Going off to college is a big step in anyone’s life. You are picking the place that will shape you into your grown-up self, the place where you meet your friends for life, and the place that you will spend the next four years. But how do you choose? What makes the biggest impact on your decision? Location.

Over the past three years I have asked many people why they chose to come to ECU, and like me, many answer with some version of “I visited and I fell in love with the school.” ECU has so many great things to offer and the fact that Greenville is a college town makes the collegiate experience that much better.

Ask anyone, the culture of Greenville, North Carolina relies on ECU. Between events downtown such as Freeboot Friday, theatre performances, and the football games in the fall, the university hosts most of the city’s entertainment.

As college students, half of our thoughts revolve around food. Whether you are hung-over, stressed, or just plain hungry, Greenville has plenty of options for what to eat. Take your pick and walk into Sup Dogs, Winslow’s, or Boulevard Bagel and no matter the choice; you will get an awesome meal for a great price. While you are eating, take a look around. Every restaurant in Greenville is decked out with ECU memorabilia or purple and gold. If that doesn’t scream college town, what does?

Being in college and on your own can be a scary ride, but it helps that almost everywhere you go in this city you will see a familiar face. Even if you don’t see a familiar face, you can find a sense of comfort with everyone you meet here in Greenville. Everyone here shares a bond and pride for the university. You can feel it on game days, the whole city shuts down and whether you are in Dowdy-Ficklen or sitting on your couch, we all have one thing in common – our love for the Pirates.

Everyone in this city supports East Carolina University, and as a junior in college I can honestly say there is no place I’d rather be. We have heard it before and we will hear it again, Greenville is ECU and Greenville is a college town.