North Carolina State University welcomes back students for fall semester

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Across the Triangle, thousands of college students returned to class, breaking records in the process.

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The campus of North Carolina State University was bustling on Monday with the newest members of the Wolfpack heading to their first classes on campus.

More students than ever are seeking higher education in North Carolina. Both NC State and Wake Technical Community College are welcoming some of their biggest classes ever.

At NC State, more than 38,000 students are enrolled this year, including 6,100 new students.

Wake Tech reports their total enrollment now sits at 76,000. This year, there are 30,000 degree seeking students and 10,000 first time students, both records for the school.

Freshman are working their first week jitters at both schools.

NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell encouraged students to get involved on campus and to build their communities away from home, something students already had on their mind on day one of class.

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“I’m a nuclear engineer major, so this school is made for us,” NC State freshman Eli Hook said. “I’m really excited to be in a place where not only is my niche major understood, but encouraged.”

Katelyn Wentz and Alden Burke moved to NC State together after knowing each other growing up.

“We both plan on rushing sororities so were real excited about that and just getting involved with all the other clubs around campus,” Wentz said.

Added Burke, “Just hoping to also keep my grades up because I don’t want to slack either.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students also returned to the classroom on Monday. Duke University students go back next Monday, Aug. 24.

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