• Parents

A Parent's Guide to The Pier

Choosing off-campus housing is a big step. At The Pier, we’re obsessed with every detail of our resident experience with a hospitality-driven focus on convenience, connection, programming and proximity to campus. We’re here to make the leasing process as easy as possible for you and your student. This guide outlines what to expect at every stage, from leasing and budgeting to move-in and daily life at our community.

Individual Leasing What's Included Community Support Move-In Transportation Parent Involvement FAQ
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The Pier uses a by-the-bed leasing model, which is common in Clemson student housing. Here is what that means for your family in practical terms.

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What Is an Individual Lease?

With an individual lease, your student signs their own agreement for their assigned bedroom and shared access to the common areas in their home. They are responsible for their own monthly installment, not the full home or a roommate’s portion.

If a roommate transfers, graduates early, or misses a payment, your student’s financial responsibility does not increase because of that roommate’s situation.

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How the Guarantor Process Works

Most students do not yet have the income or credit history needed to qualify for a lease on their own. In many cases, a parent or guardian serves as a guarantor. A guarantor agrees to cover the financial responsibilities of the lease if the student cannot.

Because The Pier uses individual leases, the guarantor’s responsibility is tied to their student’s lease only. Guarantors are not responsible for roommates’ rent, damages, or other individual obligations.

What Guarantors Are Responsible For

Guarantors should review the lease carefully before signing. In general, guarantor responsibilities may include:

  • Monthly installment payments if the student cannot pay
  • Charges or damages tied to the student’s lease
  • Required fees or account balances associated with the student’s agreement
  • Not the financial obligations of roommates

Academic-Year Lease Structure

Student housing leases are generally structured around the academic calendar, which helps families plan for move-in, move-out, renewal timing, and payment schedules. Review the lease for exact dates, term length, and payment requirements.

One of the biggest questions families ask is what comes with the home and what students should still plan for separately. The Pier offers furnished Clemson student housing with multiple floor plan styles, shared amenities, and features designed for student routines.

Floor Plan Options

The Pier offers several living styles near Clemson University, including:

  • Townhomes with 2 to 3 bedrooms
  • Cottages with 4 to 6 bedrooms
  • Flats with 1, 2, and 4 bedrooms
  • Mansions with 9 bedrooms
  • Tiny Homes with 1 to 2 bedrooms

Availability, layouts, finishes, and features vary by home, so students should review current floor plans with the leasing office before choosing a space.

Standard Home Features

Residents at The Pier have access to furnished homes and practical in-home features that can make move-in easier.

Home features may include:

  • Fully furnished living rooms and bedrooms
  • Individually keyed bedrooms
  • Wood-style flooring
  • Ceiling fans with lighting
  • Full appliance package with microwave, oven, stove, and refrigerator
  • Full-size washer and dryer in every home
  • High-speed WiFi
  • Walk-in closets with built-in closet organizers in select homes

What Families Should Plan For

Families should budget for more than the monthly installment. Additional costs may vary based on the lease, selected floor plan, optional add-ons, and resident choices.

Plan for:

  • Monthly installments, based on floor plan and lease terms
  • Utility-related and technology-related charges
  • Renter’s insurance or qualifying coverage
  • Parking, if your student brings a vehicle
  • Optional upgrades or add-ons
  • Groceries, cookware, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and personal items
  • Pet-related costs, if applicable

Contact The Pier leasing office for current fee and pricing information, as rates are subject to change.

Optional VIP Upgrade

Students who want an upgraded living experience may be able to choose a VIP upgrade, depending on availability. VIP upgrades are in addition to standard home features and may include upgraded finishes, smart home technology, enhanced bathroom features, upgraded kitchen finishes, upgraded bedroom features, and additional in-home technology.

Amenities and features vary by individual home. Contact The Pier leasing office for current upgrade availability and pricing, as rates are subject to change.

Where your student lives can shape their daily routine, study habits, social life, and overall college experience. The Pier is designed to support both academic focus and connection near Clemson University.

Community and Social Connection

The Pier offers programming and shared spaces that help residents meet people and feel connected.

Community experiences may include:

  • Collaborations with local brands
  • Networking and professional development events
  • DIY workshops
  • Charity and volunteer opportunities
  • Community game nights
  • Grab-and-go food pop-ups
  • Seasonal parties

The Pier also offers roommate matching at no additional cost upon request. The team reviews resident profiles and uses information such as shared interests, study habits, sleep habits, majors, and lifestyle preferences to help match residents.

Fitness, Recreation, and Outdoor Space

The Pier includes amenities that give students ways to move, recharge, and spend time outside.

Community amenities include:

  • Spacious fitness center and yoga room
  • Regulation basketball court
  • Two volleyball courts
  • More than 20 acres of walking trails
  • Spa and cold plunge
  • Two resort-style pools
  • Pool deck
  • Two heated spas
  • Lazy river
  • Rooftop and patio spaces
  • Hammocks, lounge space, grilling areas, and outdoor gaming

Academic and Study Support

Residents have access to spaces and technology that support coursework, group projects, and everyday productivity.

Academic features include:

  • Free high-speed WiFi
  • CoLab workspace with printing
  • Conference-style tables for group work
  • Private and semi-private common areas
  • Individually keyed bedrooms for added privacy within shared homes

These features can help students separate study time from downtime without needing to leave the community.

Move-in is a big milestone, especially for students living away from home for the first time. Because homes at The Pier are furnished, families can focus more on personal essentials and less on large furniture.

Before Move-In Day

A little planning before arrival can make the process easier for both students and families.

Before move-in, students should:

  • Review the lease with a parent or guardian
  • Confirm move-in instructions, key pickup details, and arrival timing
  • Coordinate with roommates on shared items
  • Pack bedding, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, cleaning supplies, and personal decor
  • Check resident communications for updates from the community team

On Move-In Day

Once your student arrives, they should take time to inspect the home before fully settling in.

On move-in day, students should:

  • Confirm that furniture and appliances are present
  • Document the condition of the bedroom, common areas, and appliances
  • Report concerns to the management team promptly
  • Unpack essentials first, such as bedding, toiletries, and basic kitchen items
  • Get familiar with parking, amenities, mail or package procedures, and community access points

Settling Into the Community

After move-in, students can start building a routine by exploring study spaces, fitness areas, pool spaces, trails, and resident events. Meeting roommates and neighbors early can also help the transition feel more comfortable.

Move-Out

Move-out procedures are tied to the lease and academic-year schedule. Students should review their lease for exact move-out dates, cleaning expectations, key return procedures, and final account steps. The on-site team can answer questions about current move-out instructions.

The Pier is located at 240 Aberlady Drive in Seneca, South Carolina, near Clemson University and Lake Hartwell.

Campus Proximity

The Pier is about a 5-minute drive from Clemson University, with convenient access to campus, Memorial Stadium, Littlejohn Coliseum, Downtown Clemson, and Downtown Seneca.

Nearby destinations include:

  • Clemson University, a 5-minute drive
  • Memorial Stadium, a 7-minute drive
  • Downtown Clemson, a 10-minute drive
  • Littlejohn Coliseum, a 10-minute drive
  • Downtown Seneca, a 13-minute drive

CATbus Access

The Pier is close to multiple CAT HighPointe/Pier bus stops, with several stops about a 1-minute walk from the community. CATbus access gives residents another way to get to campus and around the Clemson area without relying only on a car.

Students should check current CATbus routes and schedules before the semester begins, since transportation timing can change.

Parking and Vehicle Access

Parking may be available for residents who bring a vehicle. Contact The Pier leasing office for current parking availability, parking policies, and pricing, as rates are subject to change.

Biking, Driving, and Rideshare

Students can also use a combination of driving, rideshare, biking, or the CATbus depending on their schedule. The best routine may depend on class location, campus activities, work schedules, and whether your student keeps a car at The Pier.

It helps to know how communication works before the lease is signed. Student housing is designed to support student independence, which means your student is usually the main point of contact for lease, payment, maintenance, and account questions.

How Communication Works

In most situations:

  • Students are responsible for reading community updates and lease notices
  • Students submit maintenance requests for their own home
  • Students manage their account and payment responsibilities
  • Privacy rules may limit what account-specific information can be shared with parents or guardians without student consent

If a parent or guardian needs to be part of a conversation about a resident account, the student may need to provide permission or be included in the conversation.

How Families Can Stay Involved

Parents and guardians can still play an important role by helping their student prepare and stay organized.

Ways to stay involved include:

  • Reviewing the lease together before signing
  • Talking through payment dates and budgeting expectations
  • Discussing roommate communication and shared responsibilities
  • Encouraging your student to submit maintenance requests promptly
  • Reviewing move-in and move-out instructions together
  • Asking your student to share important community updates with you

The Pier leasing team can answer general questions about the community. For account-specific questions, your student may need to participate in the conversation.

What is a guarantor and why is one often required?

A guarantor is a person, often a parent or guardian, who agrees to cover the resident’s lease obligations if the student cannot. Guarantors are commonly required because many students do not yet have the income or credit history needed to qualify on their own.

Is renter’s insurance required at The Pier?

Residents should expect to provide qualifying renter’s insurance or personal liability coverage, or use the available insurance option if they do not have their own policy. Review the lease or contact The Pier leasing office for current insurance requirements and pricing.

How does the roommate matching service work at The Pier?

The Pier offers roommate matching at no additional cost upon request. The team reviews resident profiles and helps match students based on shared interests, study habits, sleep habits, majors, and lifestyle preferences. Students who already know who they want to live with may also request to live together.

How are maintenance requests handled?

Residents are expected to submit maintenance requests when something in their home needs attention. The on-site team can provide current instructions for submitting requests through the resident portal, by phone, or through the leasing office.

How does move-in work at The Pier?

Move-in is scheduled before the lease term begins, and students receive instructions for arrival, check-in, and key pickup. Because homes are furnished, students should focus on personal essentials, bedding, toiletries, cookware, school supplies, and decor. Residents should inspect their space at arrival and report concerns promptly.

Is parking available at The Pier?

Parking may be available for residents who bring a vehicle. Contact The Pier leasing office for current parking availability, policies, and pricing, as rates are subject to change.

Is The Pier furnished?

Yes, The Pier offers fully furnished student living. Furnishings and features may vary by floor plan and home style, so students should confirm the specific furniture package for their selected space before move-in.

Are pets allowed at The Pier?

The Pier offers pet-friendly amenities, including an off-leash dog park. Breed restrictions, pet rules, and pet-related costs may apply. Contact The Pier leasing office for the current pet policy and pricing.

How do students get to Clemson University from The Pier?

Students can get to Clemson University by car, CATbus, rideshare, or other transportation options depending on their schedule. The Pier is about a 5-minute drive from Clemson University and is close to multiple CAT HighPointe/Pier bus stops.

What upgrade options are available at The Pier?

The Pier offers a VIP upgrade option in addition to standard home features, depending on availability. VIP features may include upgraded finishes, smart home technology, enhanced bathroom features, upgraded kitchen finishes, and added in-home technology. Contact The Pier leasing office for current availability and pricing.

Who should families contact with questions?

Families can contact The Pier leasing office for general questions about floor plans, availability, fees, parking, pet policies, and move-in. For account-specific questions, the student may need to provide permission or be included in the conversation.