Reader's Choice: Clemson University

We use hard statistics to produce Kiplinger’s annual rankings for best values in public colleges and universities, and we’re proud of the results. Now, we’re giving our readers’ favorites a chance to brag a little, by letting a student fill us in on what’s fun, cool, quirky and just plain great on campus and nearby.

LOCATION: Clemson, S.C

UNDERGRADUTE ENROLLMENT: 14,639

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BEST ON-CAMPUS FEATURE:

If you ask any Tiger fan this question, you will always get the same response: Death Valley (Clemson Memorial Stadium). It is the biggest and most recognizable feature on campus. Every year, Tiger fans near and far take the time out to come and root for the Orange and White.

BEST OFF-CAMPUS FEATURE:

Lake Hartwell, because it is so close. It is a beautiful place to go relax or hang out and have fun.

WHERE SENIORS WANT TO LIVE:

Anywhere that is considered off-campus. Some seniors feel like they have outgrown living on campus, so they have to get away.

MOST UNUSUAL CAMPUS TRADITION:

The football team rubs the rock (Howard’s Rock, named after Coach Frank Howard) at the top of “The Hill” for good luck and then runs down The Hill and onto the field before each home game.

BEST PLACE TO STUDY DURING FINALS WEEK:

In Cooper Library we have quiet private booths.If you can get one, it is a great place to study. Java City, a coffee bar, is built in the library and is very useful when students are studying late.

MOST CROWDED SPOT ON THE FIRST NICE DAY:

Downtown during the Welcome Back festival, sponsored by merchants and alumni for returning students. It is a major event and lots of people attend.

BEST PLACE TO EAT WHEN THE DINING HALL WON'T DO:

TD’s Sports Bar or Subway because they are both close to campus and have great deals. If you don’t mind a walk, then in two more minutes you can be at Moe’s Southwest Grill, Firehouse Subs, or the many other downtown dining locations.

WHERE YOU WANT TO BE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT:

This is a tough question. In Clemson you can have fun wherever your friends are on a Saturday evening, whether it is in your room, downtown, or at a party somewhere.

WHAT WE WON'T LEARN ON THE CAMPUS TOUR:

There are several skunks on Clemson’s campus. If they are scared, they will spray.

CLASS THAT GETS STUDENTS TALKING:

Dr. Unks’ Education 441: Education in America Freshman and many sophomores are caught off-guard once they find out that Clemson offers a bowling class.

BEST WEEKEND FOR FRIENDS TO VISIT:

Friends can come down during any Saturday that there is a home game. They might not want to come down during family weekend, though, unless they want to hang with parents as well.

SIX WORDS ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE THAT SAY IT ALL:

Fun, educational, diverse, unique, environment-friendly, amazing.

Clemson University

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