tcarchitect1986

I did figure out my housing situation. I found a really nice place right off campus owned by a young couple renting out their rooms. It's a pretty safe neighborhood too. I graduated from Clemson last year, in 2009. I don't think there are many people entering our program (it says only 10 on the class roster), and I'm assuming we're the only two from Clemson. I'll send you a message.

International students really seem to enjoy their experience at Clemson. Most international students are from Asia and India, but there are a few students from Africa and Europe as well. I enjoyed getting to know some international students. I sincerely doubt anyone is going to throw bananas at you (lol). Clemson students are generally tolerant of people of a different race, nationality, etc, and the south as a whole is becoming a much more cosmopolitan place...at least that's how I feel.

I've finally decided to go to Temple. However, hearing things like this and seeing that most of the off campus housing options would involve sharing a room anyway, I think I'm more inclined towards looking for housing elsewhere in the city. I would prefer walking distance to class but I can settle for public transportation. However, I think my main thing is just fining a neighborhood geared towards students, and roomate(s) who are also students....does anyone have any tips on how to go about looking for a roommate?

I'm a Clemson alum, Class of 2009. I'm also from the Philadelphia area, so maybe I could give you insight on what it's like for a Yankee going to Clemson. Clemson as a whole is definitely a conservative, rural campus, but it is also a great college town. You could knock it for being isolated, but what I liked best about going there as an undergrad was that the campus community is so strong and unified, and fellow students, faculty, even the folks at the bookstore and supplies stores downtown are friendly and 100% willing to help you with whatever work you're trying to do. It makes for a really good academic environment. The town may not have tons of stuff to do, but downtown Clemson has plenty of bars along College Ave., some more frat-oriented, some more alternative, some more crowded, some more off the beat and track. School spirit is intense. There's nothing like tailgaiting during football weekend....the town of Clemson goes from a town of 30,000 to a city of 100,000+ overnight, then reverts back to a small town again. Living at Clemson, or anywhere in SC, is definitely an adjustment for anyone from outside the Southeast. The people are friendly and laid back, and the pace of things is generally slower than the rest of the country. I generally always felt welcome down there, although they did like to tease me for being a yank...haha... I am glad I went to Clemson, but I will admit that I got sort of bored with it by senior year and I've decided to go to a city school for my graduate studies. Clemson is certainly not for everybody, really no campus is. I would highly recommend you visit before you choose to go there.

mltannenbaum, When did you hear from NC State? I have been waiting....and waiting...and waiting..... A friend of mine who is also applying called today and said they should send out all of the decisions early next week, although when I last called this past Monday they said they hoped to have them posted by today. Who knows how much longer it will take....I've heard back from my other 4 schools. I am leaning towards going to Temple but may go to NC State....esp. if they offer an assistantship/scholarship, etc., so I don't want to make a decision until I hear from them.

Two neighborhoods near Temple that I've had a lot of people recommend to me are Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Both are southeast of campus close to the river and from what I understand are young, growing areas and are both relatively safe. I think that Fishtown is the less expensive of the two, and it's also closer to campus. I can't say much more though because I haven't really had a good look at either. Everywhere else in North Philly besides right on campus I would probably rule out. Unfortunately North Philly is the worst part of the city. You could also look into South Philly, east of Broad (I hear west of Broad doesn't have the safest neighborhoods)...I know a guy who went there for undergrad and commuted on the Broad St. Line regularly from the Broad & Snyder stop, 15-20 min. either way, and had no problems...and it's a direct line to campus so that might be easier for you than Northern Liberties or Fishtown if you don't have a car. Wish I could provide you with more insight...Right now I think I'm just going to look into the "off campus" housing (which is actually on campus) that they have for upperclassmen and grad students, b/c I'd like to be in walking distance of arch. studio and meet some fellow students. But, I haven't gotten too far into that process because I haven't accepted my offer of admission yet...though I hope to be able to do that soon. Hope you find the right place!

I have been accepted to the new Master of Architecture program. I feel 80% certain that's where I will go. I grew up in the suburbs of Philly and I'm dying to live in the city, so this is my chance.