Be open to diversity within the African-American community. People of recent African descent from all over the world attend HBCUs. In addition to America, HBCU campuses are filled with students from places such as Haiti, Africa, Brazil and Canada. Be ready to experience and interact with African-Americans from a variety of different financial backgrounds. Some students will be extremely well off financially while others might struggle. These institutions also matriculate students who are not of recent African descent such as Caucasians and Asians; however these students attend HBCUs in smaller numbers.
Have some knowledge of African-American history. HBCUs require at least one course in African-American studies. Pick up a library book, or Google African-American history and gain a more in depth knowledge of the legacy of African-Americans.
Be ready to be immersed in African-American culture. HBCUs regularly serve soul food in their cafeterias, have event-filled calendars during Black History Month and incorporate other aspects of African-American culture in their environments. This aspect of HBCU life helps many students feel at home.
Learn about the different black Greek organizations. There are nine historically black Greek letter organizations collectively known as the Divine Nine. The Divine Nine consists of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Greek organizations are an important part of many HBCUs. They are a means for some students to bond, socialize and provide volunteer service to the outer community. You are likely to interact in some way with members of these organizations, and therefore it's good to get an idea of what they are about. Google the black Greek organizations to find out more about them.
Set up a study schedule. Decide what courses you are going to take. Get ready to be challenged academically. Become familiar with your campuses geographic layout. HBCUs are no different than other academic institutions when it comes to delivering a quality education. Expect challenging and engaging courses as you would at any college or university. You will need to be ready to work just as hard academically as you would at any other educational institution. There will be papers to write, presentations to give, homework to complete and exams to take.