1. 55 Exchange Smoothies
I first discovered 55 Exchange as a first-semester freshman at Clemson. Smoothies have always been a favorite treat of mine and finding out that Clemson had its own ice cream shop on campus was the best news that I could have ever received. I would frequently make trips to 55 Exchange on Saturdays or every other Wednesday to get strawberry pineapple smoothies. This became something that I began to look forward to every week.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Bagels from Einstein’s
I am forever grateful to Clemson University for introducing me to the great Einstein Bros. Bagels. I had never tasted their bagels before coming to Clemson, as most of their locations are on college campuses. This place became part of my weekly routine also, treating myself to a bagel on Fridays after I finished my last class for the week. Specifically, the cinnamon sugar bagels were a favorite of mine. I frequented this restaurant so much during my freshman year that the staff had my order memorized: one cinnamon sugar bagel with honey butter schmear and medium white mocha, hot, with whole milk. Einstein's will always hold a special place in my heart.
3. Chick-fil-A Lunch Breaks
Another favorite pastime during my early days at Clemson was lunch dates with my friends at the campus Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A was always a clutch move for when I was spending a long day in a lab and had time to leave and grab lunch or when I wanted breakfast after an 8:00 AM class. On days where I was about to miss breakfast, I would race out of my class, hoping that I would not miss the last batch of chicken biscuits. The food court that held the campus Chick-fil-A was always blasting 90s and 2000s jams, which was also a big draw for me personally.
4. Weekend House Parties
House parties were something that I was originally hesitant about. I did not go out my entire first year at Clemson. I also did not have my car freshman year so thank God I did not have that desire then. However, before sophomore year I told myself I was going to start going out now that I had my car. When the first semester of my sophomore year started, I made plans with my friends to go to our first Clemson party. The party was in a small apartment pool clubhouse and the inside of it felt like I had walked into an oven. Bodies were on bodies and people were pressed against each other tightly. I told my friend to grab my hand to make sure we didn't lose each other. There was a raised platform where some guys were standing and shining lights into the crowd. The police eventually showed up and shut down the party. Upon their arrival, everyone started going in every direction trying to escape. Some people climbed through windows. When I got outside and corralled all of my friends, I even saw someone back into another car and drive off. That was the wildest introduction to the Clemson party scene that I could have ever hoped for.
5. Game Days
I am not a big football fan. I said this to someone at Clemson and they acted as I had just insulted their mother. It does not bother me. I was never a big fan of sports. It just so happened that I decided to come to a school with a top tier football time. However, the few times that I did decide to go to football games, they were moments that I consider special. I even went to Clemson's last home game during my senior year and got to take a picture with President Clements. The good thing about going to Clemson was that I automatically got bragging rights on our football team (2017 College Football Playoff National Champions) even though I could really care less about the sport itself. There is really nothing like game days in Tiger town, as cliché as that sounds.
6. Scheduling Classes
One thing I subconsciously avoided but also got a rush from was scheduling classes for the following semester on iROAR. This was especially exciting when I got accepted into the major I graduated in, Communications, after two changes of major. There were certain classes that I was excited to take, i.e. "Human Sexual Behavior," that were popular electives among students, as well as other classes I wanted to take that were related to subjects I cared about or could aid my future career, such as "Intro to Public Relations." The only downside is that the major I switched into was extremely competitive and all the most critical and popular classes were always quickest to fill up, resulting in students having to email professors to ask them if more seats could be opened.
7. Standing in Line to Buy Textbooks
One pastime that I used to dread, but was glad when it was over, was buying my textbooks for the semester. Typically, I would order them online and come pick them up when I received the confirmation email. I would always go to the book store and see friends and acquaintances that I would stop to catch up with and ask them about their summers and what their plans were for the semester. It was a refreshing way to get excited for the things to come in the semester. However, I know for a fact that I did not use every single material that was required for my classes. Someone owes me a refund asap!
8. Weekend Netflix Binges
A favorite pastime of mine during college was weekend Netflix binges. I thank Netflix for getting me through the majority of college. I knew I was never truly alone as long as I had my group of shows to keep me company. Thank you Scandal, Breaking Bad, American Horror Story, Bates Motel, The 100, etc. for being with me as I recovered from all-nighters and packed schedules during the week. Without Netflix, I know I would not have been exposed to a lot of great TV shows. All I needed was some good food and a good TV show and I was set. This was also a good break for me when I would come home from a long day of classes and eat dinner and watch a show before studying and doing homework for the night. I can say confidently that I have watched some of the best series in existence with Netflix.
9. Homecoming
Another Clemson tradition was homecoming. With parades and celebrations, as well as parties, there are so many events held every year. Homecoming is special because it is a time when alumni come back to catch up with each other and there are tailgates and parties to attend. It feels good to get dressed up and go to a homecoming party with your friends and see people who you have not seen in a while.
10. Watching TV Shows with Twitter
Something that I began looking forward to weekly in college was watching popular shows with other Clemson students in my social circle and live tweeting during the episode. This was done with television shows, award shows, and news events. Empire and American Horror Story always provided the best reactions and commentary on twitter due to the shock value of the shows. We would talk about who we wanted to see at the Grammys and celebrity embarrassments at the MTV Video Music Awards. The tone would become more serious and combative when something controversial would happen, such as the Cripmas Party incident during my freshman year, which hit close to home. However, sharing moments with twitter is something that I still love to this day.
No matter where you go, college is a time for making memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Clemson University provided me with numerous places to make memories in and moments that I will carry with me as I move on to the next chapters of my life. Thank you Clemson for all you have done for me. "...Here the sons of dear Old Clemson, Reign supreme alway."
