Frequently Asked Questions
Assignments
Q: When will I receive my housing assignment?
A: Exchange students - Assignments are usually e-mailed by the middle of July. Included with your assignment will be a link to find your roommate(s) name(s) and contact information.
American students – Continuing students should apply for and receive a non-CEC assignment during the regular assignment process either through It’s Your Choice” or the standard time frame in March. See Housing Web-page for more information.
CEC assignments are all made by hand and can change right up until move in. We try our best to have them confirmed by July 31 so you can have time to contact your apartment/roommates before arriving on campus.
Q: Can you give me my roommate's home telephone number?
A: Yes, if the student has given permission to do so on his/her housing application.
Q: If I'm unhappy when I get my assigned room or roommate, can I get it changed before school opens? How?
A: It is our goal to make everyone happy with their room and roommate assignment. Even after assignments are made, we will continue to work to accommodate your preferences. If you want us to change something about your assignment, send email to [email protected] immediately explaining your preferences. Be sure to include your CUID#. While we can't guarantee the change you want, we promise we will try our best to honor your request.
Q: Do I have to live on campus?
A: No. Although you are not required to live on campus while you are here, this Living-Learning Community cannot exist unless the beds reserved for it are filled each semester. The staff at Clemson work very hard to provide you with the best opportunities to experience a diverse cultural experience. Having the opportunity to share a living space with students form American as well as many other cultures is a unique experience.
Q: When can I move into my room? Can I move in early?
A: All new students can start moving in the Saturday before classes begin (8 a.m.). All continuing students can start moving in the following Sunday (8 a.m.). In general, our staff is preparing buildings up to the last minute, so moving in earlier is not an option.
Q: What if after two days, I discover that I can't live with my roommate(s)?
A: Of course, we do not want anyone to be miserable. Both the residence hall staff and Mell Hall staff are available to assist you. Room change information will come through your Resident Assistant and email.
Q: Can I be released from my housing contract and move off campus in December?
A: The University housing contract is a legally binding document, and it is for the academic year. Students are encouraged first to contact the Assignments Office with concerns regarding the contract cancellation process. If the concerns are not resolved satisfactorily, the student is encouraged to submit such concerns to the Appeals Committee. Exchange students who stay ends in December will have their contracts ended at that time without penalty. All students who are leaving campus in December and not returning in January are required to complete the appropriate forms in Mell Hall.
Q: If I have questions once I've settled in, who can answer these?
A: All university housing facilities are staffed with Resident Assistants and a Resident Director. Generally Resident Assistants are undergraduate students living on the floor with total responsibility for that area. Resident Directors are graduate students also residing in the building. Additionally, each community is staffed with an Area Coordinator. This staff member is a full-time, professional Housing employee.
Q: When are Housing applications due?
A: Exchange students should complete their housing applications on-line as soon as they get their acceptance to the university. If you have problems or questions email Darlene Mahaffey.
Facilities
Q: What do I do if something is wrong in the room?
A: The maintenance staff in University Housing will respond to almost 100% of the problems reported. If you need to report a problem, fill out a maintenance request on the Housing Web page or at the front desk of the building where you live. You can also call the Housing Maintenance office at 656-5450 to report a problem. The office is open from 8 a.m.–midnight 7 days a week. For emergency service after these hours, please contact your Resident Assistant or the Resident Director on duty.
Q: Can we have a pet?
A: Yes, FISH ONLY! And only in a 10 gallon or smaller aquarium.
General
Q: Where is card access available?
A: See information at http://tiger1.clemson.edu/card_access/. Residents of Calhoun Courts will need card access to gain entrance to the commons building during certain hours.
Q: Can we have opposite sex overnight guests in our rooms?
A: Calhoun Courts has self-regulated visitation. Under this policy, guests must be escorted at all times during their visit, and residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
Self-regulated visitation: Visitation hours in the apartment/suite areas are set by mutual agreement among roommates or suite mates at the beginning of each year or when occupancy changes.
Q: How can I get my post office box?
A: You may sign up for a post office box online when you pay your fees. The rental is good from August to August.
Q: How can I find out what my Post Office Box number is? Is this associated with housing?
A: Your PO Box is not associated with housing. You will be able to get your PO Box when you pay your tuition and other fees. You may call the USPS Clemson office for more information at 864-656-2351.
Q: How do I sign up for a meal plan?
A: You can choose a meal plan on the web at tigerweb.clemson.edu. or when you have your ID created once you get to campus.
Q: How can I get telephone service in my room or apartment?
A: If you would like telephone service in your room or apartment, you may contact the Telecommunications Office to have the service connected. For more information, you may email the Telecommunications Office or you may stop by their office in the Hendrix Center. Remember to bring your own telephone. Telecommunications will service your telephone line but not your telephone.
CUID Number
Q: What is a CUID number?
A: CUID refers to your Clemson University Identification Number. It’s a unique, nine-digit number that serves as your student ID number. Note: this number is initially assigned to you upon your application to the University as an “application” number. When you were accepted, it automatically became your permanent CUID number.
Q: Where do I find my CUID number?
A: You should have received your CUID number in your Admissions Acceptance packet.
Q: Why is it important?
A: Your CUID number uniquely identifies you from all other Clemson University students, current or past. It functions much like your Social Security number in that it identifies, and attaches to, all your records. Therefore, it should be considered “guarded” information.
Q: How do I use it?
A: First, you will use your CUID number to look-up your USERID. Afterward, you will use it for just about everything. Every record you inquire about at Clemson will require it. Almost every time you call or stop by a campus office for assistance, you will need to know your CUID number. Memorize it immediately.
USERID
Q: What is a USERID?
A: Upon acceptance, you were assigned a Clemson University computer user identification. This is a permanent, unique-to-you identifier that you will use every time you access the Clemson computer network (which will be everyday, all through the day). You may see or hear it referred to as your USER Name. It also designates your official Clemson University email address (for example, [email protected], where “Jones2” is the USERID).
If this is your first time using the Clemson network, you will need to look-up your USERID as the first step in the housing application process.
Q: Where do I find my USERID?
A: You may look up your USERID via the main Clemson University website (under CCIT - Clemson Computing and Information Technology). However, you will also look it up as part of this housing application process.
Q: Why is it important?
A: It is your “key” to all of the information and technology services of the entire Clemson computer network. You will use your USERID multiple times everyday to complete class work, check your University email account, access your records and bills, etc.
Q: How do I use it?
A: It may help to think of your USERID as your official “screen name”* at Clemson. Your USERID, along with a valid password that you create, is your admittance to the Clemson computer network (including the use of many special applications like the Online Housing Application, Orientation sign-up, class registration, and the like).
* - be sure to start checking your Clemson email account so you don't miss out on any news or announcements that might come there before you get to campus.
Passwords
Q: What is my Password?
A: Your initial password is the last four digits of your “901” number. However, the first time you login to the Clemson University network, you will be required to change your password to something known only to you (for security).
REMEMBER: NEVER GIVE YOUR NEW PASSWORD TO ANYONE ELSE!
Q: Is it required?
A: Yes. Your password, used in conjunction with your USERID, is the “key” that allows you to access the Clemson computer network and all of its services. You cannot access the system without a valid USERID and a current (non-expired) password.
Q: Why must I change it?
A: Clemson requires that you change your password at your first login to ensure that your information is kept as secure as possible. Although using the last four digits of your Social Security number is a reasonably safe start, it is not as secure as something you create. Once that’s done, then your password is known only to you; and you should maintain it as such.
Q: How do I change it?
A: You may change your password via the main Clemson University website (under CCIT - Clemson Computing and Information Technology). However, you will be required to change it immediately upon your first login to the Clemson network anyway.
IMPORTANT: Your new password must be at least five characters and no longer than eight. The University recommends that your password be all numeric to allow you access to records (like your bill) through certain telephone access systems. For security purposes, longer is better; but no more than eight digits.
Q: What if I forget my password?
A: Be sure to memorize it immediately. If you forget your new password, the Housing Office staff cannot assist you. Your only recourse with a forgotten password is to call the CCIT Help Desk at (864) 656-3494 and request that your “ Netware Password” be re-set. You will then have to log back into the system and change your password again.
REMEMBER: NEVER GIVE YOUR NEW PASSWORD TO ANYONE ELSE!
Q: Will I ever have to change my password again (after initial login)?
A: Yes. In fact, Clemson University requires all network user passwords for students, faculty and staff to be changed periodically (about every three months) to enhance the security of the system and protect the individual’s information.
Payments
Q: What is the $50 payment?
A: It is an application processing fee.
Q: Is it required?
A: Yes. The system will not accept your application or contract without the $50 payment
Q: Is the payment refundable?
A: No. The $50 payment is not a deposit; it is a processing fee. Therefore, it is not refundable.
Q: How do I pay?
A: You may use your credit or debit card and pay online.
Q: Should I print a copy of my payment receipt?
A: Yes. Once you have paid online, be sure to print a copy of your payment receipt.
Q: Is this a “secure” site?
A: Yes. Our system runs on a secure server using the latest encryption software.
Q: Can I apply online and then send my payment by mail?
A: No. The payment must accompany the contract and application.
General
Q: Why will the system not accept my login?
A: Access to the online Housing Application is restricted to only newly accepted students. Normally, this means incoming freshmen. Newly accepted transfer students and/or new graduate students are also allowed access if and when the University offers housing to those students (space dependent).
A successful login requires the use of a valid Clemson University USERID and a current (non-expired) Password. Specific information about these items is contained elsewhere in this FAQ.
Q: What if I need to change something on a previous page during my application process?
A: Simply click the “Back” button on your web browser until you reach the section you wish to change. Make the change and continue with your application.
Q: What if I need to change one (or more) of my preferences after submitting my application?
A: You may change any of your housing preferences up until May 1. Every time you revisit the site, you will see a housing preferences summary page that will reflect the most recent selections stored by our system. Since you will most likely be completing your application after the May 1 date, Email changes to Darlene Mahaffey. Be sure to include your name and CUID# in all correspondence.
Q: Do I need to print copies of my application pages?
A: Yes. We strongly recommend that you print a copy of your preferences summary page upon completion of your application and also after any changes are made later. That way, you will always have a copy of your most up-to-date selections should you have any questions.
Q: Why am I getting these error messages? What do they mean?
A: Error messages are intended to help you resolve any issues with your application while you are still logged into our system. I f you cannot clear the message, email Darlene Mahaffey for help. Be sure to include your full name and CUID# in all correspondence.
Q: I’m trying to submit preferences or make changes, but the system won’t accept them – What’s up with that?
A: It could be a server problem (our end) or a browser problem (your end). If you are sure that your computer and web browser are operating properly (try accessing other sites), then it may be a temporary problem within our system. If you suspect this is the case, simply logout and retry later in the day or the next day. If the same problem exists, say 24 hours later, please call us at (864) 656-2295.
Q: How can I be sure that the system actually accepted and stored my choices (or changes)?
A: Once you have completed your application, and every time you revisit the site, you will see a summary of your most recent preferences – the ones currently stored by our system. From that summary page, you may click on any selection to change it (up until May 1). We strongly recommend that you print a copy of your preferences summary page upon completion of your application and also after any session in which you make changes.
Q: What if I have tried everything and it’s just not working?
A: Fear not! Help is just a phone call away. Feel free to call us anytime during regular business hours. Our main phone line is (864) 656-2295 and is staffed 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday.
Exchange Students can call the main line or call Darlene Mahaffey directly at 864-656-4663.
