East Carolina University (ECU)

East Carolina University is a public research university in North Carolina that gives students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research, hybrid online and classroom courses, and hands-on learning. Of particular note are the engineering program, which "offers students an unlimited number of opportunities," and "the nursing school, [which] is second to none." Regardless of the chosen program, professors help students "consider all aspects of the material when learning" so they can gain a deeper understanding, and they will often "come in on Saturday or Sunday to help." One student says, "The passion and enthusiasm they show reflects onto the students," describing teaching methods that include scenario-based learning and an "avoidance of reading PowerPoints word-by-word." Most professors "are very interactive and make a great school environment," but there are "a couple that just lecture the whole time."

Both in and out of the classroom, the number of people at East Carolina "make it possible to make a lot of connections for everything," and there are "endless resources here on campus to utilize and use to your advantage to be advanced in your curriculum and personal life." Those resources include a "huge library, writing center, multiple computer labs and study lounges, career center, organization start up lessons, [and] counseling center." There are "so many different services provided for students to help them succeed" and "the Pirate Academic Success Center is always open for tutoring to give a helping hand."

This "very diverse and unique group of students" primarily hails from North Carolina, and despite the large number of students, "it is a very small and family-oriented campus that does not make you feel small." Extracurriculars help build that community on campus, with many taking part in "at least one extracurricular group or activity, and they wear the shirt to prove it." As one East Carolina Pirate puts it, "the library's group study rooms are always full," because "most students try very hard." That said, there is definitely a range "from the typical hardworking motivated student to the atypical Greek life individual who flunks out after a year or two." Overall, these are "great people," and "there is a crowd for whatever type of experience you are looking for."

ECU students are physically active: some "will go to the gym and play basketball after class," and "the rec center provides plenty of things to do in terms of working out and swimming." In all, the "Pirate Nation loves to hang out and support ECU athletics." After, they'll quite often "spend time at home with roommates" or find "a comedy night or karaoke night at some of the restaurants, bars or breweries downtown." There are plenty of on-campus activities too, like talent shows and game nights. In all, students "like to turn up and party," and as a result "pack their class schedule to be in the middle of the day" so they have "time to sleep in not too late but [don't have] to get to those dreadful eight or nine a.m. classes." The campus itself is "sprawling but well-organized" in terms of the main academic buildings and dorms, and "everything is close together." Plus, Greenville is "really a college town" where "you feel like you are with people who are in the same mindset."