It's the farthest California State University up north. The one near the coast with almost always empty beaches featuring gray sands and dark blue cloudy waves. The school near the elk herds, a Fern Canyon, and the Avenue of the Giants.
Of course I'm talking about Humboldt State University.
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School starts soon so Humboldt State students are finishing packing, preparing for the long winding drive, and daydreaming about the semester.
I'm about to start my forth year at Humboldt State and wanted to share some of my truths about what I have learned about being a Humboldt State student.
1. The Beauty of the Redwoods Never Gets Old
With the Redwood forest on the edge of the college, it's easy to become spoiled and use to the amazing sight of the redwood trees. But when a forest walk does happen, be prepared to caught your breath in awe of the fanastic Redwoods.
2. The Hippie Culture is Alive and Well
Humboldt County is still the home of the hippies and tie dye is still in fashion. One of my favorite aspects to Humboldt State is there is not a lot of judgement. People can feel free to express and dress themselves as they please and this keeps everyone's spirits up as well as creating a really unique type of fashion.
3. Wait to Buy Your Textbooks
Textbooks are not cheap. Especially after paying for tuition, rent, food, and maybe even a parking pass. Take it from me, someone who spent around four hundred dollars on textbooks alone for one semester, do your research before buying textbooks.
Learn from my mistake and check out purchasing your textbooks through Chegg, Valore or Amazon. Also, unless it's a major related class, it's typically safe to wait and see if the book is actually needed for the course. Sometimes only a single chapter is needed to be read and in cases like that, it's better to just check out the textbook from the library.
4. It's Called Hills, Stairs and Umbrellas for a Reason
Fun fact: There are more stairs than students. If you have a class in the BSS brace yourself for, guess what, more stairs. It's probably the one place you should allot more than ten minutes to get to class too.
5. There's Secret Spots with Amazing Views
There are three main spots with the best views on campus: Founder's Hall, the 9th Floor of Cypress (let me recommend going there in the evening too), and the 5th floor of the BSS.
6. You Will Need Rain Gear
This getup includes rain boots and a rain jacket. I promise you won't regret purchasing an umbrella.
7. When Arcata Feels Too Small, There's Eureka
Granted, at times the rumor mill about Eureka makes it seem like the place to avoid. But trust me, Art's Alive on the Main Street of Eureka is a blast and is a great switch up from Arcata's Art's Alive. Also, watching the sun set from the docks is actually the perfect way to end just about any day.
Plus, there's a mall.
8. Purchase C Points
If you plan on eating on campus and don't have a meal plan, buy C points. There's a discount for using C points instead of cash at the different dining locations and us college students got to know how to make our dollars count.
Warning: Never buy anything from the J with cash. Ever.
Also, at the end of last semester, the Depot began to sell mason jars for your coffee fix. The mason jars were cheaper than using a regular paper cup and cut down on the amount of single use containers being used.
9. There's Gonna Be a Bonfire
The first few weeks of school is also time for bonfires at the beach. It's a chance to relax, walk along the beach, eat smores, and meet strangers. Sometimes there's actual fireworks too!
10. You Are Gonna Hear About Spongebob - A lot
They say 2016 is basically reverting back into the 90's with the revamp of movies like Tarzan, the ability to continue exploring the Harry Potter universe and everyone talking about Pokemon.
But be prepared to hear about the beloved sea sponge Spongebob the moment you step foot on campus as creator Stephen Hillenburg graduated from Humboldt State.
It's basically our pride and joy.
11. The First Football Game is the Best
Chances are it won't be raining, everyone will be sporting green or gold, and the stadium will be filled. The best time to get snacks is not at half time and be sure to check out our unforgettable pep band. Consider bringing a blanket to share with friends as it can get chilly!
12. You Will See the Same Familiar Faces
With around 7,000 to 8,000 students Humboldt State is one of the smaller universities. This means the class sizes averages around 30 students, the professors often learn your name, and you will begin to recognize the people whose paths you cross on the daily.
Rest assured: Humboldt State is filled with kind people. Smile at anyone and chances are they'll smile back!
Cheers to a Great Fall Semester!
Let's face it: College is not easy. There's going to be unexpected challenges, a few tears, and money will be jumping out of your wallet the second it slips in. But college, despite the difficult experiences, is worth it.
Take the initiative, invite new friends to hang out, sample the local food, and try something you never pictured yourself doing.
By becoming involved in the campus life through clubs, sororities or frats, work or volunteering you will find yourself becoming apart of Humboldt State.
