From the very first moment that I stepped onto the campus of an HBCU I knew where I had to be. I knew that wherever I chose to further my post-secondary education, it would have to be a Historically Black College or University. Since my time at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff I have compiled a list of 15 things I feel are true to all HBCUs:

1. Most events will not start on time and no event will end on time. YOU should still be on time, though, especially if you want to have a good seat.
2. People will refer to their campus as the “Yard.” Everyone goes to the "yard" let them tell it.
3. Although the university is predominantly or historically Black the student population is still very diverse. My university has students from all over the US as well as several other countries. Students come from all over Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean with the largest number of students coming from Nigeria.
4. The culture and history at any HBCU is rich. Most HBCUs were initially founded with land-grants which were implemented to ensure that African-Americans would have access to higher education. Every campus will tell their founding story and how they had to overcome numerous barriers to establish the schools.
5. Greek life is always a huge deal on the Yard, but DO NOT disrespect or mimic any organization. You will look silly and probably ruin your chances with the organization.
6. Swag-surfing will never get old, even when it does get old.
7. HBCUs are the only place you can eat, pray and turn up with the same group of people in the same day i.e. HOMECOMING.
8. Homecoming is the best time of year. There is a spirit of joyfulness as university students old and new come together in the hopes for a win as well as a good turn-up.
9. Alumni do not play about their Alma Mater….so come correct and please respect!!
10. Instructors will do their best to help you succeed when you are doing your best to make sure you succeed. You will pass if you care enough to visit your instructor during office hours. Faith without works is DEAD!!!!
11. Every campus has some sort of superstition. At UAPB if you walk straight through the Bell Tower it has been rumored that you will not graduate on time. I don’t know how true this is but the one girl I saw skip through is no longer here. I don’t think she made it through midterms that semester. Poor thing...
12. If you thought the 2016 US election was crazy you have never attended an HBCU during election season. Needless to say competition is fierce and you must bring your “A” game at all times.
13. There is always a pageant, kick-off, or party to keep you entertained. After you are done with your work, of course.
14. HBCUs produce the highest quantity of Black doctors and lawyers in the world.
15. Some of the most intelligent and beautiful black people attend a HBCU. You never know how talented and thoughtful Black people can be until you’re surrounded by them every day. It’s a feeling I can’t explain and I would never want to change.

Let me know if you could relate to any of the points on my list and comment any I missed.

#iLoveMyHBCU