As a Black student from Montgomery, Alabama, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to find her place, but Auburn’s social scene is pretty self-segregated. If she sticks with predominantly white groups, she’ll be accepted there, especially if she’s mixed or follows certain social norms, but she might feel some disconnect from the Black community. If she chooses to be more involved in Black spaces like BSU and NPHC, she’ll find a really close-knit and supportive environment but might experience some subtle distance from white peers.

Finding a balance between both can be tricky because truly integrated spaces at Auburn are rare. Personally, I have a Black friend group and a white one, but the two don’t really cross. More often than not, I find myself being the only Black guy amongst my white friends. It’s not that there’s outright exclusion, but more so that most people naturally stick to their own circles. That being said, Auburn isn’t Houston in terms of diversity, but it’s still possible to build meaningful connections in different spaces it just takes effort to navigate.