With everyone beginning to arrive for the new school year, there are some things "newbies" should know about Greenville..

For the next year, East Carolina will be the setting for your best of times and your worst of times. But, there are things unique to our college town that you won't find anywhere else-- that's for sure.

Throughout my freshman year at ECU, I learned (sometimes the hard way) the in's and out's of Greenville.  One of the first things you'll notice, maybe even before you get on campus, are the frighteningly high amount of ECU Alerts. Although it might be borderline terrifying when you are informed of a robbery on the street next to you, it is necessary for your safety.
My tip for this: Don't walk alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and don't be an idiot.

On the flip side, go out and have fun! Even if it's not your forte, drunken nights can set the groundwork for an everlasting friendship. Don't drink? Go out anyway! ECU is not a place that would judge you for that, but you'll definitely regret the nights you spent in by yourself.

While I strongly urge you to be social, I also urge you to be careful. Greenville is a hotspot for ALE. For all of you out-of-staters, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) is North Carolina's personal police for those under twenty-one. ALE is no joke, and if they catch you, there will be consequences.
My tip for this: If you're going to drink, be smart about it.

After a night on the town, you might be hungry! If you're looking for some good food, hit up Chico's or Sup Dogs! Chico's is a great place to get something to eat with your friends, and simply hang out. Sup Dogs is the place to go for the atmosphere. Even though one recently opened in Chapel Hill, there will never be a Sup Dogs like the ECU Sup Dogs. So, sit on the porch, take in the hot East Carolinian air, and enjoy the "best six inches in Greenville."

Another must-do on campus are the football games. ECU games are the closest to an SEC game I've ever been to. Complete with legendary tailgates, crazy fans, and more hype than I can begin to describe, a football saturday in Greenville is a good time you wouldn't want to miss out on.
My tip for this: Tailgate and go into every game!

As for activities, there is one thing I recommend above all others: Rush. Forget all of the stereotypes, movies, and hazing stories meant to scare you. Going Greek is the best way to make true, lifelong friends and really it gets you involved! With formal recruitment right around the corner, make the right choice.
My tip for this: Go Greek!

There are many different things in Greenville, for every type of taste and interest. Grab a group of friends, and explore for yourself!

Loyal and Bold, we're the Purple and Gold. We are the Pirates of ECU!