures for Friday 5:00 p.m. or later. Our team will escort your scholar into the airport and watch them clear airport security. Our team is not allowed to go past security. Your scholar may then navigate to their specified gate to wait until their flight boards and departs.

If you are unable to secure flights during the times designated above, contact the program Administrative Coordinator at cusummerscholars@clemson.edu. Additionally, all flight itineraries must be provided to our team no later than 3-weeks prior to arrival. Please email to cusummerscholars@clemson.edu.

Summer counselors plan many evening activities for the scholars to participate in throughout the week. Activities may include: planetarium, swimming, karaoke, trivia night, etc. Scholars can expect light activity during these times and plenty of walking throughout the week (make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes). 

Free time is also scheduled into the day and will include time at the residence hall, Starbucks, ice cream runs, visits to the library, games on Bowman Field, etc. During free time, students may also have the opportunity to hear representatives from the Office of Admissions or the Clemson University Honors College. Free time activities are dependent on group interests and are subject to change depending on weather, staff availability or acts of third parties beyond our control.

With safety in mind, counselors will be present during all activities. Scholars will be escorted to all activities by at least two counselors at all times. Scholars are not allowed to check-out on Friday on their own unless the driving consent form has been signed or with parental permission.

Scholars may leave campus for a variety of activities. Some courses plan field trips to local establishments that reinforce what they are learning in class.  The expenses for the trips are included in the cost of the program and students will only need money for personal expenses.

Summer Scholars reside in a single-gender residence hall. We will be located in Douthit Hall East, Buildings E and G. Check it out! You can take a look at the room layout, building floor plans, images of the bathrooms and take a virtual tour of the neighborhood grounds. The residence halls are air-conditioned. Refrigerators are not provided in individual dorm rooms unless deemed medically necessary. Scholars access their room by using a key. Each hall and/or outer door is card access protected, which each counselor will have access to. Scholars are asked to lock their door when leaving the room and when sleeping. Clemson University and Summer Scholars do not assume responsibility for any items lost or stolen. Scholars and parents/guardians will be asked to read and sign the “Housing Release of Liability” form before arriving. Scholars will enjoy most meals on campus at the Fresh Food Company (Core Dining Hall). During field trips, students enjoy boxed lunches from the dining hall or catered meals off campus. Students are encouraged to eat three meals a day, as they will be kept very busy. All special requests that address dietary concerns should be noted on the student's application.

We will eat most of our meals at The Fresh Food Company in Core Campus. If a field trip takes us off site, we will provide box lunches from the dining hall. Our chefs and dietitians are here to help take the mystery out of healthy eating. We recognize and do our best to accommodate food allergies and special dietary needs in a way that’s personalized, sensitive and supportive. Look here for more information on Health and Wellness at Clemson University. In fact, we pride ourselves on working with you to make sure you can find the food that fits your life. For more information, email nutrition@clemson.edu. 

Residence hall groups are assigned according to gender and age.  Please list all roommate requests on your application, but please know roommates are not guaranteed. 

The Summer Scholars program is recommended for responsible middle and high school students that want to learn more about life in a college setting. While we recognize that this age student is not a college freshman, we do expect students to exhibit self-control and portray excellent character. The scholar and parent/guardian will be required to read and sign the “Code of Conduct” and the “Discipline” policy forms (which outline behavior standards) before arriving on campus.

Scholars who continue to display problem behavior will be asked to withdraw from the program without a refund. 

No student will be allowed to leave the campus without the permission of their parent/guardian and the Director of Summer Scholars. Scholars may drive a car to campus but will not be allowed use of their personal vehicle until end-of-camp departure.

They are Clemson University students and some were Summer Scholars themselves! Counselors have been chosen for their dedication and their ability to work with youth. They are selected through a thorough interview process, background checks, and reference checks. They undergo extensive pre-camp training prior to the beginning of the summer. Summer Scholars strives to afford participants small group time with staff and fellow scholars. Counselors supervise scholars 24 hours a day, and live on-site. They accompany the scholars to class, on field trips, and to social events. Counselors are assigned residence hall groups during the evening and nighttime. They are responsible for ensuring that students are aware of and comply with the expectations set before them. The nighttime residence hall ratio of scholars to counselor staff is 10 to 1.

Recommended items are listed below. Please pack light. You do not have to bring everything in your closet or room! We recommend that campers bring only one suitcase and one bedroll. If possible, mark clothes with your name, as we will not be responsible for lost clothing or other personal items. You should be prepared to carry or wheel your luggage, and should not bring more than you can carry. If you are flying to Greenville, be sure to check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Since most airlines are charging for extra bags, you will have to pack wisely!

What should I bring?

Linens

Students should bring their own linens:

• Twin XL sheets/blanket or sleeping bag (extra long single bed sheets to fit the residence hall mattresses)
• Pillow         
• Towels/washcloths

Clothing List

• 2 pairs of comfortable shoes (One should be tennis shoes! - We walk A LOT) **Please view program-specific packing list in case closed toed shoes or other forms of footwear are required for your child’s course.**
• Flip flops or sandals
• Undergarments
• Pajamas
• 3 – 4 shirts/tops
• One pair of pants if needed for course labs **Please view program-specific packing list in case long pants are required for your child’s course**
• 3 pair of shorts/skirts
• Socks
• Swimsuit and beach towel  (Swimming is dependent on COVID protocols)

Non-clothing items

• Sunscreen, bug spray, and lip balm
• Water Bottle
• Personal Toiletries  (if flying, ensure they comply with TSA guidelines)
• Wallet/spending money
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Sunglasses
• Watch
• Cell phone/charger
• Prescription medicine and absolutely necessary over the counter pills & supplies (Only bring medications and medical supplies listed on your medical form). Please print this medications Form, complete, and bring this completed form on the first day of camp. Insert form and medications inside plastic zipper bag to be turned over to the Summer Scholars team upon arrival on Sunday.

Optional Items

• Earplugs (If you are a light sleeper)
• Personal fan for your room (while rooms are air conditioned, you might want a fan.)
• Washers and dryers are available in the residence hall. Students must provide detergent, dryer sheets, etc. There is no cost to use the machines.

What should I leave home?

ABSOLUTELY NO FIREWORKS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS (including vapes) OR WEAPONS ARE PERMITTED! Scholars may be dismissed from the program with no refund.

Cell phones are discouraged.

A scholar may avoid getting to know their roommates or may rely on her parents too much by using these electronics.

Scholars are permitted to use their cell phones during designated times only. If a camper needs to bring his or her cell phone to camp, we will ask that they refrain from using it during all organized program activities unless required in the course. They will be allowed to use it during unstructured free time for “checking in” with parents or emergencies. Electronic devices of any kind (other than cameras) may be used only during unstructured free time, rest periods, and/or before bed. They may not leave the dorm unless required in the course. Please leave any gaming consoles at home. Students will have access to Clemson University’s WIFI throughout the week. Please view program-specific packing list in case specific electronics are required for your child’s course.

If there is an emergency, you can call us and we can connect you to your child very quickly. Please call 864-656-2314.

Many students enjoy purchasing Clemson University souvenirs, buying pizza together, etc. It is at your discretion on the exact amount to send with them, however, a good suggestion would be around $20-$30 (excluding souvenirs). Most on campus vendors do not accept cash at this time. Having access to a debit/credit card would be beneficial. They also accept Apple Pay. We apologize for the inconvenience. All meals are included in your tuition. 

Staff certified in First Aid and CPR will be present at camp 24 hours each day. The on-campus Redfern Health Center is available during weekday business hours, with Urgent Care in Clemson available through late evening. A full-service hospital is available within a 15-minute drive of campus.

All medications must be given to the health officer upon arrival at camp. The health officer will be responsible for properly administering the medicine on a daily basis as directed by a physician or parent.  All prescription and non-prescription drugs are kept under lock and key.  (Exceptions may be made for inhalers or Epi-pens.) The health officer will have commonly used non-prescription medications such as Ibuprofen and acetaminophen available. Please refrain from packing such medications if possible. All campers are screened upon arrival at camp for good health prior to admission. We ask that no camper come to camp ill or with any contagious condition.  We reserve the right to send your camper home if they become ill, develop any contagious condition (such as pink eye, or head lice) or if they are unable to participate in the major activities of camp. If your camper cannot remain at camp due to health reasons you will NOT receive a refund of camp fees. Each camp has limited medical insurance on every camper for accidents and illnesses that occur at camp. Pre-existing illness and eyeglass/contact replacement are not covered. Camp is not responsible for eyeglasses or contacts that are lost or broken at camp. 

Yes! Please feel free to write your child. Parents often mail letters and packages the week prior to check-in, so mail will reach the camp before they leave that week. 

The mailing address is:

(Scholar’s Name)

Summer Scholars Program

G02-B Sirrine Clemson, SC 29634-0108

For emergencies M-F 8a-4:30p, call: 864-656-5535. Outside of those hours, please call 864-656-2314. Scholars are not permitted to use mobile phones during organized program activities so as to assist them in making the most of their campus experience. Should your scholar need to contact you during the week for special circumstances, the camp staff will assist them accordingly.