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Essential Items Every College Student Should Have on the First Day of School

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The first day of college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To make the best impression and start the semester on the right foot, it’s essential to be prepared. Here’s a list of must-have items that every college student should bring on their first day.

student should bring on their first day.

1. A Reliable Backpack

A sturdy, comfortable backpack is crucial for carrying textbooks, notebooks, a laptop, and other essentials. Look for one with padded straps and multiple compartments.

2. Notebooks and Binders

Having a dedicated notebook or binder for each class helps keep notes organized. Choose durable ones that can withstand frequent use.

3. Pens, Pencils, and Highlighters

Stock up on writing utensils, including pens, pencils, and highlighters. These are essential for taking notes, marking important information, and working on assignments.

4. A Planner or Digital Calendar

Staying organized is key to managing a busy college schedule. A planner or digital calendar can help keep track of assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities.

5. A Laptop or Tablet

A laptop or tablet is essential for taking notes, researching, and completing assignments. Ensure it’s charged and ready to go.

6. Textbooks and Syllabi

Bring any required textbooks and printed syllabi on the first day. This shows preparedness and helps you follow along with the professor’s lecture.

7. Comfortable Clothing

Comfort is key, especially if you have a long day of classes. Choose an outfit that is both comfortable and appropriate for the weather.

8. Water Bottle and Snacks

Staying hydrated and fueled is important. Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks to keep energy levels up throughout the day.

9. Student ID and Important Documents

Don’t forget your student ID, which you may need for building access, meals, and other campus services. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your class schedule.

10. Positive Attitude

Lastly, bring a positive attitude! The first day of college is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, and start the semester off right.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Alcorn State Braves Take on Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Arena: Jameel Morris Shines

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On a chilly night at Xfinity Arena in College Park, MD, the Alcorn State Braves squared off against the University of Maryland Terrapins in a thrilling non-conference matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. While the Braves came up short against the Big Ten powerhouse, the game was full of heart, hustle, and moments of brilliance, showing why SWAC basketball continues to grow in talent and competitiveness.

Key Moments and Plays

From the opening tip, the Braves demonstrated defensive intensity. #1 Jameel Morris was a one-man highlight reel, electrifying the court with multiple standout plays:

  • Steals and Corner Jumper: Early in the first half, Morris read Maryland’s offense perfectly, stole the ball, and drained a smooth corner shot, igniting the Braves’ bench.

  • Driving to the Hole: Displaying speed and skill, Morris powered through defenders for a strong layup, showcasing his ability to attack the basket under pressure.

  • Steal and Score: Morris continued to turn defense into offense, picking pockets and converting fast-break opportunities into easy points.

  • Bounces Off Contact and Scores: Perhaps his most physical play of the night, Morris absorbed contact at the rim and still finished strong, earning a roar from Braves fans.

Supporting Morris were Travis Roberts (14 points) and Shane Lancaster (10 points), each contributing key buckets and energy off the bench.

For Maryland, Pharrel Payne led the Terrapins with 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Andre Mills (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Elijah Saunders (12 points) kept the team ahead, ultimately finishing with a final score of Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64.

SWAC Pride on Display

Despite facing a Big Ten program, the Braves showed the grit, athleticism, and strategic mindsets that SWAC teams are known for. Under Coach Jake Morton, Alcorn State’s players exhibited discipline, teamwork, and moments of brilliance that remind fans of the talent emerging from HBCUs and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Looking Ahead

While the Braves didn’t come away with the win, the performance of Jameel Morris and the energy from Coach Morton’s squad set the tone for the season. SWAC basketball continues to rise, and games like this against top-tier programs help put HBCU talent on the national radar.


Key Players:

Alcorn State Braves:

  • #1 Jameel Morris – 22 points

  • Travis Roberts – 14 points

  • Shane Lancaster – 10 points

Maryland Terrapins:

  • Pharrel Payne – 22 points, 7 rebounds

  • Andre Mills – 16 points, 8 rebounds

  • Elijah Saunders – 12 points

Final Score: Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64


💜💛 Whether it’s Morris’ highlight-reel plays or the strategic leadership of Coach Jake Morton, the Braves proved that SWAC teams can compete with some of the best in college basketball. Stay tuned for more HBCU basketball coverage!

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Bowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field

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Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025

Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.

Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.

Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.


📊 Team Stats

Category Bowie State Lincoln (PA)
Total Yards 312 389
Passing Yards 215 246
Rushing Yards 97 143
Turnovers 1 2
Time of Possession 30:48 29:12

Top Performers

  • Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception

  • Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception

  • Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles

  • Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD

  • Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD


Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.

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DELAWARE STATE SURVIVES MORGAN STATE COMEBACK

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Final Score:
Delaware State Hornets 14 – Morgan State Bears 12
📍 Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
🗓️ Friday, November 7, 2025
📺 ESPNU

In a tough MEAC battle under the Baltimore lights, Delaware State University held off a late surge from Morgan State to escape with a 14-12 victory.

Running back James Jones was the difference-maker, racking up 115 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, including a 68-yard dash in the first quarter that set the tone early.

The Hornets’ second score came in dramatic fashion — Jones fumbled at the goal line, but A. Francis recovered in the end zone for a Delaware State touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead at the half.

Morgan State battled back with a pair of field goals from A. Amaya and a 67-yard touchdown run by Randall Nauden, but a failed two-point conversion left them short in the final minutes.

Defensively, Delaware State’s Jianni Woodson-Brooks led with 8 tackles, and Quincy Robinson added a clutch sack to help seal the win.

With the victory, Delaware State improves to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, staying firmly in the hunt for the conference title. Morgan State falls to 3-7 (0-3 MEAC) after a strong but incomplete comeback.

🔥 HBCU Original was on the ground capturing every moment — from the sideline intensity to the fan energy. Stay locked in for exclusive highlights, interviews, and all-access coverage from this MEAC rivalry matchup!

 

#HBCUOriginal #MEACFootball #DelState #MorganState #HBCUPride #CollegeFootball #DSU #MSU #HBCUSports #WeCoverTheCulture

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Coppin State Shows Fight in Season Opener Against Maryland at CFG Bank Arena

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BALTIMORE, MD — The Coppin State Eagles opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball season under the bright lights of CFG Bank Arena, taking on the University of Maryland Terrapins in a much-anticipated in-state showdown. Though the Eagles ultimately fell 83–61, the night was a showcase of heart, hustle, and promise for a young Coppin squad looking to make noise this season.

From the opening tip, Coppin came ready to compete. The Eagles matched Maryland’s energy early, trading baskets and pushing the pace behind Khali Horton, who led the way with 19 points, showing his ability to create shots and finish through contact. Coppin’s defensive intensity in the first half forced Maryland to work for every possession, keeping the game within reach before the Terps’ depth and size began to show.

By halftime, Maryland had built a 47–32 lead, powered by the hot shooting of Pharrel Payne and Darius Adams, who combined for 37 points. Still, Coppin refused to fold. Coming out of the break, the Eagles went on a 7-2 run sparked by Nhyier Bethea and Justin Winston, cutting the deficit and re-energizing the Baltimore crowd.

Throughout the second half, Coppin State continued to battle, showing flashes of what’s to come this season — active hands on defense, strong rebounding effort, and improved offensive movement. Head Coach Larry Stewart praised his team’s resilience, noting that early-season tests like this help build character and chemistry.

“We’re learning who we are,” Stewart said. “Playing a team like Maryland gives us the opportunity to see where we can grow, and I loved the effort our guys brought tonight.”

Maryland’s depth and shooting proved too much in the final stretch, but Coppin’s intensity and fight never wavered. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles’ energy on both ends of the floor stood out — a clear sign that this team plans to compete every night.

For fans and supporters, the game was more than just a season opener; it was a celebration of Maryland basketball and the continued rise of Coppin State’s program, representing Baltimore and the HBCU community with pride.

The Eagles return to action later this week, ready to build on the lessons learned from their season debut. With a roster filled with new faces and a commitment to growth, Coppin State’s future looks bright.


Final Score: Maryland 83, Coppin State 61
Top Performer: Khali Horton – 19 points
Next Up: Coppin State continues non-conference play before returning home to the PEC Center for their home opener.

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Elizabeth City State Stuns Bowie State 28–27 in Homecoming Heartbreaker

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BOWIE, Md. — On a crisp Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Bowie State seemed in full control — until the Elizabeth City State Vikings engineered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the CIAA season.

Trailing 27–7 midway through the third quarter, ECSU stormed back with 21 unanswered points, capped by a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Navian Hilliard to Terrance Holland with 1:51 left, to edge the Bulldogs 28–27 in front of a stunned Bowie State crowd.

The loss overshadowed a career day from Bowie State quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who racked up 81 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and 139 yards passing, and a highlight defensive play by Tommie McKoy III, whose 97-yard interception return gave the Bulldogs a 20-point cushion late in the third quarter.

But the Vikings refused to fold.

Moments after McKoy’s pick-six, ECSU’s defense flipped the script. On 1st-and-10 from the Viking 13, Manuel Montout read Witherspoon perfectly and came away with a red-zone interception — a momentum-turning moment that swung the energy to the visiting sideline.

Hilliard quickly made the Bulldogs pay. Aided by consecutive penalties, the Vikings’ offense capitalized on a short field, as running back Traquan Johnson punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27–14 with 3:00 remaining in the third quarter.

From there, ECSU’s defense tightened up. After forcing Bowie State to turn it over on downs, Hilliard connected with Joe Griffin for a 33-yard touchdown, slicing the score to 27–21 early in the fourth.

Then came the play that silenced the Homecoming crowd. On the ensuing kickoff, ECSU’s Shamar Sutton recovered a Bowie State fumble at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. Johnson again shouldered the load, setting up Hilliard’s 19-yard dart to Holland for the go-ahead score. Wyatt Jackson’s extra point gave ECSU its first lead, 28–27, with less than two minutes left.

Bowie State’s final drive reached midfield, but the Vikings’ defense held firm — sealing a statement road victory and spoiling the Bulldogs’ Homecoming celebration.


Top Performers

Bowie State (2–7, 1–6 CIAA)

  • Savion Witherspoon: 81 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 139 passing yards

  • Maximus Jones: 86 rushing yards on 22 carries

  • Tommie McKoy III: 97-yard interception return TD

Elizabeth City State (3–6, 3–3 CIAA)

  • Navian Hilliard: 198 passing yards, 2 TDs

  • Traquan Johnson: 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)

  • Manuel Montout: Red-zone interception that sparked comeback


Up Next

Bowie State will close its season on the road at Lincoln University (Pa.) next Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State returns home for Homecoming against Bluefield State, where a win would secure the Vikings’ best CIAA finish since 2013.

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