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renting for

International Students

Privately renting can present issues for international students, especially when trying to organize accommodation from outside the country.

A lack of understanding of a country’s legal process for renting, and not being present to view properties, can make it difficult to organize in your first year of study. It is also important to be aware of potential rental scams aimed at international students.

Before signing a rental agreement, ensure the business or landlord is credible and that the property you are renting is in a good area of town for students. This is usually easy to find out, as students often live in the same areas of a town or city.

Dockside Information

At Dockside, we recognize the challenges students may face as first year international students trying to find housing accommodations. Our staff will work directly with you to find a solution to help you get qualified to reside at Dockside. Dockside has two programs to assist international students with getting qualified. Dockside works with all students attending Clemson University and surrounding universities and colleges.

Dockside rental terms

Dockside offers lease terms that may accommodate various visa programs including:

  • Degree Seeking Students at Clemson University or surrounding schools
  • Short Term Scholars at Clemson University or surrounding schools
  • Non-Degree Students at Clemson University or surrounding schools
  • International Student Interns
  • Research Scholars at Clemson University or surrounding schools
  • Doctorate Students at Clemson University or surrounding schools
https://docksideclemson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Amenities-Section-scaled.jpeg

Live music. Hammocks.

Community Amenities

Dockside offers many amenities that make life easier as a Clemson student. We have everything you need to be successful and enjoy your time at Clemson without ever needing to leave your home.

  • Shuttle to campus. No car? No problem!
  • On site 24-hour fitness center with virtual training, yoga studio, and tanning – No need to purchase a gym membership.
  • Study rooms for groups or individuals.
  • Resort-style pool with cabanas, sun shelf, and splash pad.
  • Lake access via our private dock.
  • Game room.
  • Performance stage for live music.
  • Outdoor kitchen, grills, and dining areas.
  • Public green space with outdoor games and hammocks.
  • Weekly resident events where you can meet and get to know your neighbors.
  • 24-hour emergency maintenance and on site management staff to assist with any needs you may have.
  • Controlled access gates and buildings.
  • All utilities are included or billed back through your Dockside resident portal. No need to pay deposits and make additional payments for utilities.
  • Roommate matching and individual leasing.
  • Various retail vendors on site which eliminate the need to travel around town. Grab a meal with friends at Your Pie, Tap In: Putts & Brews, attend fitness classes HotWorx or Elevate Spin, or get pampered at Dazzling Nails and Spa or Rio Brazilian Wax!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Can I live at Dockside Clemson if I do not have a social security number?

    Yes!

  • How long of lease term do I need to sign?

    The standard term is a 12-month lease term which begins in August and ends in July. Please contact our staff directly about the availability of short-term options or reletting.

  • What is required for an international student to qualify to live at Dockside?

    All students must qualify using one of our qualification methods which are listed below.

    Program 1: Leap Program

    Leap provides an alternative (or substitute) for a guarantor via a third-party vendor. International
    students are automatically approved to be enrolled in the Leap Guarantor Waiver Fee program
    at a low monthly cost. Non-students are not eligible for the monthly Guarantor Waiver Fee
    program but can apply for the Leap bond program directly through their website.

    Program 2: Guarantor

    Provide a guarantor who is able to pass a credit check and makes 3x the monthly rental
    installment. The guarantor must reside in the United States and a social security number is
    required. There is no monthly fee associated with this option.

  • What if I do not have a roommate?

    Dockside offers roommate matching so you do not need to have a roommate or roommates in mind to live with us. Each resident fills out several interest questions during the application process which is used to match you with the best fit available. We also offer individual leasing so that your lease is for your room only. There is no need to worry about sharing rent or utility costs with others as everything is billed individually.

  • Do I need to move out during Summer or Winter break?

    No. Unlike the dorms, Dockside does not close during Winter or Summer breaks. You will be able to reside in your apartment for the entirety of the lease term.

  • If I do not have a vehicle, will it be difficult to get around?

    Dockside has many amenities and retail spaces so that you may never need to leave the community! However, we are also centrally located so that it is easy to navigate around Clemson. We have a shuttle which picks up Dockside residents onsite and will take you to campus. We are also a walk away from downtown.

Local Airports

The Clemson University Tiger Transit Holiday Airport Shuttle provides students with free transportation between main campus and Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charlotte-Douglas (CLT) International Airports. All rides are posted and booked through clemsonbus.com using your @clemson.edu email address. Get more information on Clemson airport shuttles here.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is the closest (and oftentimes the more
affordable) airport to Clemson. It is a 55 minute drive away.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 2 hours and 40 minutes from Clemson.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ( ATL) is 2 hours and 15 minutes from
Clemson.

Local Hotels

While Clemson has many hotel options, the following are local in close proximity to Dockside with varying but reasonable rates.

BEST WESTERN (1.4 mi away) Many students choose to stay at the Best Western as they host many of the new student activities in Clemson due to their large reception area.
1310 Tiger Blvd, Clemson, SC 29631

HAMPTON INN (0.1 mi away) This hotel is located directly across Tiger Blvd from Dockside which makes it the ideal location for someone wanting a hotel close to the property.
851 Tiger Blvd, Clemson, SC 29631

COURTYARD BT MARRIOTT (2.3 mi away)
201 Canoy Ln, Clemson, SC 29631

Recommended Local Dining

ALDI is less than 0.7 miles away from Dockside and is the ideal grocery store for those residents without vehicles.

YOUR PIE is located onsite at Dockside. Located on the ground floor of building 2, you can dine inside or take advantage of the lakeside views by dining on their outdoor patio. Your Pie offers brick oven baked pizzas, salads, pasta, and gelato.
www.yourpie.com

PALMETTOS SMOKEHOUSE & OYSTER BAR is located 3.1 miles from Dockside and offers a variety of southern staples such as South Carolina smoked meats and seafood.
www.palmettosclemson.com

TRADITIONS ON THE LAKE is located 1.2 miles from Dockside and offers classic American cuisine with a southern twist.
https://www.traditionsonthelake.com/