7 Things You’ve Heard As An Incoming Freshman At East Carolina University

If you're a student at East Carolina University, then you're sure to have heard these same things before you came. Read this article if you're going to be a student at ECU, to clarify any misheard information.

It’s likely that incoming freshman at every school hear the same things about the college they’re going to prior to arriving. Read this article on 7 things you’ve definitely heard as an incoming freshman at East Carolina University.

1. “Isn’t that like, a huge party school?”

Without question, this is the most common thing people hear about East Carolina University. It’s a common myth that East Carolina students party more than ANY other college in the great state of North Carolina. The rumor was only spread in the first place because ECU is obviously better than the other schools. Do not let this lie about ECU’s reputation hold you back on attending or considering this school to be your home for the next four years. The way ECU is known for parties is the same way Appalachian State is known for marijuana.

2. “EASY-U”/”Isn’t it really easy to get into?”

East Carolina has an acceptance rate of 77.3%. Don’t be mistaken, it’s easier to get in than to stay in. The retention rate and the drop out rate for East Carolina University are higher than most because students come in their freshman year not taking it seriously! Do not become a negative statistic!

3. “Why did you choose ECU?”

Whether you got into other schools or East Carolina University was your first choice, it seems that everyone has this question to ask. Those who ask always seem to say this in a negative way, kind of snubbing your school. Some chose it because of happiness, some chose it because of a particular type of major they offer, some chose it because it was far away from home. No matter what the reason, you don’t have to explain it to people that won’t get it. There is a certain stigma at ECU that only students that go to ECU can fully understand.

4. “Isn’t Greenville sketchy?”

Some parts are somewhat sketchy, but East Carolina University is no where close to those areas. Plus, if you have common sense than you won’t have to worry. This advice is for all students. Avoid walking alone at night alone, stay in well lit areas, and if you feel unsafe for any reason then go to a blue police pole. Greenville as a whole is not sketchy or dangerous, don’t forget that there are bad sections to every town.

5. “Can I stay with you for Halloweekend?”

No! You cannot stay with me for Halloweekend. East Carolina is famous for its Halloween celebrations and is known to have a good time while doing so. Halloweekend is definitely one of the many things you’ll remember from your freshman year. The dorm rooms for freshman are only so big, so remember that when asked this question.

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6. “Are you excited for football season?”

Hell yeah I am! Asking an ECU student if they are excited for football season is a waste of time because of course they are! As a freshman, it’ll be your first time in the boneyard, first time tailgating, first time screaming “PURPLE!” “GOLD!” as loud as you can. ECU fans also travel extremely well for their football team. On away games you can find a bunch of purple shirts in the stands supporting their pirates.

7. “Are you ready to leave home?”

This one isn’t just for ECU students, I’m sure all students hear this as they are about to enter their first year away from home. For some students, ECU might be only less than 30 minutes away from home while for others it may be up to 10+ hours. But no matter what, ECU becomes a home where you make new friends and meet different types of people.