UNCA is the only Liberal Arts school in the UNC system. The community at large is exceptionally LGBTIA-friendly and a generally progressive place. The small relatively small student body gives the college a quaint feel, an almost unheard-of perk for state schools these days.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you're not comfortable with extreme progressiveness, you might want to pass this school by. Also, if you're not white, be aware that the population is rather saturated with whiteness. The saturation is counter-balanced by the progressiveness of general public opinion, but, the lack of racial diversity is certainly striking.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I'm still in intro classes, but the level of rigor does seem to be rather average, at least for the classes I'm taking. My major (Computer Science) is also rather small at the school, and in particular my major is very average in its rigor. However, Humanities majors are more popular and seem to have very rigorous classes at the 300+ level.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I live off-campus, but all of the dorms are suite-style, which says to me that the college cares about the living spaces of the students. A new dorm was just built, but I have heard rumors that the construction was hastily finished. Different dorms are also different prices.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The dining hall has excellent and diverse options every day, including daily vegetarian and vegan options. There are also multiple other satellite restaurants and cafes around campus. There are no fast-food chain options, and every place to get food has high-quality options.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
I go on walks almost every day. The Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place nestled right behind the dorms that I spend a lot of time at, usually eating lunch or just walking around with friends. I also go to meetups, usually Computer Science-related, but I'm also a part of a local chess meetup. I read news, and occasionally watch good movies.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
UNCA is frequently voted best school for the money for a reason. The (in-state) tuition is EXTREMELY reasonable, and in general attending UNCA does not feel like a state school at all. The student body is at about 3000 people, which I feel is a great number that makes me feel like I'm at a large-ish private school. The dining options are simply phenomenal, and the botanical gardens are wonderful.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The UNCA Botanical Gardens on campus provide a lovely place to eat lunch or self-reflect. While it is difficult to find spots that are completely isolated from modernity, finding serenity there is definitely not difficult.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
LGBTIA-identifying people, liberal white people, humanities-minded people
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
For having a smaller student body, there are a surprising number of extracurricular activities going on. As one walks around the campus, you may see 4-5 messages written in chalk on the sidewalk promoting an upcoming event. There are also frequently talks and events unrelated to clubs, such as the upcoming event where Tibetan monks will build a mandala over the course of several days.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Not my thing, but it does exist. There are not actual houses though.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
There is a police force on campus, so no rent-a-cops. The campus feels very safe.
UNCA is the only Liberal Arts school in the UNC system. The community at large is exceptionally LGBTIA-friendly and a generally progressive place. The small relatively small student body gives the college a quaint feel, an almost unheard-of perk for state schools these days.
If you're not comfortable with extreme progressiveness, you might want to pass this school by. Also, if you're not white, be aware that the population is rather saturated with whiteness. The saturation is counter-balanced by the progressiveness of general public opinion, but, the lack of racial diversity is certainly striking.
I'm still in intro classes, but the level of rigor does seem to be rather average, at least for the classes I'm taking. My major (Computer Science) is also rather small at the school, and in particular my major is very average in its rigor. However, Humanities majors are more popular and seem to have very rigorous classes at the 300+ level.
I live off-campus, but all of the dorms are suite-style, which says to me that the college cares about the living spaces of the students. A new dorm was just built, but I have heard rumors that the construction was hastily finished. Different dorms are also different prices.
The dining hall has excellent and diverse options every day, including daily vegetarian and vegan options. There are also multiple other satellite restaurants and cafes around campus. There are no fast-food chain options, and every place to get food has high-quality options.
I go on walks almost every day. The Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place nestled right behind the dorms that I spend a lot of time at, usually eating lunch or just walking around with friends. I also go to meetups, usually Computer Science-related, but I'm also a part of a local chess meetup. I read news, and occasionally watch good movies.
UNCA is frequently voted best school for the money for a reason. The (in-state) tuition is EXTREMELY reasonable, and in general attending UNCA does not feel like a state school at all. The student body is at about 3000 people, which I feel is a great number that makes me feel like I'm at a large-ish private school. The dining options are simply phenomenal, and the botanical gardens are wonderful.
The UNCA Botanical Gardens on campus provide a lovely place to eat lunch or self-reflect. While it is difficult to find spots that are completely isolated from modernity, finding serenity there is definitely not difficult.
LGBTIA-identifying people, liberal white people, humanities-minded people
For having a smaller student body, there are a surprising number of extracurricular activities going on. As one walks around the campus, you may see 4-5 messages written in chalk on the sidewalk promoting an upcoming event. There are also frequently talks and events unrelated to clubs, such as the upcoming event where Tibetan monks will build a mandala over the course of several days.
Not my thing, but it does exist. There are not actual houses though.
There is a police force on campus, so no rent-a-cops. The campus feels very safe.