Amateur radio, sometimes referred to as HAM radio by enthusiasts, is a popular form of recreation for a number of engineering students. Although more of a technical hobby, amateur radio enthusiasts have managed to congregate together in one of the campus' most vibrant student lead organizations. Known as the Clemson University Amateur Radio Club, the club has operated on campus for over a half-century and has served students as both a technical and social outlet. One of the hobby's main draws, especially among the engineering crowd, is that it teaches students about radio communications in a fun and practical way. Also, amateur radio users can communicate with people all over the world, which is often a thrill.
People join for different reasons.
It is comparable to working on you car. Amateur radio is like that for communications. You get to learn how many of the technical aspects of communications actually work. Rostron noted that he has talked with people in both Europe and Asia using amateur radio. Prior to the advent of the Internet, amateur radio was frequently used for recreational long distance communications.