Best On-and Off-Campus Hotspots: North Carolina Central University

Whether you’re a new North Carolina Central University student, an Eagle returning to the nest, or a prospective student considering your options, there’s plenty to do, see, and experience on and off campus.

Discover Durham connected with Erim Akpam, NCCU alumna and proclaimed Eagle for life, to bring you a quick-start guide to some of the hidden gems around the sloping hills and verdant green.

Watch the video below to hear directly from NCCU students about what they love about Durham.

Best On Campus Hangout Spots at NCCU

The Student Center

500 Nelson St.

Built in late 2022, the NCCU student center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with countless places for students to learn, hang out, recreate and more. Enrolled students are welcome to enjoy all of the center's amenities free of charge. Hang out on the outside lawn, read a book in the lounge area, or have some fun with your friends at the interactive game center.

The Greek Bowl

Another classic NCCU student hang spot, The Greek Bowl is a circular outdoor space for students to enjoy each other's company on campus. This iconic campus quad also hosts many events, both weekly and yearly. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the 10:40 Break happens at The Greek Bowl. This campus tradition occurs between 10:40 and 11:35 a.m.. During that time, students "socialize, dance, and enjoy music spun by a live DJ. Fraternities and sororities perform strolls, creating a vibrant showcase of Eagle pride and unity." The Greek Bowl also holds other social events, especially during The Ultimate Homecoming Experience.

NCCU TV Studio

501 E. Lawson St.

Built in 1974, the TV Studio has humble beginnings. With an unremarkable brown door down a side-hallway of the Farrison-Newton Communications building, you might at first have mistaken it for a closet or study room. Now, after almost $2 million in renovations, the sleek glass window and bright letters announce the space the moment you step into the building's lobby. You'll find a state-of-the-art television broadcasting studio with a control room, mounted cameras, stage lights, and miles of cable connecting everything. If you've ever wanted a peek behind the scenes of a news show, this is the place to go. You can learn everything from control room etiquette to video editing to the surprising amount of nuance that goes into running a teleprompter. Schedule a tour as a visitor, or sign up to volunteer and learn the ropes of becoming the next media mogul if you're a student.

Shepard Library

1801 Fayetteville St.

You’ve probably been to the library, but have you found all its hidden treasures? Browse through the large selection of fiction and graphic novels or take a power nap on the large couch in the Information Science Library. Need to take a break? A life-saver for off-campus students and visitors, there’s a hidden break room with a sink, a microwave and a full-size refrigerator where you can relax with a plate of food or grab a snack from the vending machine.

Edwards Music Building

698 E. Lawson St. #500

Crafted with musicians in mind, the Edwards Music Building is full of practice rooms for aspiring pianists and other budding virtuosos. Walking through the halls, you’ll find the walls lined with encouraging words from teachers, inspiring students to push through self-doubt and believe in themselves. There’s also a “secret passage” connecting one floor to the Art building, where you can see student art on display on the first floor.

Best Off-Campus Hangout Spots Near NCCU

Cosmic Cantina

1920 Perry St.

Cosmic Cantina is a Durham legend, especially with college students, for 3 main reasons: the food is great, they're open late, and their prices are fair. Serving Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more, this restaurant has everything you need to recharge whether its noon or midnight. Order for pick up or walk up the iconic steps to sit down at a table indoors or outdoors for a meal till the kitchen closes at 4 a.m..

Find out why NCCU students love these hang out spots in the video below.

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles

530 Foster St. #130

If you haven’t tried the iconic southern staple of chicken and waffles, you may be wondering what makes it so special. When you try Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, you’ll understand. Their combination of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, caramel drizzle, and sweet schmears make a perfect meal for any time of day. Not sure where to start? Try their light brown leghorns complete with four drumsticks and a side of your choice.

Let's Eat Soul Food

2514 Fayetteville St.

Right down the street from campus, you'll find one of the best spots in town for soul food. Let's Eat Soul Food is a great spot for friends to sit down and enjoy a meal together. Let's Eat Soul Food has a goal of "bringing people together over dishes piled high with goodness," and they achieve that goal every day. Their menu is full of favorites like chicken wings, pork chops, fried fish, chicken and dumplings and more. Even better, they're open till 1 a.m. on the week nights and 3 a.m. on weekends.

Mezcalito

706 Ramseur St.

For fans of Mexican food, Mezcalito is just a short trip up Fayetteville Street towards downtown. They have an expansive menu full of tasty tacos, big burritos, cheesy quesadillas and more. The indoor and outdoor seating areas feature enough space for you and all of your friends. Students 21 and up can also enjoy their awesome, amply sized margaritas and other unique drinks.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

2000 Lewis St.

Students seeking a nature escape without having to travel far from campus can visit the nearby Duke Gardens. Walk the paths for beautiful flowers, bushes, trees and more. You can also find plenty of picturesque spots to sit down whether you're looking to relax, study, have a picnic, or catch up with a friend. Duke Garden's is also one of Durham's best spots to take a date. Check out our guide to find out more about Duke Gardens.

The Scrap Exchange

2050 Chapel Hill Rd.

On a mission to help the environment through upcycling, the Scrap Exchange is a creative reuse center with a treasure trove of arts and crafts supplies. You can find beads, yarn, paper as tall as you are, PVC pipes, scrapbooks, and anything else you can imagine. If you have a creative or artistic side, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store. Best of all, it’s extremely budget-friendly, with entire bags of craft supplies often totaling under $5.

Triangle Coffee House

3109 Shannon Rd.,Bdlg 3, Ste 101

Students in need of a quick caffeine fix should head down 15-501 to Triangle Coffee House. This UHill coffee shop has plenty of specialty drinks and sweet treats to keep even the longest study session powered up. Studying in a group? Triangle Coffee House has plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.

Boxcar Bar & Arcade

621 Foster St.

A throwback to coin arcades of decades past, you’ll find everything from Dance Dance Revolution to Mortal Kombat and pinball. If arcade games aren’t your speed, console games are free to play, and you can try out games on an NES and other classic game systems. The woodfired pizzas come with a variety of unique toppings, like barbecued chicken, and the full-service bar has a selection of wines, liquors and other drinks. Best of all? The popcorn is free, and there’s Wi-Fi aplenty. If you’re 21+ and like games (or great pizza), you’ll have a great night out at Boxcar.

Whether it's on-or off-campus, we hope you enjoy exploring Durham and join Erim as an Eagle for life. Go Eagles!