Transferring to Clemson University is an exciting change, but it also comes with a long list of decisions. Along with transferring credits, choosing classes, and learning your way around campus, you need to find a comfortable place to live.
Orchard Clemson offers cottage-style off-campus housing for Clemson transfer students who want private bedrooms, spacious shared living areas, on-site parking, and convenient access to campus and everyday essentials.
The community is located at 708 Old Central Road in Central, South Carolina, 2.7 miles from Clemson University. Nearby shopping options include CVS, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Publix Super Market at Gateway Village.
Why Transfer Students Choose Off-Campus Housing Near Clemson
Clemson University does not require transfer students to live on campus, meaning many transfer students begin looking at off-campus communities before arriving in Clemson.
Choosing off-campus housing can give transfer students:
- More control over their living arrangements
- Private bedroom options
- Access to on-site parking
- Space to live with friends or other transfer students
- Pet-friendly housing choices
- Access to community study and recreation amenities
- The ability to compare floor plans and lease terms
At Orchard Clemson, residents live in individual cottage-style homes rather than a traditional residence hall or multistory apartment building.
Is Orchard Clemson a Good Option for Clemson Transfer Students?
Orchard Clemson can be a practical choice for transfer students who want to live near Clemson University without depending on limited on-campus availability.
Each resident has a private bedroom, while the three-, four-, and five-bedroom cottages include shared kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms. This setup gives transfer students personal space while still making it easy to meet roommates and build a new community.
Residents also have access to study rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, an outdoor basketball court, an indoor clubhouse, and an outdoor fireplace.
Clemson Transfers From Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College is an important transfer pathway to Clemson University.
Clemson and Tri-County jointly operate the Bridge to Clemson Program, an invitation-only program in which students complete their first year at Tri-County before enrolling at Clemson during their second year after meeting the program’s academic requirements. Clemson also supports other pathways designed to help eligible Tri-County students transfer into Clemson programs.
Students transferring independently from Tri-County or another college should follow Clemson’s transfer-admission process and confirm how their credits apply to their intended degree.
Bridge to Clemson students should review the program’s separate housing requirements because their first-year housing arrangements may differ from those of standard transfer students.
How Far Is Orchard Clemson From Clemson University?
Orchard Clemson is 2.7 miles from Clemson University.
Most residents drive to campus and use Clemson’s commuter parking lots. The community is also located along the Clemson Area Transit Red Route, providing another transportation option for reaching Clemson and the surrounding area.
Bus routes and operating schedules may change, so residents should review the current CATbus schedule when planning their commute.
What Stores Are Near Orchard Clemson?
Transfer students may arrive in Clemson without already knowing where to shop for groceries, prescriptions, school supplies, and other everyday necessities.
CVS
CVS is 1.7 miles from Orchard Clemson, or about a seven-minute drive depending on traffic.
A nearby pharmacy can be helpful for filling prescriptions, purchasing over-the-counter medicine, printing photos, or picking up toiletries and other basic necessities.
Walmart Neighborhood Market
The Clemson Walmart Neighborhood Market is 1.9 miles from Orchard Clemson, or about a six-minute drive.
The store is located at 680 Old Greenville Highway in Clemson and offers groceries and other household essentials.
Publix Super Market at Gateway Village
Publix Super Market at Gateway Village is 2.2 miles from Orchard Clemson, or about an eight-minute drive.
Publix provides another nearby option for groceries, prepared food, household products, and weekly shopping.
Are Orchard Clemson Cottages Furnished?
No. Orchard Clemson cottages are unfurnished.
Residents need to bring their own bedroom, living-room, and dining-room furniture. For transfer students, that may mean coordinating with roommates before move-in to decide who will bring shared items such as a sofa, dining table, television stand, lamps, and common-area decorations.
Although the cottages are unfurnished, every residence includes a 65-inch Smart TV in the living room and all major kitchen appliances.
What Appliances Are Included?
Each Orchard Clemson cottage includes:
- Refrigerator
- Range and oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washer and dryer
- 65-inch Smart TV
Having a washer and dryer inside the cottage means residents do not need to use a shared residence-hall laundry room or transport their clothing to a laundromat.
Transfer students should still plan to bring smaller household items such as cookware, dishes, utensils, a coffee maker, bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies.
What Floor Plans Are Available?
Orchard Clemson offers several floor plans for individuals and roommate groups.
Studio
Designed for students who prefer to live alone.
Aspen
The Aspen includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms in 1,400 square feet.
It can be a good fit for three transfer students or friends who want private bedrooms and a shared common area.
Driftwood
The Driftwood includes four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms in 1,800 square feet.
The additional half bathroom can be useful when residents have classmates, friends, or family members visiting.
Magnolia
The Magnolia includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms in 2,250 square feet.
This is Orchard Clemson’s largest floor plan and offers substantial shared space for a larger roommate group.
Floor plan availability and pricing can change during the leasing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orchard Clemson Pet-Friendly?
Yes. Orchard Clemson allows both cats and dogs.
The community also has an on-site dog park where residents can exercise and socialize their pets. This can make Orchard Clemson particularly appealing to transfer students who plan to bring a pet when they move to the Clemson area.
Can Transfer Students Apply With Friends?
Yes. Transfer students can apply with friends or other intended roommates, subject to availability and approval.
Groups of three may be interested in the Aspen floor plan, groups of four may prefer the Driftwood, and groups of five may consider the Magnolia.
Every intended resident should complete the application, screening, deposit, guarantor, and lease requirements by the requested deadlines.
Applying early may provide more floor plan options, but placement together is not guaranteed until the leasing office confirms the assignment.
Is Parking Available?
Yes. Orchard Clemson provides on-site resident parking.
There is one parking space for every resident, along with several additional spaces. Residents must register their vehicles and obtain the required parking decal for the current lease term.
Transfer students who plan to drive to Clemson University must also follow the university’s parking rules and obtain the appropriate Clemson parking permit. The Orchard Clemson parking decal applies only to the residential community and does not provide permission to park on campus.
Is Internet Included?
No. Internet is not included in the base rent.
Wireless internet is provided to each unit by Vyve Broadband for a listed charge of $80 per month, payable through the online resident portal.
Service providers, speeds, fees, equipment, and billing arrangements can change. Residents should confirm the current internet terms before signing a lease.
Transfer students taking online or hybrid classes may also want to ask about:
- Available connection speeds
- Router and equipment requirements
- Installation procedures
- Technical-support options
- Whether the charge is per cottage or per resident
Are Utilities Included in Rent?
Utilities are not listed as included in the base monthly rent.
Applicants should ask which services are billed separately and whether charges are divided by bedroom, cottage, or actual household usage. Possible expenses may include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash service
- Internet
Roommates should discuss utility payments and household expectations before moving in.
How Long Are Lease Terms?
Orchard Clemson uses a 12-installment lease covering approximately 11 months and two weeks. The payment structure does not necessarily provide access to the cottage for 12 complete calendar months.
Transfer students should compare the official move-in and move-out dates with:
- Clemson orientation
- The first day of classes
- Final examinations
- Summer classes
- Internships
- Study-abroad plans
- Graduation dates
Applicants should carefully review the payment schedule, renewal provisions, subletting rules, and early termination terms before signing.
What Amenities Does Orchard Clemson Offer?
Orchard Clemson includes amenities for studying, exercising, socializing, and spending time outdoors.
Community amenities include:
- Study rooms
- 24-hour fitness center
- Resort-style swimming pool
- Outdoor basketball court
- Indoor clubhouse
- Outdoor fireplace
- Dog park
- Resident parking
- Visitor parking
These shared amenities can help transfer students meet neighbors and become part of the community while adjusting to life at Clemson.
How Can Transfer Students Get Involved at Clemson?
Living off campus does not prevent transfer students from participating in university life.
Clemson offers hundreds of student organizations covering academic interests, recreation, service, culture, professional development, and social activities.
Transfer students can also become more involved by:
- Attending transfer orientation and welcome events
- Joining student organizations
- Participating in intramural or club sports
- Using campus recreation facilities
- Attending Clemson athletic events
- Visiting professors during office hours
- Joining study groups
- Participating in volunteer or professional organizations
Making connections early can help a new campus feel familiar more quickly.
What Is the Address for Orchard Clemson?
Orchard Clemson is located at:
708 Old Central Road
Central, SC 29630
Find Transfer Student Housing Near Clemson University
Transferring to a new university involves more than registering for classes. Finding the right home can help make the transition feel more manageable.
Orchard Clemson offers off-campus housing near Clemson University with private bedrooms, cottage-style floor plans, on-site parking, study rooms, pet-friendly amenities, a 65-inch Smart TV, and convenient access to grocery stores and everyday necessities.
Contact the Orchard Clemson leasing team to check current availability, compare floor plans, confirm roommate-placement options, review fees and utility policies, and schedule a tour.