Staying in state sometimes doesn’t sound so exciting at first but trust me when I say being at Southern Connecticut State University is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I Love being an Owl, and here are 12 reasons why being an SCSU owl is literally the best.

1. Everyone is friendly

Ever since day one going to orientation in my freshman year, everyone was so nice and looked happy to be here. It didn't feel so scary to ask questions or to walk up and say hi to someone. People here want to make you feel comfortable and make sure you don't feel alone. It really helped being surrounded by such friendly people, especially when I was so shy. It brought me out of my comfort zone and now I am just as friendly saying hi to everyone. Friendliness can be contiguous, you know.

2. Week of Welcome

At the beginning of each semester (Fall and Spring), We have the Week of Welcome, which is a whole week jam pack with a lot of actives that will really make the first week of classes even more exciting! There are activities all day everyday so even if you are a commuter or a resident you'll be able to join in the fun. Oh yeah, did I mention that you get to collect stickers for free prizes? What's better than free stuff!?

3. Free Stuff is Common

Speaking of free stuff, at Southern there are always events that are just giving away free food and free stuff! We are college students — any thing with the word free in it is of course going to get you excited! So make sure you go to the events!

4. Pizza Heaven is the best for late night munchies

It is literally pizza heaven! What is better then having a pizza place so close to campus? It's the best, especially when you have a case of the late night munchies like I usually do. Plus, the milkshakes are really delicious and you can even pay with hoot loot! If you're like me and don't usually have cash on you but have a lot in hoot loot money, that is a blessing in the sky!

5. Plenty of ways to get involved

There is ALWAYS, ALWAYS something going on at Southern! There are so many fun activities that go on during the week. If you can't make those fun day activities because of classes there's no reason to cry because there are night events, too, like movie nights, guest speakers, and dances. There are also a lot of community service opportunities to do so plenty of ways to give back! Also, there are a lot of clubs to join that you can meet your group of friends and be in discussions that matter to you while having fun. College is about your education but also by having fun too and meeting new people! Expanding your mind and gaining opportunities is what getting involved is all about. Don't be afraid to go out and explore because that's how adventures start!

6. You can make friends anywhere

There are a lot of people here at Southern, so there is a 100 percent chance you will get along with someone. There are so many clubs you can join to make friends. You can sit next to someone at Conn or the Student Center and be friends. Connect with you classmates and become friends. Make study buddy friends in the library. Go to the events around campus and click with people there. Build a friendship with your roommate. There are so many ways to connect and build friendships it's almost unreal. I am a very shy person, but all you have to do is say hi and let the friendship begin. I can guarantee you that you can even make a friend by waiting in line for a coffee. That's how friendly people here are and how easy making friends are here. I love meeting new people here because everyone is interested in making friends and having fun.

7. The professors and faculty are great because they really want you to succeed

The professors are very open and helpful. Southern's a pretty large school and it's difficult to find professors that are willing to help out their students in whatever way they can. Whether it's an issue in their class, another class, or non-academic, the professors are very helpful and only want you to succeed. It's easy to build strong bonds with them and have them on your side in the future.

8. No matter what your major is, you will be given the tools to succeed here

If you already have a plan of study in mind, the people in that department will be there to give you all the advice and help you need. Even if you don't know what your major is, there will are still people who can help you with that big decision. Every department has some kinds of club or activity that explains more about it! Southern wants you to succeed and will make sure you get all the tools to reach your goals!

9. It's very diverse: #Everyone Is Welcome

There are students of all shapes and sizes here. Everyone there is free to be themselves and are accepted with open arms. The best part is you get to learn of new things and experience things that you might not have gone through but someone else has. Each semester I meet students from different backgrounds that are able to teach me more about their culture, lifestyle, cuisine, and history. It doesn't matter who you are, everyone is welcome! I love being able to be myself and not be so afraid of what others say because there is no judgement! I never knew how many people like the same things I did before I came to Southern, and I really like that I can actually talk to people on many different subjects. So yay!

10. Hoot Loot and meal swipes will be like practicing for a debit card

I never had a credit or a debit card before, so when I learned about hoot loot, food loot, and meal swipes I was so excited. However, I learned how fast that money can go fast in a few weeks because I spent it all on Starbucks and food. Then I need to print something but I have no money. So budgeting is important. It's like planing your week: how much are you going to spend on hoot loot this week, which days can I use my meal swipes, do I really need to use my food loot for Starbucks coffee every morning? It's all about learning self control with money and mixing it up where I eat every day. Like a debit card, you spend that money but once it's gone, it's gone so that's why you learn to spend and use wisely not foolishly.

11.You will learn how to grow up while being in college

Just because Southern is a state school doesn't mean you can't still be independent. Commuter or resident, it doesn't matter because you still have the responsibility of a student and a young adult like going to class, getting good grades, making sure you eat three meals a day, get a job, deciding what you want to do with your life, and a lot of other things. You may be close to home but the responsibilities are there. It makes it a bit better being close because if you need a bit of adult advice family is nearby.

12. It is one of the most positive schools ever

Going to Southern means you are going to a school that is full of positive energy — with friendly students, active communication and discussions, embracement of everyone, delicious food, and professors who want to see you succeed. It's a school full of endless opportunities and good times. Everyone is always smiling, and it's just a calm, friendly environment. Owl pride is something I'm happy to be apart of! It is like being a part of a family which I really love. I thought being at college would be scary, but being at Southern I feel more like myself and a part of something than I ever have.