What The Class Of 2024 Won’t Learn About NC State On A Zoom Call This Fall | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What The Class Of 2024 Won’t Learn About NC State On A Zoom Call This Fall

If I die in Raleigh, at least I will die free.

164
What The Class Of 2024 Won’t Learn About NC State On A Zoom Call This Fall

I still remember what it felt like August of my freshman year. Even though I'd always lived in the Raleigh area, neither of my parents had connections to the colleges here and so I did not grow up going to football or basketball games. We had been to Duke University's gardens before, but I never visited NC State's campus until I decided to accept my offer of admission.

So my first few months on NC State's campus meant lots of exploring. NC State has a large campus that is ever-evolving and blends right into the city-scape. But for students who are starting at NC State this fall, we still don't know what it's going to be like. Some are taking a year or semester off. And while the tentative plan is to re-open campus in the fall, we don't know what events and traditions will take place or if everyone will end up switching to online classes again.

What I can say is that no matter whether you are distance-ed or on-campus, NC State is an amazing school. Even though it's the largest university in North Carolina, you still feel part of one big family. One that bleeds red. Incoming class, you have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

1. Studying at the Hunt and D.H. Hill Libraries

There are two major libraries on campus: DH Hill on Hillsborough Street and Hunt Library on Centennial campus. DH Hill has been around since the 1970s and is eleven stories tall. I think everyone has a weird story about DH Hill... I've definitely seen some shit there. Hunt Library opened in 2013 and has a beautiful rooftop area for studying. It's architectural design is interesting and there is a lot of cool technology in the library.

2. Singing the fight song at a football game

Oh, Carter-Finley. So many amazing fall memories of tailgating near the State Fairgrounds, sitting in the student section decked out in red and white, and learning the chants and songs.

3. The Brickyard

One of the most central and well-known spots on campus, the Brickyard is where a lot of the magic happens. I've been on the brickyard with hundreds of other people. It's where the campus haunts, like the notorious preachers, hang out, and it's also where a bear was found in 2014. The yearly Shack-A-Thon is held here, as well as various events and pop-up shops throughout the year (book exchange, Farmer's Market, Ag Awareness Week).

4. Rushing the Bell Tower after a win

My freshman year, one of my best friends lived in North Hall, and I went over there to watch the away football game. After NC State won, we ran across the street with other students to "rush" the bell tower, which lights up red after a win.

5. Relax and recreate in the Court of Carolinas

When the weather is nice, the Court of Carolinas is one of the busiest places on campus. There's always students studying or relaxing between classes, sipping on a coffee from Port City Java, or playing a pick-up game with friends. It's also one of the iconic locations on campus for graduation photos.

6. Filling up on Howling Cow ice-cream during a late-night study sesh

For many North Carolinians, the State Fair in October is a chance to get their hands on a scoop of Howling Cow. For NC State students, we know that we can grab some Howling Cow at anytime.

*some Harris Teeters are now carrying it so if you can't be on campus, check out your local grocer.

7. The art of walking on the bricks

Bricks are a staple at NC State, but find me a student who hasn't busted their butt at least once during their college career. Tripping on loose bricks, stepping in a spot where a brick is missing, or making your way to class on a rainy day are all part of the hazards of campus life.

8. The Free Expression Tunnel

There are several tunnels on NC State's large campus, but the Free Expression Tunnel is the most iconic and has been part of campus for over 50 years. No matter whether you paint it yourself or merely look, it makes your daily walk to class ever-changing and visually interesting.

9. Waiting in the drive-thru at Cookout at night or Bojangles on game day

Two of the most popular, iconic North Carolina restaurants are both on Western Boulevard. Just try getting a Cookout tray on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Or a Bojangles tailgate pack on the morning of game day. At least at Cookout there's plenty of *drunk* people-watching to entertain you.

10. Having a million red shirts from free campus events

There are always free t-shirts. Many of the campus events, like Wolf Pack Welcome Week and PackaPalooza are opportunities to stock up on the spirit wear that are perfect when you haven't done your laundry yet and are running late to class.


Report this Content
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190141
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14850
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457822
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26604
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments