North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC, USA

Reviews

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Wolfpackfan124

a current student here
65 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Great school; learn new things even in introductory classes.

The majority of my engineering professors at NCSU have been top notch. They have helped me to go beyond the formulas and math by teaching the concepts related to the subject as well as problem solving skills.
Am enjoying being here
I live off-campus and deal with much more Raleigh traffic than a student that might live on-campus. Otherwise, my experience is alright. When I need to get around at the campus, I can take the Wolfline to get where I need to go. Also, there are places like Taco Bell and Chic-fil-a on campus to eat at as well as dining halls.
Bang for the buck
NC State is of course a public college, which means most funding is set by the government and donations. As such, tuition and other student costs have to pick up the slack. However, if you qualify for financial aid and scholarships, these costs can be offset for the most part.

More specifically, textbooks at the NCSU Bookstore on campus are usually more expensive than those offered by other online retailers. Also, the NCSU Bookstore has now started offering textbook rentals through the internet (similar to Chegg).
Tips for prospective students
Get to know others in your classes. If they happen to have the same major as you, great! If not you'll at least have someone to help you or collaborate with in that particular class. Be sure to get paperwork and such done as ahead of time as possible. Be sure to study the notes you just took the same day in order to be sure you understand the concepts. It is also a good idea to read ahead in the textbook if possible.
Great for these types of students
I recommend NC State to highly motivated students and those who wish to explore many possibilities. Also, NC State is great for those that like a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and networking opportunities.

Joseph from Concord, NC

a current student here
35 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am pre-vet at NC State. Being involved in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), I tend to take many science and math classes. NC State is a great science and math school and I have learned so much already, even though I have just completed my first year!
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy living in Raleigh. I live 10 minutes off campus, so I have to drive or ride the bus on to campus everyday. However, I enjoy the scenery, the people, the campus, and the learning experiences that have achieved at NC State. There are a lot of clubs, activities, sports, and community service activities to get into as well.
Bang for the buck
You definitely get your money's worth when you attend NC State. There are so many activities and sports you can do that are all included in the tuition cost. You can attend the gym, play intramural sports, or even hang out in the library. There is something for everyone.
Tips for prospective students
I advice you to come in the NC State prepared to study and work your butt off. NC State is very fun, but it is also challenging, especially the science and math classes.
Great for these types of students
Great for anyone interested in science and math, especially pre-vet or engineering.

Riley Carl from Clayton, NC

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
North Carolina State University is an amazing university, especially in its academics. Everywhere from Humanities and Social Sciences to Engineering there are massive opportunities to better your knowledge and continue forward with the best education you will need to pursue your dreams after college.
Am enjoying being here
Campus Life, Student Organizations, and so much more contribute to the experience students will endeavor at North Carolina State University. I, myself, am a Senator in Student Government, Hall Representative for the Inter Residence Council, Executive Board Member for my Residence Hall, and an applicant for Resident Assistant. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved at NC State and the list is endless. Organizations put on events almost every single day so students are never wishing they chose a different university because of their alleged boredom.
Bang for the buck
NC State is a great college to choose if you want to gain a diploma with prestige and also save money along the way. NC State is one of the less expensive colleges in the area, yet the experiences (academic and personal) are not hindered whatsoever.
Tips for prospective students
A tip for prospective students would be to GET INVOLVED! This university is nothing without the students who help to make it better every day. One of the greatest assets of NC State is the administration's understanding that if it wasn't for the students, they would be out of the job. So administrations and staff members are well apt to changing the rules and benefiting students, however the only way that happens is if the students are active, professional, and involved!
Great for these types of students
NC State is great for most types of students. It features programs for students who like to be active within the community and also those who would prefer to stick to the studies (or video games too). The events range from concerts featuring artists like Daughtry, Josh Gracin, Ludacris, N.E.R.D., to events like the LAN Party and other similar competitions. Any student is welcome to join the Wolfpack at North Carolina State University, no matter what type you might fall into.

Nicholas from Clayton, NC

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are tons of classes available at state that offer a wide range of study areas. NC State also offers plenty of tutoring opportunities as well as tons of computers at your use.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is nice and has a friendly atmosphere. A lot of things are usually going on, but if you commute you will probably be left out of some of these.
Bang for the buck
If you are careful about what classes you select you can get quite a bit of your course load done each semester and even graduate early if you are really dedicated. The school also provides free bus access and has a movie theater that is cheap for students.
Tips for prospective students
If you're looking to get into State try hard to work on your math and sciences. The school offers a lot and can even offer you a job coming in (I am currently one of the lifeguards on campus). Try and get into a dorm if you can as it will help you find people to study with as well as take a break with when you need one.
Great for these types of students
If you are into engineering or agriculture this school should definitely be considered.

Daniel from Marvin, NC

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am an engineering student with lots of challenging classes including calculus 2, physics and chemistry. Introductory classes are an average of 100 students until you get into more specialized areas. Teachers vary in teaching ability but in the end it is always the individuals responsibility to learn the material. Take advantage of offered office hours, they can be a big help.
Am enjoying being here
Plenty to do on-campus with a wide variety of activities to participate in both on and off campus. Living and learning dorms help the freshmen transition.
Bang for the buck
Great deal for a highly reputable education for in state students.
Tips for prospective students
Apply as early as possible as it improves your chances of getting in. Visit departments to see where you can fit in.
Great for these types of students
Lots of engineering, design, business, and more.

Jennifer from Staten Island, NY

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am going to be a junior here and have already completed most of my core classes for my major. I have learned so much information about not just the field I am interested in, but other fields as well. I never find myself bored here.
Am enjoying being here
I am from New York so it could just be I am not used to that southern hospitality but everyone is so friendly here. I never have to worry about feeling out of place or finding someone to help with school work.
Bang for the buck
Out of state prices are a little bit high compared to in state prices, but they are still much lower than other schools around the country. The main thing is to know how to earn grants and scholarships and manage your money well.
Tips for prospective students
The biggest advice I can give is don't be afraid to speak up in class. Whether its talking to the professor or to other classmates, making connections will help you! The classes in which I didn't talk to anyone were definitely my hardest. Your classmates will be the most helpful people when it comes to studying, you will learn so much from them and you always have them to help you. Professors and TAs are also extremely helpful. Don't be afraid to use your resources when you are having trouble...that's what they are there for!
Great for these types of students
There are a lot of in-state people so it is not the most diverse. However, being an out-of-state student allowed me to see a completely different type of living and meet some interesting people. Really, I think this school is great for anyone. As far as majors, this school is HUGE in agriculture and veterinary. Engineering, Biology, and Education are also very large majors here. Even if the major isn't large, all the programs are great here.

Ethan from Green Mtn., NC

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Professors are very knowledgeable and are more than willing to help individual students out. They are constantly announcing office hours and working with students’ schedules. There are also a variety of tutoring resources from SI sessions to free personal tutors.
Am enjoying being here
Very much so. It is a great college filled with great people. Everyone is extremely friendly from staff to students. Not to mention it is located right in downtown Raleigh.
Bang for the buck
It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing college, unless you absolutely love brick but it is a very functional college. I got the freedom food plan and I literally don't need any cash.
Tips for prospective students
Go to the SI sessions. If you are having trouble in a class, especially a class designed to weed undergraduates out, get help. Go talk to the teacher, they will bend over backwards to help you out.
Great for these types of students
Engineering Students. I'm sure it is good for other majors as well, but I am in here for engineering and it is great. Also a very visual college for visual learners

Clare from Conyers, GA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A big school in a medium city with a small-community feel. With over 35,000 students and two huge campuses, you feel like you're part of one very extensive family. Everyone's part of the Wolf Pack!
Tips for prospective students
Get close with your professors or department heads within your major; high school tells you they're scary and very strict, but that's totally not the case for the vast majority of them. They want you to succeed, and will appreciate your extra effort!
Academic Rigor
NC State is a big engineering school (they devoted a whole campus to it!) but also has excellent business, science, education, and of course, agriculture programs. These are challenging but not impossible, and if you're unsure of a major going in, First Year College is a great path to take to find what you really want.
Dorm Life
Absolutely live in a dorm, at the very least freshman year. It's the easiest, most convenient way to meet new freshman and sophomores with a little more experience. The best people you'll meet in college could be just down the hall. Plus, you're basically already home! State offers a ton of dorm options all over campus so you're sure to find a good fit.
Food and Dining
There are a TON of food options all over campus. State has three buffet-style dining halls (Fountain, Case, and Clark), three food court-style food areas (Talley, the Oval, and the Atrium), among a handfull of coffee shops and convenient stores scattered across campus. There are always options for vegetarians and people who are gluten/lactose intolerant. There are always new choices so you never get tired of the same things.
What to do for fun
There's so much going on on campus it's not hard to find things to participate in, but our location is also convenient to the fairgrounds, the $2.50 movie theater, Crabtree Mall and other shopping areas, and downtown Raleigh. Concerts are frequent and the city boasts a wide array of restaurants, art galleries, museums, and shops.
Bang for the buck
Being from Georgia, I pay out-of-state tuition, and even with that it's a better deal than going to the other schools I was admitted to. The academic programs are exceptional, you have access to incredible technology and resources, along with advisers and professors who guide you to your success. And success is priceless.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We are well known for our iconic Bell Tower, which is lit up red and a locale for celebration after athletic wins. Just a few minutes into campus, you'll reach the Court of Carolina, an expansive lawn which is a great location for sunny days or the occasional snowball fight. And of course the brickyard located in the middle of campus is a great spot for daytime events and tables.
Great for these types of students
Anyone pursuing degrees from agriculture to engineering, from accounting to early education. The student body is diverse in terms of degree goal, and I think any type of student would fit in just fine. The school has two huge libraries (and a few smaller, department-specific ones) that offer extensive resources, technology, and essential study space.
Clubs and Activities
With such a huge student body, there's bound to be people who share your interests. An online directory lists all of the registered clubs on campus, and often times posters and chalk are used to advertise. Along with RecFest, a large festival during Welcome Week where clubs and teams recruit, it's not hard to find an organization or two to become involved with.
Greek Life
State isn't a primarily Greek school, though we do have an affluent and positive Greek system. Greek Court is located just across Western Boulevard, with buses and crosswalks to get to main campus. Sororities and fraternities are excellent ways to get involved and meet a lot of new people at once. If you're interested, absolutely consider rushing.
Campus Safety
Campus has never felt unsafe, even late at night. It's very well lit, and from any point you can see at least one safety tower which allows you to call campus police. Campus police is also available for escorts at night. When crimes do occur, students receive WolfAlerts either by text or email, notifying you of the crime. While no campus can be totally crime-free, State is secure and effective in preventing bad things from happening.

Hannah from Matthews, NC

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I enjoyed most of my classes this past semester. Because I am a freshman, I was enrolled in mostly entry-level courses. Most of my classes were very well-taught. However, I felt like my Calculus teacher did not do a very good job. She seemed to go off topic and talk about her personal life a great deal.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love it at NCSU! I live in the Honors Village, and I love the environment there. The people are very kind, and it is nice to live in a community where everyone around me is as driven to succeed as I am.

I also love the campus. While there is quite a bit of brick, I find the campus very pretty and nice to walk around. The Court of the Carolinas is a beautiful grassy area that has plenty of space to go outdoors and work.
Bang for the buck
You absolutely cannot beat the price of NC State. In-state tuition is about $6,000 per academic year, and the quality is superior to many other schools in the state.

I am so glad that I chose to go to NCSU for my undergraduate degree-- I simply would not have found a better value anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
I would advise that you keep your high school GPA as high as possible. Be sure to have community service or volunteer hours, as well as academic extracurricular activities. All of these combined make for a competitive application.

I would also advise any prospective student to come take a campus tour to see if NC State seems like a good fit in person.
Great for these types of students
NC State is renowned for its programs in Engineering and Agriculture, but there are also good programs in the Humanities, Education, and Design.

Overall, NC State would be a good fit for a student who is determined to succeed in both academic and personal endeavors.

Michaela from Oak Ridge, NC

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
NC State has challenged me to grow personally and academically. Even though campus felt huge at first, it wasn't hard at all to learn my way around the place and find some great places to study. I love meeting new people in classes and getting to know professors.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to go to office hours. Take advantage of the free tutoring services on campus.
Academic Rigor
I've had pretty good professors so far. I'm in the engineering program and it's been challenging so far, but State has a lot of resources to help students.
Dorm Life
I live in the Honors Village (the Quad) on East campus and I really love it there. I'm surrounded by outrageously smart and inspiring people who are really fun to be around. The dorms are hall style and full of super friendly people. I'm lucky to have a sink in my room and to live in such a safe building.
Food and Dining
The dining halls can be a hit or miss sometimes, but I really like Case and Clark. State has meal equivalencies you can use at restaurants at Talley, the Oval, and the Atrium. I like the variety.
What to do for fun
There is always a program going on somewhere on campus put on by the various clubs and associations. I enjoy playing music with my friends and longboarding around campus.
Campus Safety
Students receive alerts when a crime happens on or near campus. The campus is well lit and the police offer rides back to your dorm if you feel unsafe.