Student Affairs

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ORIENTATION
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MANAGING PERSONAL FINANCES
College is a time for students to gain independence and to learn important life skills, including how
to manage finances. Parents and students should discuss financial pitfalls and ways to avoid costly
mistakes.
For more information, visit
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
One of the most commonly asked questions during New Student Orientation is, “Does my student
need a car?” This is a personal decision for you and your student. While parking is limited, Clemson
has created provisions for both — having a car and not having a car.
If a student does have a car and they plan to park it on campus, they will need to register the car and
purchase a permit through Parking and Transportation Services. There is an annual parking permit
application process online. Permits are mailed to the address provided prior to the beginning of
the academic year. Students can get a prorated parking permit if they bring their car for part of the
academic year. Parking permits run August to August, annually. Campus parking lots, spaces and
zones are specifically marked for the appropriate parking permit.
There are several convenient ways to get around campus and the city of Clemson without having
a vehicle including the following:
Bicycles
Bicycles are an easy way to get around campus quickly. Bike racks are available all over campus to
secure bikes, and the CUPD provides a service to register bikes and engrave your information free
of charge. All Clemson Area Transit (CAT) buses are equipped to handle bicycles for further travel.
BikeShare is a bicycle sharing program through B-Cycle. With five stations across campus, students
may check a bike out at one station and return it to any of the other stations on campus. Annual
membership fees and additional fees may apply based on length of reservation.
Car Sharing: ZipCar
Car sharing is a program for people who are looking for an alternative method of transportation in
order to save time and money! The hybrid and low-emission vehicles are great for local errands and
even road trips. Annual membership in the program is required, and fees are based on how long the
car is used. To register and reserve cars, visit
Tiger Transit
Tiger Transit is used on campus in two ways. The first way is for shuttle bus services around campus
and connections to satellite campuses like the Clemson Research Park in Anderson or the Clemson
University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Discuss the proliferation of credit card
offers. Consider adding your student to
your credit card and setting a spending
limit. If your student is ready to handle
a personal credit card, discuss the
importance of timely payments and
building a strong credit score.
Encourage responsible borrowing.
Student loans play a valuable role in
financing higher education, which is a
worthy investment. However, students
need to monitor their indebtedness
and borrow only enough to meet their
educational and basic living expenses.