<p>Hi. We are from the Boston area and my D is very interested in NC State. The one thing holding us back is the fact that 90% of the student body is instate. Does everyone go home on the weekends? Is Greek life big? Would she be a fish out of water? Thanks for any input!</p>
<p>My son is an oos freshman from the NE and while the majority of his friends went to HS in NC, he does have several friends that are oos as well. Many of the students, although graduated from a NC high-school, moved from other parts of the country when they were younger because of the transient nature of the research triangle. There were a couple of weekends he did complain about people living for the weekend but that wad not the norm. He was invited to spend Easter weekend at the Outer Banks with future roommate. PM me if you have questions.</p>
<p>Heartily agree with slingshot…</p>
<p>We are in-state, with a freshman at NCSU. Our D only comes home 2-3 times a semester (90 miles away). She finds most friends stay around campus on the weekends. However, she is also in College of Design, which tends to tie the kids close to campus for their studio work. A COD classmate/new friend from FL spent Fall Break at our home, saw new parts of NC, and had a great experience. </p>
<p>Greek life is definitely available for those who really want it (our D saw no need for herself). I wouldn’t say it is big, relative to the university’s size, but it is very active with alot of choices.</p>
<p>Finally, the city of Raleigh has alot to offer on the weekends. It only takes 1 or 2 friends, a camera, and a sense of adventure to keep most kids busy exploring the town (until the course load catches up).</p>
<p>Agree with all of the above. S1 had three roommates (off campus last 3 years). Two of the three were friends of S1 from h.s. and the other was a guy from Chicago. However,S was the only NC native. His h.s. friends moved here (from NY and Conn) w/ their families when they were in elem. school. The Chicago roommate fit right in. They introduced him to Spring Break in FL and NC BBQ.</p>
<p>They also had another close friend at NCSU from Iowa. The Iowa friend came home w/ S one year for Thanksgiving and spent a night at each friend’s house. One year they brought him home for Labor Day and introduced him to Nascar racing. They all graduated in 2009 and are all still very close. They’ve made a pact to meet in Raleigh every year for the opening day of football season as long as they can<br>
If your D comes in with an open mind and friendly attitude,she should be fine.</p>
<p>For the most part,S1 and friends only came home for school holiday breaks. There was more fun to be had in Raleigh than at mom and dad’s house! He could have been 10 hours away for all that we saw him!</p>
<p>Hi dianejean - I am originally from New England and now live in NC. I agree with what the other posters wrote. The urban areas of NC are a melting pot of people from North Carolina, from other parts of the US, and people from around the world. It is a welcoming place. I have a son a starting at NC State next year. NC State is not considered a commuter school. I lived in Boston for 10 years. My car proudly sports a Boston Red Sox magnet! Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions you want to ask.</p>
<p>I agree with all of the above posters. My son is a junior at NC State from Mississippi and he loves it. He has gone home with friends for several weekends and this recent spring break. Even though the majority of students are from NC, there are still commonalities to be found among the students. When my son was home for Christmas break, it wasn’t long before he was ready to head back to Raleigh.</p>