View larger image — Sophomore Hannah Bennett participated in the Instagram takeover in November to showcase her varied experiences on campus.

“Hey everyone! My name is Hannah Bennett, I am a sophomore sociocultural anthropology major from Concord, NC. I am involved in the Watauga Residential College, Club Council, Cru, and Child Advocacy Club. I am so excited to share with you how these opportunities and others have shaped my Appalachian experience. Stay tuned!” she wrote.

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2018 through the eyes of Appalachian students

The university’s Instagram social media account lets students show life as a Mountaineer

Story by Chris Grulke and Linda Coutant
Photos curated by Alyssa Rodriguez '20

Posted Dec. 28, 2018 at 2:45 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Student perspectives on what it is like to be a Mountaineer drive Appalachian State University’s account on Instagram — a social media platform for sharing photos and short videos.

This photo gallery reflects some of 2018’s most memorable posts related to why students love Appalachian.

Be the next student on Instagram

Are you a student who has something exciting to share with the Appalachian Community? We want to hear your story!

Apply online

How Appalachian’s Instagram takeover works

One student is selected to run Appalachian’s Instagram account for the entire week, from Monday morning until Sunday night. Students must apply and are selected based on their level of involvement on campus.

The posts show a broad range of student experiences from among Appalachian’s 17,381 undergraduates — their different hometowns, ages, academic majors, and various interests and activities — so prospective students can see how they, too, might fit in.

“The idea is that prospective students are able to scroll down Appalachian’s Instagram page and think, ‘That’s me. I want to be involved in those same ways as a student at App.’ It’s about showcasing the Appalachian Experience from the students’ perspectives,” said junior Chase Newmyer, a supply chain management and computer information systems double major and an intern with University Communications.

Be the next student on Instagram

Are you a student who has something exciting to share with the Appalachian Community? We want to hear your story!

Apply online

More on student life from students:

AppX podcast

Thinking about joining the Appalachian State University student body? On AppX, our students share what life at App is really like. You’ll get the best advice on everything from where to live and what to eat to how to be prepared for the unpredictable Boone weather. Listen, learn and laugh along.

Learn more

Masters Matter

Considering graduate school? Master's degrees really do matter at Appalachian State University! Get an inside peek into the graduate experience at App from our master's level students themselves. Learn why the master's degree programs at Appalachian stand out from those of other universities.

Learn more

Dave by the Bell

University Communication’s own Dave Blanks wanders the earth over in search of answers to all of life’s questions ... great and small. OK, so he mainly stays on Appalachian State University’s campus ... he still wanders though ... and he definitely wonders as he wanders. Listen for silly asides and revolutionary revelations. Priceless.

Learn more

Appalachian on social media

See the list of official accounts representing university programs, departments and administrative units.

See the list

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.