Review of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
from Athens, GA
Describe your college in three sentences.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's campus, to me, is a great metaphor for the university as a whole; first off, it's full of color and zest, with all the beautiful trees everywhere. In addition, many of its buildings have very strange architecture, which relates to UNC's uniqueness as a whole. But finally, all the students you pass are enthusiastic, happy and content, which exemplifies all of the university's attributes.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
You must see the Pit Preacher. He is a riot; argue if you dare. You also need to get involved with clubs, if only so you can paint important events on the Pit cube--it's very competitive! Finally, don't try to do everything; find two or three clubs that you love and put a lot of time and effort into them. It's not high school--you should be in a club because you agree with their ideals, not because it's yet another club you can add to an application.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Academics are much different than in high school! I didn't really understand how to effectively study until second semester of my first year, and this knowledge bumped up my GPA by 0.25 points. If your experience is similar to mine, studying in high school wasn't too necessary all the time. But, if you want the same grades at UNC as you had in high school, be prepared to put in a lot more time.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
My dorm experience was great, but I was able to reside in one of the most ideally located dorms on UNC's campus. Although my room was small, all of my friend's rooms in other dorms on UNC's campus were a bit bigger. There were always fliers up for different activities at the dorm (movies, free pizza parties, TV shows), which even if you don't go to, it's nice to know that the students in charge are being proactive about your dormitory experience!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The dining hall is convenient, to say the least. The food seems pretty good at first (side note: I'm not a very picky person), but it gets to be a little bit monotonous after a while. It's not gourmet, but it's also not horrible either. I could always rely on the salad bar and a slice of pizza, and I was fine with that. So, if you're a very picky eater, you probably won't be very happy with it. However, if you aren't, you can be content with the dining hall food.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
I would recommend getting out and exploring the areas around Chapel Hill. I personally think that Chapel Hill is too small of a city, but there's also Carrboro nearby, which is an artsy, interesting town. You could also take a $2 bus to South Point mall, which has quite a bit to do. Finally, if you have a car, I'd take a trip to Raleigh or Durham a couple of times during the semester; basically, don't keep your boundaries frozen on campus/Chapel Hill city lines!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One should definitely take walks in the arboretum every few weeks or so; it's very relaxing! Also, if you ever get the chance, contact someone in the Astrophysics department at UNC and see if you can get a group to look through the telescope at Morehead Observatory. Just watching and hearing the observatory spin open is awesome!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Attending Fall Fest is a must! It's right at the beginning of the year and basically all official clubs at UNC have a little stand with lots of information about their club. There are lots of free things, but be prepared to give a little shove because thousands of other students want that free object too! There are so many clubs with different interests that it'd be hard not to find what you're looking for, but even if that's the case, you can get a group together and easily start your own.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I've never been too interested in Greek Life, but there are many houses that you could choose from if that's your area of interest.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I've never felt like I was in a dangerous situation once on campus. And if you're the paranoid type, there are these large pillars with a pretty blue light located every few blocks on campus where, if you press the button, an official person comes as soon as possible.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's campus, to me, is a great metaphor for the university as a whole; first off, it's full of color and zest, with all the beautiful trees everywhere. In addition, many of its buildings have very strange architecture, which relates to UNC's uniqueness as a whole. But finally, all the students you pass are enthusiastic, happy and content, which exemplifies all of the university's attributes.
You must see the Pit Preacher. He is a riot; argue if you dare. You also need to get involved with clubs, if only so you can paint important events on the Pit cube--it's very competitive! Finally, don't try to do everything; find two or three clubs that you love and put a lot of time and effort into them. It's not high school--you should be in a club because you agree with their ideals, not because it's yet another club you can add to an application.
Academics are much different than in high school! I didn't really understand how to effectively study until second semester of my first year, and this knowledge bumped up my GPA by 0.25 points. If your experience is similar to mine, studying in high school wasn't too necessary all the time. But, if you want the same grades at UNC as you had in high school, be prepared to put in a lot more time.
My dorm experience was great, but I was able to reside in one of the most ideally located dorms on UNC's campus. Although my room was small, all of my friend's rooms in other dorms on UNC's campus were a bit bigger. There were always fliers up for different activities at the dorm (movies, free pizza parties, TV shows), which even if you don't go to, it's nice to know that the students in charge are being proactive about your dormitory experience!
The dining hall is convenient, to say the least. The food seems pretty good at first (side note: I'm not a very picky person), but it gets to be a little bit monotonous after a while. It's not gourmet, but it's also not horrible either. I could always rely on the salad bar and a slice of pizza, and I was fine with that. So, if you're a very picky eater, you probably won't be very happy with it. However, if you aren't, you can be content with the dining hall food.
I would recommend getting out and exploring the areas around Chapel Hill. I personally think that Chapel Hill is too small of a city, but there's also Carrboro nearby, which is an artsy, interesting town. You could also take a $2 bus to South Point mall, which has quite a bit to do. Finally, if you have a car, I'd take a trip to Raleigh or Durham a couple of times during the semester; basically, don't keep your boundaries frozen on campus/Chapel Hill city lines!
One should definitely take walks in the arboretum every few weeks or so; it's very relaxing! Also, if you ever get the chance, contact someone in the Astrophysics department at UNC and see if you can get a group to look through the telescope at Morehead Observatory. Just watching and hearing the observatory spin open is awesome!
Attending Fall Fest is a must! It's right at the beginning of the year and basically all official clubs at UNC have a little stand with lots of information about their club. There are lots of free things, but be prepared to give a little shove because thousands of other students want that free object too! There are so many clubs with different interests that it'd be hard not to find what you're looking for, but even if that's the case, you can get a group together and easily start your own.
I've never been too interested in Greek Life, but there are many houses that you could choose from if that's your area of interest.
I've never felt like I was in a dangerous situation once on campus. And if you're the paranoid type, there are these large pillars with a pretty blue light located every few blocks on campus where, if you press the button, an official person comes as soon as possible.