Explore Outdoors

Spending time in nature, also referred to as green time, is not only a great way to take a break from studying and connect with friends, but spending 120 minutes each week in nature may improve your overall sense of well-being. As the leaves change color, be sure to check out the numerous parks and trails around NC State, like Lake Raleigh Woods on Centennial Campus, or stroll through Umstead State Park or Lake Johnson Park, located a few miles from Main Campus. 

Add some friendly competition to your outdoor exploration by joining the Step To It Challenge beginning Oct. 7. Teams of 3-10, made up of students, faculty and staff, will record their weekly steps for a chance to win awesome prizes!

Change Up Your Menu and Eat Local 

Fall is a great time to excite the senses by switching up our menu. Check out upcoming NC State Dining Events, including Oktoberfest at Fountain Dining Hall featuring a selection of German foods, like jumbo soft pretzels with beer cheese. Utilize campus resources, like Feed the Pack Food Pantry located in North Hall. Students can also take advantage of PACK Meal Share, a student-to-student meal sharing program for students facing short-term food insecurity. To support you on your journey exploring new and local foods, Campus Health offers nutrition counseling to address a wide variety of topics related to diet and health, such as diabetes, food allergies, eating disorders, sports nutrition and more. 

Expand your palate and support local businesses by visiting the NC State Farmers Market and the Black Farmers Market this fall. Both offer great opportunities to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season during the fall, like corn and apples. Visiting these local markets allows you to support both local farmers and the local economy.

Festivities

Fall brings many opportunities to cheer on the Wolfpack. Football season is well underway, so check out the schedule to plan your game-day fun. Cheer on our other in-season teams, including men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and cross country. Faculty and staff can also receive discounts to NC State Athletics events and to Hurricanes games. Check out all the Wolfperks available for entertainment, shopping, wellness, travel and more.

Healthy Campus Week is also coming up, taking place Sept. 23 – 27, with a variety of events across campus that allow you to explore your wellness. A signature annual event, Fresh Check Day, is a mental health fair taking place on Thursday, Sept. 26 on Stafford Commons featuring interactive booths, free food and giveaways.