University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

I wanted the true "college" experience - the grassy quad where students eat lunch and play frisbee, the busy college street with ecclectic restaurants and shops, great athletics with loyal fans, and a broad range of departments and classes to choose from. UNC definitely offers everything I wanted and much more. I love the history of the campus as the oldest public university in NC with the Old Well and other campus buildings. The feeling on campus is energetic, with so many organizations and volunteer opportunities and sporting events, the biggest problem is how to fit them all in!

Everything happens in UNC-CH. If you're into it, it's there. If you're passionate about taking care of the sick and homeless, there'll be opportunities to get plugged in - if you love singing a cappella rock music, there are eight or nine groups to try out for - if you are passionate about anime-ninja-fantasy-baseball card collecting, there's probably an anime-ninja-fantasy-baseball card collecting group with at least twelve members. There's even a pirate club. UNC-CH is an amazing opportunity to see complicated perspectives that you would never have seen otherwise - its a place to do what you love and see how other people love what they do. To challenge your viewpoint and see how it fits in, how it helps others, how it doesn't.

it's a big school and can be easy to lose yourself in the wide options of things to do. everyone is very enthusiastic about unc.

When I applied to college, UNC was the only school I applied to with more than 6000 undergrads - I always thought I wanted to go to a mid-sized school rather than a large state school. But after four years, UNC didn't seem big at all - it was the perfect size. There are enough people that you can always be meeting people and doing new things, but it's not so big that you feel lost. My favorite thing about UNC was the people. It really is such a diverse place, and not just racially. People come from all different backgrounds and have such different interests that it makes being a student here so interesting. One reason I am so glad I chose UNC was the school spirit. Going to basketball games and cheering your guts out and hating Duke all year long is so much fun. My freshman year we won the basketball national championship, and it's indescribable. I'm definitely glad I came to UNC and can always be a proud Tar Heel rather than going to a good school but one that no one has that same kind of school spirit. I love UNC's campus. The upper and lower quad on North Campus are absolutely beautiful, and it feels so nice to sit out there in the sunshine before or after classes during the fall and spring. UNC's campus is relatively big, but it's all walkable, and it gets better every year as new construction helps connect South Campus (where most freshmen live) to North Campus (where most classrooms are). Chapel Hill is without a doubt a great college town. The town exists for the sake of the university, which I loved. When I think of Chapel Hill, I basically just think of Franklin St and everything associated with the university, but there are lots of cool surrounding areas too. The town of Carrboro, which starts about a mile from campus, has a great hippie feel, and Durham is only about a 15 minute drive to get to shopping like a great mall, Target, etc. This year, our student body president, Eve Carson, was murdered not far from campus. This event was absolutely shocking, because in no way is Chapel Hill considered a violent place, and because Eve was one of the most amazing people you could ever meet. Eve was the kind of student who embodied Carolina - friendly, passionate, dedicated, brilliant, fun, beautiful, and caring. The Carolina community truly came together after this tragedy, and she won't be forgotten. I hope no prospective student fears coming to UNC because of this violent act, because it was the rarest of all occurences, and I definitely still feel safe in Chapel Hill.

UNC is like a small city. A city where most people are intelligent, friendly, and enjoy having a good time. It is LARGE. You will not meet everyone. Don't try to. It is the New York City of NC universities (maybe even of the whole Mid-Atlantic). If you feel lost in crowds, forget it. Expect lots of studying, but lots of social opportunities to accompany it. There is so much variety that you can find the right groups for you. If you love beautiful campuses, than this is your school. It is absolutely gorgeous. There is an amazing amount of school pride. It is the biggest unifier on campus.

UNC is one of my favorite places I've ever been. Not only is the campus beautiful, the people at UNC make it truly a "priceless gem". - The best thing about UNC is it being in the south... Great weather, Great people. - One thing I'd change is that Duke people come to UNC a lot to have a good time because there school is a little sub-par. I'm not a fan of the Dookies. - I love the size of UNC. I wanted a big state school. I like meeting new people almost everyday. However I made the campus smaller by getting involved in campus activities. I suggest that if you come to UNC, you do the same because it makes the experience better and its so easy to get involved. - People react as if they wished they went to Carolina when I tell them that I go to UNC. Its one of the best public universities in the USA. - I can't pick one place where I spend most of my time. I'm all over campus everyday. Never do the exact same thing twice. - Chapel Hill is a College Town through and through. Everything revolves around the school. Whether it is the football or basketball games, research at the grad schools, or the economy being driven by the students. Chapel Hill = College Town. - The school pride is ridiculous. TarHeels are some of the best fans. In football and basketball season the whole University bans together in one Carolina Family.

UNC is great because there is a great unity on campus due to the fact that everyone at UNC loves UNC and feels so privlegded to be here. The campus is beautiful, however, there is always construction. Recently a couple new buildings have gone up and they are really nice to study at. The new Chemistry building (Chapman) and The health siences library. Our gym facilities are also really nice. The whole town of Chapel Hill revolves around the college and it give a feeling of community, which is nice and helps each student feel conntected to the town and not just the college. Also, the night life is right on the edge of campus and always active. Franklin Street on Halloween is strange to say the least but one thing each student will probably never forget.

The location of UNC chapel hill is the greatest! It is a major major college town and that is the best part. The size is just right, not too big or too small! Stereotypes are present but everyone gets along. There are very nice people here, especially the staff, teachers and advisers. School pride is probably the best in the country, definitely North Carolina. Everything about this place is heaven, we could however use a little more parking!

I don't think I have ever heard of anyone saying they hated UNC, and everyone who leaves UNC is sad to leave this little place of what we call "heaven on earth." As a recent alum (class of 2008) I can attest to this myself. I can remember starting senior with more of a sense of sadness than excitement because I know it would be my last year as an undergraduate. The thing that makes UNC so special are the experiences and friendships you acquire during your stay here no matter how long or short they are. Even the international exchanges I befriended this past academic year felt this same sentiment. There are so many things you can do from the over 500 student run organizations to the many sporting events. You are definitely never bored in this small college town. So I guess my advice to you is to get yourself involved and cherish every moment you are at UNC. It will be over before you know it.

Some of the students you will encounter at UNC are some of the brightest individuals you will ever meet. Others... you will wonder how they got in. As a general rule, however, the University carries a very prestigious name. It is very large, and though they say the average freshman class size is around 35, I do not believe it. Expect many large lecture halls. That being said, the motivated student will have no trouble at all finding individual help when needed. Just do not expect anyone to ever take you by the hand and guide you like it is high school. Chapel Hill is the definition of a college town... It has no reason for existence outside of the University. The plus side of that is the great night life catering to college students. There is always something to do. The downside is oft-strained town-gown relations. Campus life is framed by a liberal activism, often to the point of absurdity. The unfortunate truth is that, for all the talk, most students are 'fad-hippies', eager to join a cause either because it is popular or because it will build a resume'/news event than because they actually care about or even know much about an issue. Chancellor James Moeser handled such issues with unrivaled class and ability. Hopefully the next chancellor will follow in his steps.