N.C. Central University has welcomed a new freshman class — and at 1,400 it's the largest ever.
The class is not only large, but also boasts the highest GPA on record for an entering class, with an average of 3.0, according to a University press release.
Many freshmen say they are experiencing a variety of emotions about their first days of college.
"It's different in a good way," said Everett Faucette, a criminal justice freshman from Henderson, NC.
"The freedom and responsibility are exciting."
"I feel like I'm about to start my own life," he said.
Some new Eagles said they were happy to be away from parents and glad to experience some independence.
"My family wanted me to be independent and for me to get my own experience," said Andrea Cochran, a business freshman from Fayetteville.
Other freshmen agreed with Cochran.
"I don't have to listen to no one," said Kimberly Nolan, a business freshman from Raleigh.
"My own choices and decisions affect my tomorrow."
Freshmen gave a variety of reasons for attending NCCU.
Some are upholding family legacies, while others simply came for the convenience.
Many said they came for NCCU's outstanding programs.
"It's a great program and a really good school," said Caleb Collins, computer information systems freshman from High Point, NC.
"Durham's where I was born and I wanted to come back to my roots," he said.
Nolan explained that his "roots" were part of the reason she decided to attend NCCU.
"My grandmother went here," said Nolan.
"Also, my mother went here and I already had credits."
Some freshmen said they were shocked to see how packed Pearson Cafeteria gets and how long the lines at the book store were once classes began.
Some have adjusted their schedule, saying that it's all about planning.
Freshmen said they also have had to adjust to the amount of walking getting around campus takes.
"We don't get any visitors because nobody wants to walk that far," said Cochran.
"I be like, ‘Hey you wanna come over?' The other person would ask, ‘Where do you stay?' I would say, ‘New Res. Two.' The other would just say, ‘Nope, never mind!'"
University administrators worried that students could become overwhelmed by being away from home and created ‘W.O.W', or the Week of Welcome, to help smooth the transition.
During W.O.W., freshmen learned about campus clubs, financial aid, campus policies and more.
There was a movie, a dance and a meet-and-greet with University deans.
The week ended with a "salute to new Eagles" pinning ceremony.
But some freshmen said the events were hit and miss.
"It was boring to me because they didn't do much," said Cochran.
"The party was okay, but it was boring because not a lot of freshmen showed spirit," she said.
A few freshmen agreed with Cochran.
"It was alright, it was just alright," said Collins.
"I think if they would have been a little more organized and had more activities for the students to interact with each other, it would have been better."
Despite the pressures of being the new kids on the block, freshmen are excited about their futures at NCCU and happy to be making new friends.
"It's really, really positive," said Collins.
"Me and my boy, ‘N.O.', we are real cool, just like brothers."
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