Are you excited? ARRRGH Everyone at ECU is excitedly anticipating your arrival, as it is almost time for you to set out on your adventure in Pirate Nation!
After enrolling in classes, going to orientation, and getting paired with a roommate, you now have to…Now is the time to lay out a strategy so that you can adjust to college life without incident.
Tip 1: Go to every event on the opening weekend
One of the most exciting weekends on campus is the opening weekend! I promise, without all of you here, it just isn’t the same. It has been very quiet here on campus during my summer stay, so it will be wonderful to have everyone back!
Opening weekend is home to not one, not two, but three enduring ECU customs! August 16 is Raid the Rec; August 17 is Pirate Palooza; and August 18 is New Student Welcome. With your ECU 1-card, admission to all events is free. Come out, make new friends, make memories that will last a lifetime, pick up some complimentary pirate memorabilia, and let’s start the year off right!
Tip 2: Make a good impression on your lecturers and establish a rapport with them
On the first day of class, arrive early and take a seat in the front row! This will show your lecturers that you are motivated to attend and that you are interested in the course. This will be really beneficial in the long run, I promise. Make sure to communicate with them during their office hours if you require more assistance. Building your network here at ECU early on is crucial since you will undoubtedly need it later on in your path. Do you intend to apply in the future for scholarships or jobs on campus? Instructors are a great source of references and are always willing to assist students!
Tip 3: Participate in annual on-campus events
You are invited to hundreds of free on-campus activities held by ECU every year! Highlights include the Student Activities Board’s Halloween Havoc and Barefoot on the Mall, as well as the Student Government Association’s Homecoming Week. Our students can become active and make new friends in a secure environment by attending events on campus!
Tip 4: Be mindful of the TV screens on campus
See our educational TV screens located throughout campus as you explore your new home in Pirate Nation. All of the campus buildings, including your residence hall, have these. The main means of communication between the university and you are these screens. Everything from significant news to forthcoming events to job openings on campus will be shown on the TV screens. Don’t miss any useful news!
Tip 5: Utilize all available resources on campus when necessary
The last piece of advice I have is to make use of all the services ECU offers on campus to help you succeed! Campus Recreation and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Health Services, the Dean of Students Office, Disability Support Services, the Pirate Academic Success Center, and ECU Police are just a few of the many useful resources available.
In five words, I can best summarize this blog article and my recommendations for the class of 2028. Leave your room now!
Although I get that change can be unsettling and the move to college might be intimidating, this is an exciting change! College is your first introduction to adulthood, and I encourage you to come out and engage with others once you arrive on campus. Make the most of your time here at ECU, as these four years will fly by, and graduation day will be here in the blink of an eye.
Additionally, keep in mind that everyone in Pirate Nation wants you to succeed, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it. We are here to encourage one another, since we are all pirates!
