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Campus Aesthetics

It has been said there are more bricks per square mile at NC State than anywhere else in the country. The campus' red brick theme makes it a beautifully coordinated campus. Only a few oddballs such as Harrleson Hall stick out. The library is a 10 story brick building (rare yes) and is an excellent facility for academic or personal interest study and also provides a great view all the way to downtown or to the stadium.

Alcohol, but That's About It

Drug use at NC State is rare and relatively easy to spot and even easier to avoid. While some students may dabble with marijuana and the occaisional meth or crack use has been reported, by far the most common drug is alcohol. Beer is most common since it can be sold in grocery stores and since hard liquor is distributed at the ABC shops - of where there are only two within walking distance of campus. A lot of older students, espcially grad students, will also partake in a glass or two of wine with dinner. Underage drinking is common but disciplined when found.

Parking Is the Only Thing They Care About.

Any parking violation is dealt with harshly and quickly. The campus police patrol the parking decks continuously looking for people without tags. All other crimes to be of little consequence and are typically handled with a campus-wide email warning. I have had several friends, and numerous friends of friends whose property and/or apartments have been vandalized or stolen. Armed robbery was a frequent problem between Mission Valley and Centennial last year but it was resolved when the "real police" finally got involved. Violent crimes of murder and rape are incredibly rare.

Nuke Is the Best!

NC State has one of hte best engineering programs in the country and Nuclear Engineering rocks. It is super challenging but the professors are there to get you through it...with a couple of exceptions. If you go this major you WILL have 2-5 job offers up to 8 months before you graduate. Expect $55k for a B.S., $65k for a M.S. and $80k+ for a Ph.D. Eat that art history!

Blue Ridge Is a MUST

Blue Ridge cinema is a must have for campus. If you can wait for a movie until juse a few weeks before it hits DVD you can watch it here for $1.50 flat rate all shows! That's right for $15 you and a date can see two movies and have unlimited popcorn and drinks for about the same price you'd pay for two tickets at a regular theatre. Late show tip - get your food early as some shows run until midnight but the concession stand closes at 10.

Best BBQ

The best barbeque I've had in NC was at Ole Time Barbeque on Hillsborough street. Its a good 7 miles from campus but worth it. I loved the small diner-like restaurant. Its just west of RJG auto repair as you are heading toward Cary. Look for the bright yellow awning and the outside pig smokers.

Low Profile

With the exception of a couple days for fall rush, I rarely saw any Greek life on campus. They seem to keep a low profile mostly tucked away on Greek Court or Greek Village.

Student Health Sucks

There are three thing that suck so bad you will want to find an off-campus doctor:

First you will wait at least an hour even if you are the first patient of the day.

Second the staff is mostly physicians assistants with no medical degree and little training beyond that of a nurse - they take blood and give you antibiotics.

Third the staff assumes you are "of weak moral values" and really doesn't care. I had the flu and I was asked if I was pregnant - and I'M A GUY!

Bottom line, if you need more than a flu shot, an STD test, or some cough syrup/antibiotic -- see a doctor off campus.

Local Transit Is a Must

In all honesty, you can experience everything within walking distance of campus within 9-15 months. You will need local transit, especially if living off campus. There are so many things downtown and in Cary that are not accessible by foot or Wolfline. The CAT bus will take you around town and to the Cary city limit and is free for students with a pass. Best option is to make buddies with upperclassmen or grad students who live off-campus.