On the Road Again!  North Carolina State University – North Carolina State University, a public research university of 25,000 students, is in Raleigh, North Carolina on a beautiful campus of over 2,000 acres.  The university has a mix of historic and modern buildings, with the iconic red-brick structures being a hallmark of NC State’s architecture.  With a history dating back to 1887, NC State is one of the oldest and largest universities in the state of North Carolina.  NC State offers over 100 undergraduate majors across 10 colleges and schools.  Its motto is “Think and Do” and students do both and well.  Here are some of the highlights:

  1. Engineering: NC State’s College of Engineering is one of the largest and most respected engineering programs in the country.  The college offers programs in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including biomedical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical and nuclear engineering.
  2. Agriculture and Life Sciences: NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is also a top ranked program with a focus on research and innovation in areas such as biotechnology, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
  3. Computer Science: In the Computer Science program, students are offered cutting edge research into artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity.  The department also offers several interdisciplinary programs in areas such as digital media, gaming and human-computer interaction.
  4. Entrepreneurship: NC State values undergraduate entrepreneurship.  Many start ups were created on the NC State campus – in fact more than 170 have started with NC State research.
  5. Veterinary Medicine: While a graduate school, it is worth noting NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine since it is one of the top veterinary programs in the country.

But NC State is not only about studying.  Students have fun too!  In addition to Division 1 sports and lots of strong Wolfpack school spirit, NC State has some unique aspects and traditions.  During the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, students can run 2.5 miles to a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop, eat a dozen doughnuts and then run back.  Fun, huh? Well, it is for some, and the event has raised millions of dollars for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.  With the Free Expression Tunnel, students express themselves with graffiti and murals.  It is a popular spot for student organizations and individuals to showcase their creativity and promote their causes.  The Belltower, a historic landmark on campus, is lit in red every year on the night of the first home football game.  The lighting ceremony is accompanied by music, fireworks and a pep rally, a great way to kick off the football season.  If you are hungry and want a local snack, grab a cone of Howling Cow Cream.  NC State is home to its own dairy and the milk produced there is used for its own ice cream, sold right on campus.