Curious about what it's like to attend a Historically Black College & University (HBCU)? Here are 14 things to expect as an HBCU student!

You will see an abundance of Black excellence

At an HBCU, you will be surrounded with like-minded students striving to grow and reach professional and academic success. Your professors know where you are and what it takes to get you to where you want to be. Everywhere you turn there will be someone doing great things.

Networking will become second nature

An HBCU network is like having extended family. You will meet tons of successful professionals, alumni, professors, and students who can reach out a helping hand or pass along their knowledge. Be sure to take advantage!

School rivalries feel more like arguing with your cousins

HBCU students are all interconnected in some way – especially when it comes to friendly competition. Whether it’s sports, academia, or who has the most pride, no one will ever be able to challenge your HBCU in your presence. Your comebacks will be delivered with rapid-fire precision and you will more than likely gain friends from your rival HBCU because of how much fun you have going back and fourth with each other. Just know, at the end of the day it’s all love.

Just like the force, your school pride will always be with you

Your HBCU will become your second home and nothing will ever change that. It will have a significant role in influencing who you become.

Homecoming is a BIG deal

Most schools have a homecoming weekend, but at an HBCU, it will most likely be a full week of activities. There will be concerts, fashion shows, comedy nights, lyceum events, step shows, football games, tailgates, and much more! There is no other experience like an HBCU homecoming.

Black history will spill over into your other subjects

Whether you take a class devoted to the subject or not, you will most likely learn tidbits of Black history wherever you go on an HBCU campus. You will learn about all the ways Black people have shaped the world. It won’t matter if it’s math, biology, psychology or English class; Black history 365 is real.

Alumni have open-door policies

Most HBCUs have very notable and successful alumni who are eager to give back and pass the torch. 

Random pep rallies and turn-ups around campus are the norm

It’s not uncommon to be walking back to your dorm and notice, out of nowhere; a full-blown party has formed in the middle of the yard. There will be students gathering, Greeks stepping, and a DJ blasting music in broad daylight. Don’t ask questions, just go!

You will end up devoting half of your life to some kind of organization

It’s very difficult to avoid being involved with something on an HBCU campus. You will most likely join a sorority or fraternity, band, student government, or one of the many other student organizations on campus. And you will love every minute of it.

The cafeteria is really a runway in disguise

At HBCUs, the cafeteria is prime stomping ground for all things fashion. At some point you will wonder how an entire fashion show popped up in the line for chicken Wednesday. It happens to the best of us.

No games are played when it comes to the band

Halftime will never be the same. HBCU bands are notorious for showing up and showing out! Joining one is like being adopted by a second family.

You will most likely see celebs drop in on campus

Celebrities love HBCUs. Whether they come for an event, a lecture, to teach, for homecoming, to endorse a cause, or to just show love as alumni, you will bump into someone famous on your campus!

You will be exposed to diversity in all aspects

Contrary to popular belief, HBCUs are extremely diverse. You will be exposed to professors and fellow classmates that come from all religions, sexual orientations, races, backgrounds, cultures, and economic levels.

Your glow up will be strong

Growth is inevitable. You will find out more about yourself than you’ve ever discovered before. You will be challenged culturally, intellectually, politically, and professionally. Don’t be afraid. Dive in and be great!

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