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5 Must-Dos as a CALS Student

A banana split sundae with cherries and whipped cream

With the new semester underway, there’ll be lots of events, classes and opportunities to get familiar with campus. But we wanted to share a few things that you definitely won’t want to miss!

1. Savor the Dairy Heritage Museum and Howling Cow

The Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum is a unique agritourism experience for people of all ages. Visitors learn how wholesome milk gets from the farm to the table. It also honors the Kenan family, whose generous support helped us create this educational destination at the NC State Dairy Farm. The interactive museum lets visitors discover how a typical North Carolina dairy operates. While you’re there, hit up the creamery for your favorite scoop, or two, of Howling Cow ice cream. Did we mention they also have shakes, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches? Our mouths are watering, so we’ll see you there!

2. Visit JC Raulston Arboretum

As you get into the swing of things at the start of the semester, the JC Raulston Arboretum is the perfect place to take a mental break and soak in the sun and fresh air. The arboretum serves as a living laboratory for students and faculty, a resource for professionals in the green industry, and a popular botanical garden drawing visitors from around the world. Admission and parking are free. If you’re looking to gain a little more knowledge during your visit, you can request a guided tour for $5 a person. Tours should be scheduled a month in advance.

3. Buy a Houseplant 

You’ll have two opportunities in the fall to find the perfect houseplant to spruce up your dorm room or apartment. By purchasing a plant, you’ll support NC State horticultural science students. The Horticulture Club will usually sell plants on the Brickyard the second week of classes. If you miss the sale, you’ll have another chance during Pi Alpha Xi’s plant sale at the North Carolina Museum of Art later in the fall. The fraternity holds a second plant sale in the spring.

4. Grab Your NC State and CALS Gear

Whether you’re new to NC State, or a returning upperclassmen or graduate student, be sure to check out the latest NC State and CALS gear at the campus bookstore, Wolfpack Outfitters. The store has everything from T-shirts and sweatshirts to water bottles and mugs, so go ahead and stock up.

5. Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to get involved with campus life and meet new, lifelong friends. From MANRRS, Table-Top Gamers Club and Food Science Club, there are literally dozens upon dozens of clubs and organizations to join. So check out NC State’s Get Involved website and search for clubs, organizations or events based on your interests. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and find your new community of people!