I'm not a straight A student, but I am pretty darn brainy. I chose to attend Humboldt because of its exemplary science program. I've been here for a year now, and I've decided to leave after this semester. It's not because I hate HSU, it's an awesome school, but the surrounding area isn't so great.
So I know lots of people come on to this website to help them get a feel for the school, and so I just want to be as honest as possible about my experiences here.
The Pros of Humboldt State:
It is actually a great science school, one of the best you can go to. If you are looking for a degree in any of the biology, botany, natural sciences, or environmental sciences, by all means, a diploma from Humboldt will be great to have. The professors go above and beyond for their students, and that's hard to find elsewhere. I was a Wildlife major, so I can't speak for any of the other major's classes.
Another great thing is all the perks of going here and living on campus. The main one I'm talking about is the medical center. It's pretty much free healthcare, and it's awesome. Everyone is always really nice, and you can even get your prescription medicines there sometimes. Humboldt also has a therapist, supplementary advisors, and I've heard that there's even a masseuse. All free.
The people of HSU and the surrounding town are also some of the friendliest people you'll meet. On campus, people are always out, will introduce themselves to you, and can carry on a conversation. It's not hard to make friends here. One time, my friend's car broke down, and within five minutes, like ten people stopped to see if they could help. It's a very friendly place.
If you smoke weed, you're in luck. It's practically free and legal here unless you live on campus.
On sunny days, Humboldt is one of the most beautiful places you can be.
Everything in town is within a walking distance, and that's pretty nice.
The Cons of Humboldt State:
It is so boring here. There is no night life, not much of a day life, and to go do those outdoor activities that people love so much here, you'll need a car. But seriously, the parties aren't fun, creepy people go to them, and it's just awkward. There are no clubs, and the bars are pretty seedy. But if you don't like to party, then you're good! Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of fiestas going on, but none that are really great. Not like what you see in the movies.
People are also really awkward, here. There are just tons of people with social issues, and it makes finding 'normal' people kind of challenging. Humboldt is kind of about flying your freak flag, which is cool, but also not at all. I used to think I liked hippies before coming here, now I'm running to a place where social rules apply. Some of the stoner/ hippies think it's really cool to not shower here, and it's fine, but not when you can smell that BO/weed combo smell all through class. I do think it's cool that girls don't have to shave or care about their appearance at all here. The armpit hair thing really caught on in Humboldt, and that was fun. Participating in no-shave-ember is kind of useless since it's not weird to have leg hair here, and that was lame, but still fun!
It's also freezing. Which is to be expected, because it's so far North.
It gets hard to avoid stoners, here, and that can be pretty annoying.
I think those are the only real big ones that I can think of. Overall, Humboldt is a good school, and if you're coming here I'd suggest that you
Bring a car, fun things are farther away
Bring many jackets for rain and wind
Get Netflix
Hit up Arcata Pizza and Deli for their huge slices of pizza regularly.
Go to Arcata Scoop for the best ice cream
Go to the mall, stores go out of business all the time, and have huge sales
Invest in cute rain boots
Binoculars for birdwatching if you're a science nerd.
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