Xchange Tales At Howl University

Tucked away in the heartland of America, Howl University stood. Old, prestigious and with a venerable list of alumni across a variety of fields. It was considered to be one of the greatest 'old' universities in the country. The grounds of the university were extensive, with five large and gothic-architecture influenced buildings making up the central space. Stone walkways extended out from the five main buildings and joined the more modern branches of HU to the central space, though even the more recent buildings adhered to the aesthetic of the main complex. Fraternities and sororities both had their own sections on campus, a select few occupying the old student accommodation buildings. Huge manors, with storied history's in their own rights. Large stretches of perfectly maintained grass filled the spaces between the buildings, small gardens and semi-covered column walkways spotted around. A small lake was even present. The whole space was as grand and opulent as it was large. Every column and brick had the weight of history to it, along with the clear presence of 'old money'.

Within walking distance, the town of New Augusta sat. Small and almost entirely reliant on the university and tourism. Despite its back-water location, the town was picturesque and pleasant. Unique, European styled houses stretched out from a town square, a dozen or so small shops offered artisanal, hand-made goods. A cute, French café sat on the corner of the square. The place took much of its appearance and culture from its European roots rather than the many settler towns around the country. This unique quality brought in a number of visitors and only added to the appeal of the university.

You took in these sights as you peered out of the window of your parents car. It slowly moved its way through New Augusta as you drunk in the sights and the nervousness which had formed into a ball in your stomach continued to tighten. The midday sun had many people out on the streets, soaking in the weather, drinking and laughing. Your excitement to attend Howl had been building ever since the acceptance letter came. Now the moment was here though, only the fear of failure filled you. A million scenarios had raced through your mind as you dad idly rambled about his own college days. Would you fail to make friends? You never had too many before. Your grades? Would you flunk out before the year was done? You'd had to away over books for months to get the academic success and passing marks needed to be even considered at Howl. Would you be out of place, surrounded by the best of the best? Back home you had been a big fish in a small pond perhaps. Not so now.

"Here we go, champ." Your dad said, letting out an impressed whistle a second later as the main campus came into view. You felt as though you were sinking into your seat, a small part of you praying it would swallow you whole and with you, all your problems, fears and the crushing weight of expectations upon you. A few moments later, you were pulling into a large gravel space for visitor parking, a host of other new students, their belongings and families milling around. "Come on, lets not waste time. You've got a whole new life to begin." Your dad chuckled, no doubt remembering his own debaucheries while in his college days. You sighed, took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.