What is the best timeline for my Clemson apartment search?
At Clemson, the search for student housing starts way earlier than most freshmen expect. You might just be getting settled into college life, and it sounds crazy, but apartment leases for the next school year can start filling up as early as September or October. If you wait too long, especially past the new year, you’ll notice your options getting smaller and prices going up.
A good place to start is figuring out where you want to live. Do you want to be in the heart of downtown Clemson where you can walk to class, restaurants, and football games? Or are you okay with a short drive or shuttle ride? Apartments further from campus tend to be more affordable, but you’ll need to factor in transportation.
You’ll also want to think about your budget and how many people you’re planning to live with. Bigger apartments, like a 4‑bedroom, tend to go fast, especially since a lot of people try to sign with their friends. Start researching in September and tour a few places in person or online so you can narrow things down. Also, most student apartments require a guarantor—usually a parent or guardian who co‑signs your lease—so make sure to talk with your family early on about that.
Subleasing in Clemson
Plans change, and subleasing is super common in Clemson—whether you're studying abroad or transferring. If you think you might need to sublease at some point, make sure to check if your apartment allows it before you sign anything. Most places do, but some have strict policies or extra fees. We recommend you let the leasing office know when you are looking for a subleaser, as they often keep lists of available subleases. When it's time to make your sublease official, contact the leasing office to inquire about any necessary paperwork to make it official. If you do not alert the office and complete paperwork for the sublease, you and your guarantor will be responsible for any damages or past-due rent incurred by the subleaser.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Most Clemson apartments come fully furnished, including a bed, desk, couch, and even a TV in some places. Others come completely empty, which can be cheaper but takes more effort. If you’re moving from far away or don’t have a lot to bring, furnished might be the way to go. If you’re local or already have stuff, unfurnished can save you money. A lot of places let you choose, but keep in mind that furniture packages can add an extra $100–$200 per month to your rent.
Renewing Your Lease
Once you’re all settled into your new apartment, don’t forget that renewal season comes around fast. A lot of apartments in Clemson start sending out renewal offers as early as October, even if you've only been living there a month. The good news is that if you’re happy with your apartment and want to stay another year, you’ll usually get the chance to renew before the community opens leasing up to new students. This early window gives current residents a head start and often comes with the best pricing available.
Renewing early not only helps you lock in a good rate before prices rise, but it also saves you the major hassle of moving out and back in again, especially if you're staying in town over the summer. No storage units, no moving trucks, no stress. You can often stay in the same unit, which means you don’t have to repack your life or worry about finding another place.
If you’re on the fence about renewing, don’t panic. Apartments typically give you some time to decide. Just keep in mind that prices can go up with each new offer, and popular spots (especially downtown or close to campus) can fill up again just as quickly as the first time around. By the time you’re three months away from the end of your lease, most spots are already full—so make sure you’re checking emails and deadlines from your leasing office.
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