Deciding what HBCU to attend is an important decision for students seeking higher education. It can be troublesome choosing from Howard, Hampton or the other 100 plus black colleges in the nation–not to mention the ‘process’ it takes to register. But we got you at the Buzz.
Here are 6 things to know when registering at an HBCU:
Have some patience
Never forget the moment when you first registered at an HBCU, and how you were annoyed and impatient after being patient for a while. This is a sign of things to come.
Know your history
Neither Howard nor Hampton University is “The real HU.” That title belongs to Harvard University, founded some 200 years beforehand. During that time period however blacks were not allowed to seek higher education. Thus institutions like Howard and Hampton exist today.
What is ‘Drumline’ to an HBCU?
Forget everything you think you know about HBCUs. They are all lies. Take the films ‘Drumline’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’ for example. It is like a cake walk compared to the actual band life at black colleges. The only factual thing you need to have down pat is the reality that the café food sucks, and there are no signs of it being any better.
Don’t be ‘That Guy’
We all know that guy who thinks he is the chosen one. Wearing crimson and cream, smooth talking the ladies, and twirling his cane made from scratch like a Kappa; when in fact he is not Greek but a freshman who knows little about that life. This will get you in trouble.
It’s all in the family
Hate to love your family? In high spirits to be spending time away from home? Well you are out of luck. At an HBCU, it takes a village to raise a child. (A fancy way of saying “get ready to meet new family!”) You will meet people who, before you know it, will become friends for life. Someday you might want to consider adding these same friends to your ‘Do not to take in public’ list.
Have fun
Remember to have fun. If you go to every college party, go to every social event on the yard, too. Meet new people and network often. Take risks. Create the person that you wish to be. College is not called “the best four years of your life” for nothing.
So mark down every difficulty that you encounter with financial aid and administration officers. Laugh at all the good times, like going to class every day and studying all night for exams. And when you finally graduate after four, five or six years of steadfastness, simply say “I love my HBCU.”
