I am one of the lucky ones. I am blessed with the opportunity to spend four years of my life in the best college town in North Carolina: Greenville. Others, although, are not as fortunate as I am.

Whether you spend four years at East Carolina University in Greenville, or fail out after second semester like many do, there are five things you absolutely have to experience in your time at ECU.

1. Tailgating

Tailgating could be considered a sport at ECU. Even if the football game is at night, you can be sure to see pirates setting up their tents and blasting music in the early morning, hours before the game even starts. Tents, trucks and music cover College Hill as well as many other parts of campus in preparation for the football game that most pirates are not able to stumble to. Police have even started enforcing restrictions on types of alcohol allowed at specific tailgating locations to calm the crowds. Even authorities can't tame the pirate spirit. As we say in pirate nation, we pregame harder than you party.

2. Pirate Football Games

Although tailgating is a super important part of the football season, you have to make it into the actual game at least once. The opening, the atmosphere and the crowd are truly incredible. The football team has brought about amazing players, such as Chris Johnson and Vonta Leach. Who knows you could watch another upcoming NFL player take the field. The entire game is an experience you can't miss.

3. Pool Parties

One of the best things ECU is known for is the pool parties. From concerts to celebrity appearances, the parties are never boring. Hundreds of pirates flood the pool decks of the many apartment complexes in Greenville, making class a second priority. When it's hot and the sun is out you'll know where to find everyone.

4. Sup Dog's Mug Night

Mug Night at Sup Dogs make Mondays anything but boring. Bring your own 32 Oz mug and fill it full of beer for only a dollar. Yeah, the place is crowded, but where else would it be completely acceptable to drink on a Monday? Especially when you are in close corridors with so many pirates with the same idea.

5. Breakfast at Christy's Euro Pub

After a week of class, tests and of course endless hangovers the best cure in Greenville is breakfast at Christy's Euro Pub. Located right on 3rd street, anyone can swing in one morning and indulge in mimosas and my favorite, the Stoner's Delight.

This is just a brief explanation of each of the incredible aspects of Greenville, but in order to truly understand you'll have to experience them yourself. Whether you spend years or just days at ECU check out the five places on the Greenville Bucket List that will surely show you a taste of why pirates stick around.