Whether you're an incoming freshman, or a transfer student, there are a few things that you should know about attending East Carolina University. As I finish out my freshman year, I can't help but share not only my love for the school but also some helpful tips for when you attend. From football games to Fried Chicken Wednesday, there are some traditions and specialties that you simply can't miss out on!

1. Despite what you've heard, we are not just a party school.

We have parties. There's no doubt in my mind that you could find a party to go to on the weekends. But something I've learned is that there is an equal amount of people that stay in on the weekends or don't go downtown every Thursday night. I've never once felt pressured, and I've never felt bored when I chose not to go out. There are so many people to meet and so many things to do on campus at the student center—like bowling, which is really cheap—that there's no reason partying should ever get in the way of your academics!

2. It's much easier to get in, than it is to stay in.

People would tell me before I came to ECU that the school was too easy to get into, and that made it less of a university. I couldn't disagree more. Though the acceptance rate is somewhat higher, I can truly say that it can be difficult to stay in. If you come to ECU to fulfill what you've heard about partying, I can tell you you're coming to the wrong place. Academic probation and suspension are very real things and ECU is not above holding anyone to those standards. You are going to be among future doctors, teachers, inventors, and so many more life-changing people and you should be proud of that.

3. There's a woman named "Ms. B" in West End Dining Hall, and she'll change your life.

Whether you've chosen to live on College Hill, or made the excellent decision to live on West End (I'm biased, but West End is the best end), I encourage you to stop by West End Dining Hall one morning and see Ms. B! Her love and spirit is contagious, and she cheers me up no matter what mood I'm in. From singing to the guests, to praying for you when you need it, she is an inspiration and she will change your perspective on loving others. There have been several mornings that I have visited her and she's nearly brought tears to my eyes, and some mornings she has me smiling so big my cheeks hurt. You definitely have to visit her!

4. Don't walk under the Cupola. It's pretty, but don't do it.

Legend has it that anyone who walks under the very beautiful Cupola located in central campus will not graduate in four years. Now I'm not saying I'm superstitious, but I've met several people who walked under it as a joke their freshman year that are now in their fifth year of college. Mostly everyone on campus is aware of this and will laugh at you if you do it. Plus, even if it wasn't true, why would you take your chances?

5. When someone says "purple," you say "gold."

No seriously, this school has some serious spirit and this is one of the most simple, yet contagious chants you'll ever learn. You will learn it at orientation and you'll always scream it in your head or aloud every time someone mentions purple. While some say it truly shows you're a freshman to say this chant, others will disagree and happily claim their school spirit and show that they are loyal and bold to the purple and gold!

6. Starbucks uses purple whipped cream on game day.

This is not a drill. You can enjoy a cold frappuccino and a taste of spirit every game day at Starbucks on campus, and that's definitely something you can't pass up! Plus, who wouldn't want to start their day with purple whipped cream and end it with a Pirate football game? Which brings me to my next point...

7. Join Student Pirate Club and always sit in The Boneyard at the football games!

There's a rad thing called Student Pirate Club, which gets you into every football game/sporting event for free for a small fee when you sign up. I joined it and I can honestly say it was so great to be a part of and it saved me a lot of money. The Boneyard is the student section, which not only gives you a great view of the game, but also gives you a pretty good chance of being on the Jumbo-tron and interacting with some pretty spirited peers. Whether you actually love football, or you just want to be a part of the hype, everyone has fun in The Boneyard!

8. There's a thing called the PolarBear Plunge, and you have to do it it at least once.

OK, you don't have to do it, but if you do, you'll be a part of a tradition that has been going on for 20 years now. You jump in the outside pool in January, and then run inside and jump in the warm indoor pool. There's music and activities and it's really cool. If you do so, you can also get a t-shirt and cake!

9. There really is something on campus for everyone

From a club for reptile lovers, to Greek life, to club sports, there are so many unique clubs to join and organizations to learn about. When you get to ECU, sign up on a website called "OrgSync" which will not only help you keep track of your necessary volunteer hours, but also help you keep up and learn about all the different clubs that ECU has to offer!

10. The rec center is always busy, but always worth the visit.

The rec and wellness center AKA the gym at ECU is by far one of the nicer facilities I've seen. Although it gets pretty busy in the afternoons, if you can find time to go you definitely should. There are personal trainers there as well that can help you get on track, and even yoga and pilates classes. From racquetball, to weight lifting, to an indoor track, the rec center has so many things for people from beginners to gym rats to athletes. And despite Fried Chicken Wednesday in the dining hall, this place is so nice that there's no reason to feel like you won't beat the Freshman 15!

11. This school wants you to succeed.

With the Academic Success Center which offers free tutoring, to the beautiful Joyner Library that is open 24 hours, there's no reason you should feel like you can't get help with your academics! There are some very rigorous classes offered, and the programs on campus recognize that and are eager to help you. I've spent a few all-nighters in the library and utilized the Academic Success Center my fair share of times, but trust me when I say that people want to help you and will do so free of charge! College can be tedious, but there are people to help combat that stress and desire to do well.

12. You are a part of Pirate Nation, and this place will be your second home.

In the time I've spent at ECU, I have met the most amazing friends and people. Southern hospitality is evident here and your professors truly want to help you achieve your goals. Each day, you will interact with people just like you, as well as international students, workers, educators, and even bus drivers who will ask you how your day is and do something to inspire you. Although I miss my hometown when I'm at school, I miss my school when I visit home just as much. You are a part of a family now, where people will wear purple on Fridays, help you succeed, and sometimes become your forever friends. Welcome to Pirate Nation, your second family. We are so excited to have you.

Bonus tip: Always carry an umbrella. ECU really means "everyone carries umbrellas," and you'll find out why the first time it rains unexpectedly.