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Life > Experiences

The NC State Campus Must-Do’s: A Comprehensive Bucket List

Juliana Powell
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter.

I knew the minute I set foot on the red brick paths of NCSU, I was going to delve into the collegiate culture of this campus. Now into my second semester, I’ve assimilated as a North Carolinian–Cookout milkshake in hand (strawberry, of course). Being from out-of-state, all things Triangle were brand spankin’ new. Meaning, I had to try it all. In preparation of this article, and for my own personal enjoyment, I did a little field work with some local friends. In my limited time at State and Raleigh, I plan to envelope myself in every vernacular experience here. Whether you are a Triangle Foreigner, like myself, or a native who neglected a niche nook, I’ve done my homework and now I humbly present my NC State student bucket list for in and around the campus. How handy!

I’ve compiled this list into two categories, the first of which on campus must do’s and see’s:

  • Make your way to any sporting event; you will never be more proud to be part of this University
There’s something in the air at the game here and it’s more than sweat and beer. Every time I leave a State game, I have the dumbest grin on my face, but I love it.
  • Get a glimpse at The Park Shops Ginkgo before she “leaves”
Please tell me you laughed. Anyhow, “The Tree” makes quite the spectacle of herself changing colors in a flash of sunshine-cast leaves for only a few precious days.
  • Read on the swinging benches or a hammock in a quaint garden sprinkled across campus
  • Pass through the free expression tunnel 
Catch “The Accordion Guy” or “Guitar Guy” in, around, on top of (?) here. Or stand for a moment in the tunnel’s depths while the Amtrak passes just feet above you (cover your ears). Or even better, spray paint the wall (bonus points if you get to the highest, and most noticeable, point)
  • Have an ~iced~ latte year-round at PCJ or Hill of Beans. Order early on GrubHub though…
  • Meet a friend at Talley or The Atrium and splurge your dining dollars
My roommate and I will have a friendship date once a month for this very reason. Our main source of bonding and quality time is spent in this fashion, but we look forward to it every time– just maybe not at the end of the semester.
  • Form a late night Study Group at Hill
You wouldn’t believe the fun I’ve had and the friends I’ve made in a reserved room. Though it is ill-advised, you can cram all night Monday through Thursday RE: Hill of Beans.
  • Admire Hunt Library
In my first semester, I took the day to waltz around Hunt. Eyes wide, it felt like I was walking through the architectural future of America. Skip Disney’s Tomorrowland and come here. At this point, I am Robert the Robot’s not-so-secret secret-admirer

As for barely off-campus ventures:

  • Go on a Jubala Coffee Date (Joo-bala or joo-bay-la?)
  • Hit Mogë Tee and spend a full 20 minutes looking at the menu (be there done that)
  • Eat an Insomnia cookie (other than the ones your RA gives you at your dorm’s events)
The Vegan sprinkles SLAP, and I’m not even a vegan.
  • Nosh on Gumby’s Pizza & Wings
It’s got a 3:30am closing time for a reason
  • Successfully Navigate the Belltower Roundabouts
Took me a couple of tries but it’s a right of passage…literally.
  • Pick from the plethora of street foods from Morgan Street Food Hall
I got a grilled cheese with pickles in it, here. To this day, I still can’t tell if I liked it.
  • Go to a Hurricanes game
I can vouch for the claim of that the PNC Arena is “the loudest house in the NHL”…I’m now a contributor. It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me. 
Hey! Enjoy your visit to my HerCampus page in full bloom, its petals (or articles) attracting readers, rooted in a simple idea. Here, I'll share my loves, likes, and personal anecdotes, and maybe it too will bring you as much joy in your life as these posts do mine.