So, school’s back in session at Clemson University. Students are slowly trickling back onto campus and begrudgingly saying “farewell” to the lazy idleness or frantic part-time employment of summer days. The summer is over. That’s the past. That’s OK, because there are two things students need to know about the Clemson they are returning to.

First off, the Astro III Theater is closed. After 37 years of delectably cheap movie delights, the Astro shut its doors on Aug. 7. Yes, this is slightly old news, but the full impact of this unfortunate closing should be taking place right about now as students return to school and want to catch thrift-store-priced showings of the summer’s greatest hits (and in some cases, greatest misses).

Well, fret not, for there is always an alternative. In this case, it is the Southern Film Circuit. The Southern Film Circuit is a tour of independent films that play in various areas throughout the South. As it has been for the last few years, Clemson is one of the legs of the tour, and each spring and fall the university hosts screenings of several films. The best part is the screenings are hosted by the directors/writers/producers/what-have-you and admission is completely free! So, not only will it score you more indie cred than the Astro, but it won’t cost you a penny. The schedule of Clemson screenings is at www.southarts.org.

Secondly, the Clemson music scene is not getting any better. It’s kind of harsh to say, but the truth is Clemson is not known for its popular music scene. There have been several shows downtown from up and comers Mae West (more on them later), but beyond them Clemson specializes in jam bands, cover bands and jam band cover bands. So, for truly iPod worthy music it is advisable to go to the Southern meccas of college music: Asheville and Athens. Coming up this week, indie-prog rockers Pinback are playing Tuesday and the newly-acclaimed lo-fi pop rockers Black Kids are playing Wednesday at The 40 Watt in Athens, Ga. (www.40watt.com). On the Asheville side of things, the recently sensational comedian Kat Williams is performing at the Orange Peel tonight (www.theorangepeel.net).

As for the Clemson music scene, WSBF has not announced their fall shows yet and downtown live bands are pretty much posted on a weekly basis. However, if you are one to plan far in advance, Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown, and Saving Abel are putting on 93.3 The Planet’s birthday bash at Littlejohn Coliseum on Sept. 30 (www.newrock933.com).

For more ideas on Clemson University concerts and events check out www.majorevents.clemson.edu.