Kent State is surrounded by positive vibrations — the downtown scene, campus atmosphere and academic achievements give the university a good name. I have felt welcomed the very first moment I stepped foot on campus.

There are so many amenities, activities and clubs to enjoy during your time here at Kent State. Don’t be afraid to explore around downtown or on campus. I found my favorite coffee shop, Scribbles Coffee Co., while downtown for the first time, as well as a record store, The Vinyl Underground. There are even more opportunities for students in the downtown area due to the $110 million redevelopment of downtown Kent. Students need to learn to know and love the town they will be living in for their college career.

As for the on-campus atmosphere, you must take advantage of what is being offered. Kent State is a beautiful campus on the outside, as well as the inside. Be sure to walk around campus as much as possible to become familiar with locations. Maybe even stop inside an unfamiliar academic building and learn something new. Also, try every dining area on campus to see what you’ll learn to love. Get a coffee from Jazzman’s Cafe in the basement of the Student Center then walk upstairs to get a bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels. Read the advertisements on the pillars in the Hub to learn about upcoming events. There is so much offered by Kent State that truly isn’t appreciated by numerous students.

Kent State sure is a one-of-a-kind campus. It was my first campus tour back in the summer of 2010, and that very day I knew I belonged here — I never gave transferring a thought. The journalism department blew me away with its creativity, media involvement and precision. I love this school and am proud to be to Golden Flash.

Megan L. Brown is a junior journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].