New Student Checklist
Commit to Clemson.
Congratulations! You’ve been admitted and are officially joining the Clemson Family. There are a few important steps to complete to reserve your spot for your first semester. As soon as you’re ready to commit to Clemson, follow the first three steps to secure your place. Then, review the additional steps to prepare for your first day of class.
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Visit your Clemson admissions portal
Your Clemson admissions portal will have important information and next steps for enrolling at Clemson University. We encourage you to visit this portal often for updates and to complete enrollment tasks.
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Complete your Decision Reply form
Visit your Clemson admissions portal to indicate your plan to enroll at Clemson. Your response is nonbinding. This form must be completed before you can pay your enrollment deposit.
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Pay your deposit
All incoming first-year and transfer students must pay a nonrefundable $200 deposit online through their Clemson admissions portal. Deposits are due by midnight EST of the deadline date. The deposit will be applied toward the tuition and fees for the semester you begin your studies at Clemson.
Note: For students enrolling in Summer classes, the deposit will be applied toward the tuition and fees for the Fall semester.
If you have a question about the entry date listed on your application, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before submitting the deposit.
Prepare for your first semester.
Now that you’ve committed to Clemson, it’s time to get ready for your first semester on campus. Review the following steps carefully and complete the ones that apply to your academic path.

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Activate your Clemson username
- You will need your Clemson University ID (e.g., C12345678) and username activation code, both available in your Clemson admissions portal.
- If you need the code resent by email, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or ithelp@clemson.edu.
- Go to myusername.clemson.edu and follow the onboarding process.
- Use the provided step-by-step instructions to enroll a device in Duo Security for two-factor authentication (2FA), which is required to access secure systems like iROAR.
- Once you know your Clemson University username and password, completely close your browser and open a new session.
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Set up your Clemson email
As a new student, you'll automatically receive a Microsoft Exchange Online mailbox within two business days of receiving your admissions decision. Your username will be your full Clemson username@clemson.edu, and your password is the one set during onboarding.
For more details, visit the CCIT New Student website.
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Prepare to access iROAR
iROAR is the system where you will register for classes during Orientation, view your financial aid offer, pay your student bill and much more.
To log in to iROAR, you will use your activated Clemson username and the password you set up during student onboarding.
If you are accessing iROAR off-campus, you will need to use the Clemson Virtual Private Network (VPN). Make sure you have registered for DUO two-factor authentication before accessing the VPN.
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Meet financial aid deadlines
Check with Financial Aid for deadline information. Financial aid applicants are notified of their awards beginning in the spring.
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Sign up for New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation helps incoming undergraduates transition to college life, fostering discussion among students, parents, faculty and staff. The program includes both virtual and optional in-person components.
New Student Orientation for Finances is an online session where you can learn from financial aid and services representatives about using financial aid, paying your bill and more. Join one of the Zoom sessions for more information.
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Upload your photo for your TigerOne ID
The TigerOne credential is the official photo identification of Clemson University. Review the guidelines before uploading your photo to ensure an acceptable photo is submitted.
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Submit medical forms to Redfern Health Center
All students are required to submit the Student Immunization Form with documentation of required immunizations before registration. Redfern Health Center also offers student health insurance options for undergraduate students.
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Take placement tests
Placement in introductory math courses is based on your SAT or ACT math scores. However, you can take the Clemson Math Placement Test (CMPT) to try to improve your placement.
If your intended major requires a modern language and you plan to take French, German or Spanish, you must take the Clemson Modern Language Placement Test (CMLPT) before registering for a modern language course during Orientation.
Your scores on these placement tests are essential to your academic advising session during Orientation.
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View transfer credits
Admitted students with transfer, AP/IB or dual-enrollment credits can review their transfer credit evaluation. To access your transfer credit summary, use your Clemson username and password. Instructions for activation are under “Activate your Clemson username.”
Be sure to print your transfer credit summary and bring it to Orientation for your academic advising session.
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Submit legal presence verification
South Carolina state law requires all state institutions of higher education to verify legal presence in the United States. All students will be asked to provide documentation to confirm their current legal presence in order to enroll and attend classes. Documentation must be uploaded electronically through the Legal Presence Documentation Portal.
Submit one item from the following list of documents as proof of your U.S. citizenship:
- A completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid to Clemson), if not yet submitted (Clemson’s code number is 003425)
- A valid driver's license or identification card issued from any of the following states: South Carolina, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine (issued after November 15, 2008), Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
- A current U.S. passport
- An original U.S. or U.S. territory birth certificate (not a hospital certificate)
- A certificate of naturalization
- U.S. government-issued consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship
You will have 30 days after classes start to declare your legal presence without penalty.
Make Clemson Home.
Now that you’ve completed the necessary academic steps, it’s time to focus on your life outside the classroom. From choosing your residence hall to exploring student organizations, take these final steps to prepare for life on campus and your first day as a Clemson student.

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Apply for housing
Your admissions deposit must be paid before you can apply for housing. Please allow 24 hours for processing. New student housing application contracts will be available online starting February 14 for Fall or Summer semester students and November 1 for Spring semester students.
Visit University Housing for the application and more details. Note that first-year housing applications for Fall and Summer are due by May 15. First-year students are guaranteed housing and required to live on campus. Transfer students are offered on-campus housing as space allows.
Housing priority is based on your application date to the University, not the housing application date, as well as roommate status and community choice.
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Order your student parking permit
Students are required to obtain a parking permit before parking on campus. If you plan to bring a car with you to Clemson, visit Parking and Transportation Services to preorder your student parking permit before arrival. Campus residents now have virtual permits. Your license plate is your permit, so you will not receive a physical permit in the mail.
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Purchase a laptop
All Clemson students are required to own a laptop. You can bring any laptop that meets the minimum specifications, but the University recommends specific Apple and Windows laptops each year. Students who use the recommended laptops receive both software and hardware support from CCIT.
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Pay your bill
Bills are available online in mid-July for the Fall semester. Payment Plans are also available. For additional information or questions, please contact Student Financial Services.
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Explore student clubs and organizations
Familiarize yourself with the 600+ student clubs and organizations on campus before arriving. From fraternities and sororities to the performing arts and politics, there’s a group for every interest. There are also more than 50 intramural and club sports to choose from.
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Prepare for move-in
You must have your parking pass when you arrive on campus. If you’re moving to campus, be sure to visit University Housing for move-in times and procedures.
Start the semester strong.
This is where your Clemson Journey officially begins. Attend the first on-campus activities scheduled for you and your peers. Make new friends, meet President Clements and start building a foundation for a successful first semester.


Attend Weeks of Welcome activities.
Welcome Week is when first-year students move to campus for the Fall semester. Through online and in-person activities, the Clemson Family helps you settle in, make friends and set you up for academic success. For more details, visit Tiger Transition: Weeks of Welcome.