Fitchburg State isn’t your typical run of the mill state college. While I could probably go on for pages about different reasons you should love it here, I’ll do us both a favor a try to keep it to just a few bullet points. Two years ago when I finally made the decision on attending college here, a family friend, who graduated from FSU, sat me down and gave me his “down-low” on the school. While his tips about which party houses were which and who the “hip” teachers were may have been a bit out-dated, for the most part, he helped me. I had a solid, general understanding of the layout of the school and the programs around here. So here's my shot at helping everyone else, just trying to pay it forward, I guess.

1. Academics

Whether you’re planning on majoring in education, film, criminal justice, nursing, business or anything in between you are promised a high-quality education. Our nursing and education programs are some of the best run around, with our nursing program having an extremely high passing rate. Not only that, but our school has just launched a brand new CJ masters program that includes a police academy and is the first of its kind in the country. Our professors are well trained, well educated, and passionate about what they teach.Through the small size of classes, students and professor can build quality bonds with each other and that only promotes a better learning environment.

2. Community

FSU boasts just 3,500 undergraduates and nearly 48 percent of those are commuters. This not only means small class sizes but also a strong sense of community. Whether it's the show of support at the undergraduate conferences or at sports games, Falcons really turn out for each other. With such small numbers, students tend to know each other's names and it creates a friendly environment from the classroom to the quad.

3. Daka

No matter how upset the managers get, keep calling it Daka. Daka will always be Daka. Period. Also, for those that haven't caught on… The hockey team sits at the first table with baseball, the lacrosse team takes the second table; sororities, frats, and RAs sit at the third, then its track and everybody else. It's a thing. People sit in the same seat, at the same table, during the same time, every day. It's weird, I don’t know why we do it, but we do. Also, it's Daka.

4. Athletics

Fitchburg State has 16 extremely competitive varsity teams. While we may only be D-III, the student-athletes at Fitchburg state preform to an extremely high caliber. Our men's basketball team won the MASCAC championship this season and it is not unlikely at all to be attending a playoff game for any given sport. Hockey and football games regularly have large fan sections and school spirit is high. The mini community within athletics, among the teams and staff members, is another great thing going for the Falcons. The teams sit together at Daka and attend each other's games, usually being the loudest fans there.

5. Campus

Whether you’ve got to walk back from Civic or haul butt from McKay to the Rec center, everything on campus is no more than a 15-minute walk. The campus is small but that doesn't mean its not beautiful. With a brand new quad and science building, other state schools just can’t compare. Our school is constantly remodeling and improving. Fitchburg has gotten a bad rap over the years, deserved or not, the second you step on campus, that all goes away. Not only does it look nice, but compared to other campuses around us, FSU is rather safe. But there is one downside, and technically an upside too, the campus is built throughout hills. Does anyone really know when they're on ground level, lower level, or the third floor of Hammond? And is it really a luxury to live in Mara 7 or is it a punishment?

6. Campus Pizza

A wonderful little establishment open into the wee hours of the morning for those backpack totting students wondering home after an intense Thursday night of studying on Highland, Cedar, or Myrtle. I may not remember all the subs and pizza I’ve eaten there, but I’m pretty sure they were delicious.

7. Activity

Not only do Fitchburg students rally for sports but they support other group activities. Whether it's joining a sorority or frat, the Outdoor Adventures club, or Falcon Friends, the students around campus are constantly involved in something or advocating for another. Every so often, while driving up North Street, you may notice the Fitchburg State University sign is lit up differently. Currently, it is lit up with the colors of the rainbow to support LGBT students, in the past, it was lit with the colors of Frances flag to support them after their tragedies. Walking past the Hub in Hammond you’ll frequently see something going on, ranging from spring fling dances with falcon friends to comedians and karaoke.

8. Spree Day

It's basically Christmas in the Burg. While its technically the last day of classes, most professors (the goods) cancel on this day. The streets, mostly brick house, are completely packed and lined with drunken college students and police officers. There's a mutual agreement between cops and students that if you stay on the property and off the streets, you’ll be fine. The Darty is big and seems like it will never end. Honestly, it is what we look forward to every year.

So, I hope this list shows Fitchburg States true colors and why being a part of the Dirtyburg really isn't that bad. There's plenty of other reason and I’m sure I'm missing some details here and there, but hey, if you decide to come here, stay here, or even just get more involved, you’ll be able to elaborate more for yourself. Grab your green and gold, grab a bite at Daka, jump on the shuttle, head out to Elliot, talk to your fellow Falcons, support a lax game, and show everyone why they should #feartheflock.