I have been accepted to Howard and I would love to attend, but I have recently been discouraged. I am not really into partying and I feel like Howard is party party party especially Freshman week. I also am kind of shy with people I don't know. A student told me that I will be miserable at Howard my entire time. How true is this?
Well remember that Howard is in D.C. so you would be in the middle of the political scene and they have party life where ever you turn. If you are shy could I possibly suggest a smaller hbcu such as Spelman or Fisk.
Well I imagined that since it is larger I had a better chance at meeting like-minded people. I wanted to join different organizations and get involved and meet people that way.
Freshmen Orientation week at Howard is set up for freshmen to get to know the campus, the city, speak with advisors/professors and upperclassmen as well as get to know other freshmen. There are parties and mixers involved but its all OPTIONAL.
Your main focus in college should be your academics. You wont be forced to do anything. If your shy and uncomfortable, thats normal...there will be plenty of others to talk to and get to know who can help you adjust to college life.
Partying is a choice, like any other. There are LOTS of fun and interesting things to do, even on campus, because you'll be living in DC. DC is so vibrant. I love it. You'll be near U Street and, even struggle through gentrification efforts, is still vibrant. The other responses are correct. You won't have as much time as you think. Free time is very limited because Howard has rigorous programs. You will meet many like-minded people. It's a great place to fellowship with other scholars and you'll meet some lifelong friends there. Most of us gain close-knit relationships during our time there, because no one can brave Howard alone
I agree. Partying is a choice. Many people take advantage of it when they feel the need. I went to school in Atlanta and personally only been to a handful of parties during my entire time there ... went to few clubs, etc. I just knew what i needed to do to succeed. In some cases, mingling at some of the parties (and I do mean just mingling and not fully partaking in all the activities at these parties) could reap great networking connections for yourself.
.. and by networking connections, I mean present and future connections. Person A that you meet at a party may not necessarily seem like a good or great networking option, but when the years go by and careers are launched, that connect may become one of your strongest.
I agree to most of the responses already so I am not going to repeat anything. I will just say focus on what you want to go to Howard for and go after it. No one can make you do anything but you. If you are not the partying type then do not party.
