Students unpack new beginnings at SC State University

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Christian Jones considers himself an extrovert, and he plans to use that personality trait to make his freshman year at South Carolina State University all it can be.

“I'm looking forward to a great experience, really to have fun and to see what’s better for me,” said Jones, a criminal justice major from Columbia, South Carolina. “I'm really outgoing. I like to make friends. I'm just here for the experience.”

Jones is among hundreds of freshmen who arrived at SC State this week for the start of the Fall 2024 Semester. After arriving, freshmen learned about SC State traditions and dos and don’ts through the orientation process during Welcome Week.

Jones’s father, Clinton Jones, gave his son advice in preparing for his first year of college.

“We are military, so this is his first college experience. We are happy for him,” the elder Jones said. “We want him to experience it, get his education first of all, and be focused.

“Stay focused, read your emails every day, keep God first, and stay out of trouble -- one day at a time,” he said to his son.

With classes set to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 20, SC State also welcomed back returning students this week. Students are excited to be back on campus, and they are looking forward to engaging in the HBCU culture. They are particularly looking forward to SC State’s Homecoming, which is set for Oct. 26.

"I want to encourage all freshmen to stay true to who you are,” Student Government Association Marketing Manager Xavier Mitchell-Brown said. “Please go to class, join organizations, and just have fun. Do not be afraid to go out there to meet others.”

 For more information about SC State and how to join Bulldog Nation, visit www.scsu.edu.