Reviews

Although some of the classes are large, students have the opportunity for some one on one time with professors and teaching assistants through office hours and smaller versions of lectures called recitations. So no matter the class size, you are given the individual attention of an instructor. This is VERY beneficial during exam time!

The great academics are one major plus, but the social scene makes this the ideal college environment! Located in a safe community, this University has everything an undergraduate could ask for. Local places to eat, entertaining attractions, and a world renowned area (Franklin st.) that is home to some of the university's biggest celebrations (i.e: the celebrations of the 2009 NCAA Basketball championship & the 2008 presidential election). It is also a short distance from Durham, home of the famous Minor League Durham Bulls and Raleigh, the states capital! No matter the day of the week, the University of North Carolina is very enjoyable for its students!

This University is renowned as having top tier academic programs; some have even referred to it as a southern ivy league school. With this revered quality in education, it is astonishing that the tuition is less than $17,000 dollars a year, whereas other institutions that rival the prestige of UNC are over $35,000 a year. At Carolina you are definitely getting more than what you are paying for, I would consider it the steal of the century!

Upon applying, make sure your essays are well written and revised! There isn't an exact GPA or SAT/ACT score that will guarantee you admission at this University, so you shouldn't get too consumed with that. A well rounded student is preferred so an amazing GPA and no extracurriculars will not get you very far. Be prepared for the transition from high school to college, academically and socially. As cliche as this sounds, do this by staying level headed and remembering why you are in school. Determination and hard work are exactly what you should have to get accepted and do well at UNC!

Because of its diversity, UNC is appropriate for ANY type of student. No matter what type of person you are, you will fit right in because everyone is so different. Campus is like a melting pot of people of different race, gender, orientation, income level, and so on; and since the student population is so large, you are almost guaranteed to find a friend or a group that shares your same interests!

I have personally learned a great deal in all of my classes taken thus far. Difficult courses like Chemistry 101 and Latin (the hardest in the Classics dept.) have not been a walk in the park, but I've found that I tend to come out of those classes knowing more because they required more out of me! Yet all the courses I have taken have been enriching in their own way, and I have not had a single bad professor yet; everyone is different and gets along differently with others, but I feel that each of the staff at UNC Chapel Hill is easy to get along with when you show an interest in their subject and a willingness to succeed. This, for me, creates the ideal learning environment.

I have enjoyed every minute of it. I was intimidated by the size of the school at first, but I found quickly that in such a diverse campus, you can always find someone just like you and someone completely unlike you that you still get along with just as well! Being in the UNC Marching Tar Heels, I've made some awesome friends already, and involvement in this organization has helped me get in touch with my 'school spirit' side - football and basketball games, Fallfest, parades...it makes the experience so much more personal, and lays testament to the fact that Tarheels are all a big family, and always will be.

While I have not attended other universities in addition to this one, I am confident in saying that a UNC education is an excellent deal for minimal amount of financial difficulties I have had. The financial aid office is always helpful and has worked with me to find options for paying for school. I am an RA in the Upper Quad community, and this has really helped me as a source of income during the year in addition to the excellent leadership skills I have built. If you do not decide that an RA position is your cup of tea, there are plenty of on-campus options for jobs during school, especially on Franklin street in downtown Chapel Hill and with the university (Undergrad Library, Honor Court, Teaching Assistants). Whatever you choose, UNC is affordable enough to where you can find a way to pay for school!

You application should reflect YOU in the purest form. Be honest, and be yourself. UNC is a place that prides itself on diversity, so there is nothing too 'weird' for any of us! Take the time to revise and think through your essays as best as you can; these for me were what really made my application stand out because I LOVE to write. But even if you do not share that sentiment, hope is not lost! Chapel Hill looks for well-rounded individuals, people who've invested themselves in multiple areas, but have also committed to certain things and have followed through with them. For me, this was marching band, which I did all four years of high school. For you, it might be something different. But be sure to share all of your interests and accomplishments, so that UNC will see the fullest picture of you possible - students who are motivated, accomplished, and true to themselves, cliche as it may sound, are the types of folks Chapel Hill looks for.

UNC Chapel Hill is a larger university, and as mentioned, is a diverse place. If you love meeting new and different types of people, this school is perfect for you. In regard to academics, there are fewer better options out there for the price and excellence of the education you can obtain at UNC. This college was my first choice, and I have been blessed to be able to attend it, because it is now my only choice. Excellent school, excellent, environment, and an excellent education. Five stars all around.

(and let's not forget UNC Basketball!)

With this being a grade-A institution, the academics are wonderful. There are huge lecture classes balanced out with small classes having only about 20 people. In the lecture classes there are usually one to two Teacher's Assistants in addition to the professor's office house so one-on-one help is always available despite the large class setting. One thing I would recommend, Do NOT bring your laptop to lecture classes unless it is required. It is a lot easier to take notes on a piece of paper rather than type them because Facebook is ALWAYS a distraction. Some professors don't even allow computers in their lecture classes. There are numerous places to study (and sleep) on campus whether it be one of the three undergraduate libraries, an empty classroom, Starbucks, the Student Union, or even the quad. There are also numerous help centers on campus, from the Math Help center to the Writing Help center, to tutoring groups throughout the semester, especially come exam time. As long as you put in a decent amount of effort into your school work, you are guaranteed to learn a lot.

While UNC is a great school, it is not for everyone. The campus is very suburban and confining if you do not have a car, so getting around for first-years can be very difficult. It is a gorgeous campus with plenty of fields to play soccer on, but it is not for people who like to get out and explore, as there is not much town to explore. There are hundreds of clubs on campus so every personality, from type-A to hippies, can find some place that feeds their interests. Franklin Street does have tons of places to eat and shop, but the shopping is expensive. The best place on Franklin is the Varsity Theater which has classic movies and new movies playing for only $3! The sports are obviously wonderful, but those students who do not care for a great sports team, may find it hard to fit in because sports are everything. Greek life is very predominant on this campus and it is easy to avoid if you don't like it. This school does have a place for everyone, but if you can't find that place it's not the most enjoyable atmosphere.

This is a great value school, especially for in-state students. The tuition is only about $15,000 for one of the best educations in the country. Unfortunately there is not much by way of on-campus jobs. The majority of on-campus jobs are offered through work study, which can only be received by the federal government. The Rec center, the libraries and the Union do hire non-work study students, but those jobs go quick, so be sure to grab them as soon as possible. Other than that, students would have to resort to Franklin Street which can be a 20-30 minute walk from some dorms. Also, Franklin only provides food and retail jobs, so people who don't work well in those situations are out of luck. Also, many of the food services on Franklin do not close on the weekends until after the P2P stops running so a walk home in the middle of the night would be necessary if you don't have a car (which you most likely won't if you are a first-year). There are a lot of jobs advertised in the Daily Tar Heel everyday, so those in dire need of a job can surely find something.

While GPA is very important, focus on being well-rounded and the essays. Everyone student and applicant had a great GPA in high school, but the admissions committee want to make sure that intelligent pool is well rounded. Do as much community service as you can; it is becoming more and more important in any college admissions process. Also, try to stress the leadership activities and those activities in which you were dedicated to for more than one year.

This school is great for those students who are academically motivated. It is not at all for the slacker. It also wouldn't do for those students who like the city scene, because, while Raleigh is right next door, it is hard to get there without a car, and it's not a city like New York or Boston that you could just wander aimlessly about; you need a destination. This school has an extremely large student body, so it's great for those who want a large and diverse population. It's great for students who like to get involved because there are so many student organizations. Despite it's liberal arts status, I would not recommend this school for students who have no idea whatsoever of what they want to do. With the way the school is set up, a student only has two years to get their core requirements done as well as their pre-requisites for the major they intend to do. For example, a student who come in and intends to major in history, but if midway through his sophomore year he decides to do nursing there is no way that he'll have enough time to get all of his pre-requisites done in time to apply to the nursing school for his junior year. This school is wonderful for those who want a nationally recognized school both for sports and academics.

UNC Chapel Hill is a great place to learn a lot about just about everything. There are a great variety of courses and majors and UNC Chapel Hill is known nationally for its expert professors and excellent instruction. Like many students, you may come looking to major in one area of expertise and find that the motivated and exceptional professors convince you to major in a different area. That's okay though, considering that UNC has a large variety of majors available and a degree in any offered major is sure to leave you an expert in your concentration.

Set in a small town not far from just about everything, there isn't much not to love about UNC. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of classes and academic life, just relax on the beautiful and historic campus of the nation's oldest public institution, head to Franklin street for the typical college town experience, or catch a free bus ride to nearby Carrboro and relax in the Bohemian city center. There's also never a shortage of things to do on campus, as students can watch the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball champions for free in the Dean Dome, meet like-minded people in student organizations, or watch a movie in the student union.

UNC is an excellent value college. Kiplinger consistently rates UNC among the best values in the nation! Compared to nearby Duke University, UNC students can receive a similar degree for less than half the price. Not bad for a public university. The cost of living in the surrounding community is rather cheap and finding a job isn't hard considering the growing economy of the region and the wealth of businesses surrounding Chapel Hill.

A well-rounded student is among the most-desired by admissions at UNC. Make sure to include extracurriculars like athletics, student politics, and/or volunteering in addition to good grades and a decent SAT. Spend time on the essay as this is a integral part of the application and your chance to shine!

UNC is a great place for all students as it is a great value, has excellent academics, and diverse extracurriculars. Because of the size of the university, many diverse student organizations exist where students can find like-minded individuals. The area around Chapel Hill is suitable for those who like cities or rural areas because of its close proximity to bigger cities like Raleigh and Durham and smaller farm communities in rural Orange and Chatham counties.

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.

UNC Chapel Hill is an outstanding school with outstanding people. The school work is challenging, but it is rewarding. The university introduces you to people from all walks of life and exposes you to some of the most gifted professors and students in the country.

As a first year, it is important to remember that college is going to be a brand new experience, with new people and new social and academic challenges. It is okay to feel nervous and it is okay to struggle a little bit at first because everyone does. Remember that the schoolwork is hard and if you have never used study groups before, college is a good place to start. Remember that it is okay to ask for help and finding a tutor does not make you less smart than other students. When signing up for classes, make sure you choose your professors wisely. They will make or break the class for you. RateMyProfessor is a website with accurate representations of professors and their courses. Use this website and Coursicle.com when planning your schedules and it will save you a lot of time and trouble.

Chapel Hill is a difficult school. The majority of students experience a "wake up call" during their first semester because they are used to being at the top of their class in high school. Although it is challenging, every student is receiving an amazing education that they will be able to use their entire life. A degree from Chapel Hill is impressive and the work will pay off when it is time to find a job.

First year students either live in dorms on South Campus or in Granville Towers on North Campus. The older South Campus dorms include Hinton James, (Crusty) Craige, and Ehringhaus. The newer South Campus dorms include Hardin, Craige North, Horton, and Koury. Although the older dorms are outdated, especially (Crusty) Craige, they tend to be more social because there are eight people to a suite, instead of four, like in the newer dorms. Granville Towers is very nice and updated. The majority of students living in Granville Towers are dedicated to UNC Greek life and they enjoy Granville Towers if they're with others who are also dedicated to Greek life. However, some students leave their first year regretting that they did not get the full "first year experience" by living on South Campus.

Ram's Head and Lenoir are the two dining halls on campus. The food is decent and better than many other university dining halls. There are always many options and there is always a salad and pizza bar if all else fails. Ram's Head dining hall is on South Campus and has late night hours from 9:00 to midnight on school nights for late night studiers. Flex money can be used for restaurants on campus, such as Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, Alpine Bagel, and more. Alpine Bagel and Wendy's are basically open all the time, while other restaurants have weird hours.

The Chapel Hill community is in a great location because it's a part of the triangle with Raleigh and Durham. While every college will have fraternity parties and bars, Chapel Hill also has other fun stuff to do that doesn't involve partying. On a Friday night, you can easily drive to a bowling alley, a trampoline park, South Pointe mall, or the movies. Sports are a BIG DEAL at UNC, especially basketball. Students can enter the lottery for basketball tickets and cheer on the Tar Heels! Other sporting events only require your student ID, such as football, soccer, and lacrosse games.

As a student from North Carolina, UNC is a great deal based off of the education you are receiving. It is obviously more expensive for out of state students, but every out of state student loves Carolina.

Every semester on the night before exams start, students streak through the Davis and Undergraduate Libraries at midnight and then sing the alma mater. It is very strange, but entertaining after you've been studying in the library for fourteen hours a day.

There are hundreds of clubs and extracurricular activities on campus. Some are more intense than others. For example, Carolina for the Kids is a huge organization that hosts Dance Marathon every year and requires a lot of work. Intramural sports are more relaxed and require little effort.

Greek life at UNC is very diverse compared to other universities. I rushed a sorority as a sophomore and I really love it. Although Chapel Hill is a big school, it is difficult to make close friends with people outside of your dorm and the sorority helped me make friends that I wouldn't have made otherwise. There are definitely fraternities and sororities that put Greek life over everything else in life, but there are others that are more relaxed and fun. Greek life is what you make of it, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want. Although it is fun, it is important to branch out to other clubs and extra curricular activities so that you are not so consumed in your fraternity or sorority.

I've always felt safe walking around campus. One of my favorite parts about living on South Campus as a first year was how safe I felt, even at night. I would still walk with another person at all times, but overall, I never felt endangered.

Take time to find the things that you're best at and the things that interest you the most, especially if you're not sure what you want to study in college. When it comes to making friends and meeting new people, BE YOURSELF. People will respect and appreciate you for that.

You will be challenged at UNC - there's no escaping that - but if you've done reasonably well in high school, doing well here is within your reach. For many, it just takes time to get used to a new environment and higher expectations. I'd say the difference between doing well and doing poorly lies in your class selection. You will be placed with an academic advisor, who will help you create a balanced schedule, so you can find space for classes that are required and classes that you find genuinely interesting. Unless you really have to, DON'T take more than five classes per semester, because each class may require a bit more than you're used to.
And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are also many (underused) academic resources on campus, such as the learning center and writing center. Professors are also willing to help, and getting to know some of them could really pay off when it comes to grading and in the long run.

The first-year dorms are set up so that you can make new friends quickly, as long as you're willing to step out of your comfort zone. Roommates are matched on a few key traits, and I've known many who have remained friends throughout college and beyond. The resident advisors (RAs) are generally approachable and understanding, and host fun events throughout the year, such as movie and game nights. A lot of events have free food too!
It's also worth taking a look at the billboards near the dorms; I heard of many opportunities to get involved on campus through those. After the first year, there are many more dorms to choose from, and they do a great job of catering to different personalities and interests.

There is sooo much to choose from in terms of food options. Contrary to what I expected, most food at the dining halls is quite healthy, and there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, among others. Having said that, you likely will not struggle to find your favorite cravings. The dining hall staff is very receptive to feedback, and they make changes throughout the year to satisfy student needs. Apart from dining halls, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes both on and off campus. You will not be disappointed!

As many have already said, Franklin Street is the place to be. It's a great spot to relax, eat, and just take an evening stroll. School spirit is huge here, and UNC students bond over our shared love of the Tar Heels sports teams more than anything else. Many people have heard about UNC basketball, but other sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey deserve a mention.
On campus, the pit is always very lively, and throughout the year different clubs, such as Greek life organizations, a cappella and dance groups, campus ministries, and the Resident Hall Association (RHA) host a variety of events.

All types of students can find their niche at UNC. If you're highly studious and driven, you will definitely be in good company. Whether you like to work alone or in groups, you will find others who have a similar working style. It doesn't matter what your personality or learning style is.
It's a large school, but it really doesn't feel that way. If you get involved and make an effort to meet new people, you will be surprised by how small and connected campus becomes. This is especially helpful if you don't know many people coming in, like me when I came.
No matter what kind of student you are, it helps to be humble and open-minded. It's unlikely that you'll be the best in all your classes, so understand that there's always a lot you can learn/gain from your peers.

There are over 700 clubs and activities, and most students are involved. Fall Fest, hosted at the beginning of each year, showcases a variety of clubs and what they offer. I've found clubs to be a great way to de-stress, meet new people, and expand my network.

There's no denying that UNC has amazing academic programs. Just make sure that they are best for what you are interested in. Also, the idea that you can make a big school feel small definitely applies here. You get that great sense of community while having the perks of not only a larger campus but the opportunity to constantly meet new people.

1. Don't give up!! Applying is scary. I am actually a transfer student, and I was not accepted to Carolina when I first applied. But keep up the good work and show them that their first decision was wrong!

2. Meet new people. It's a cliche, I know. It's nice to enter college knowing a few people, but don't solely interact with them. I've found that talking to the people in your suite/hall is an easy and fast way to make new friends.

3. There will be an adjustment period. Don't panic, get yourself an organizer, and you can do it!

4. Do not ever be afraid to email an adviser or professor. This is their job, and nine times out of ten they are eager and excited to not only help you but get to know you better.

Definitely a pretty rigorous program. Stay organized and do your best, but don't be that kid pulling all nighters every night - that's not healthy for you or your relationships!

Super easy way to make friends that will last you at least a year. Plus, it can help you determine who to live with in the future. RAs are always putting on activities and willing to talk to you.

Actually pretty decent food here. There's only two dining halls, and one of them has very strange hours, but the fast food/restaurants on campus help make up for that. The dining hall lay out also makes zero sense, so when you're looking for food, make sure to check all the corners and stations so you don't miss out on anything!

Clubs! Talk to people on your hall! The state capital (Raleigh) is about 25 minutes away, and there's always something going on there. Sports! Parties! And, there's always Netflix. Build a pillow fort and invite your friends.

Carolina is not cheap. But, college in general is not cheap, and I have heard many praises sung about how Carolina offers a good education for it's price. Which it does. But just know, the university can be a little stingy with their awards - you are required to fill out both a FAFSA and a university document, the CSS Profile. In my experience, the CSS Profile intially excluded me from a lot of need based grants that I, ahem, needed. There is an appeals process that they try and keep quiet about, but I encourage you to contact the financial aid office and ask if there is anything you can do to earn more money towards your tuition. I'm sad to say that Carolina - both it's students and faculty - can be pretentious, but shake off the haters. Your earned your spot there!

UNC is prestigious for its academic environment. While many lecture classes may easily contain 300+ students, there are plenty of one-on-one opportunities with professors and teaching assistants outside of class. There are also a wide selection of smaller sized classes if the lecture hall setting is not for you. UNC has many options for students who need a little extra help in the writing center and tutoring centers on campus. Most teachers also hold study sessions before exams where you can go to ask questions and get extra help. The professors here at Carolina are eager and willing to help students who seek assistance.

While the suburban setting is not for everyone, Carolina's gorgeous campus offers a quite college environment free of outside distractions. Keep in mind though, the famous Franklin Street is less than a mile walk or bus shuttle from any point on campus. The bus system caters to the needs of students by having routes to local shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, and other destinations in the surrounding cities of Raleigh and Durham since first years are not allowed cars on campus. Living in a community as diverse as Carolina, there is always something for you to get involved in like Athletic clubs or charity events on campus. Its hard not to get involved in leaving your Heel Print in some way in your years at Carolina!

UNC has a private school education at a public school cost, but you get so much more than an ivy league-worthy education for your money. Tuition covers student tickets to athletic events, use of the 2 on-campus gyms, the many soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts, and access to the 2 pools. Campus shuttles and the local bus system are also free to students for getting around campus.

While a good GPA and SAT scores are important, Carolina doesn't just look at how you do in the classroom. They look at who you are as a person and what you do in life outside of school. Be yourself as much as possible on your application! They are looking for bright minds and well rounded personalities that will go far in the Carolina community. Get involved in community service and try out some leadership activities and other extracurricular's that you enjoy. One of the most important sections of the application, however, is the essays. Make sure they express who you are as a person and are well written. Revise them several times before submitting them and let someone else revise them for you as well.

Great for people who love to learn and have a passion for something. Carolina wants you to pursue the things you are passionate about and will help you in any way it can. It is also great for people who like a social environment, since the social scene is so diverse and alive you will be sure to find somewhere you love to be! Perfect for students who want to have pride and spirit for their school! It's an amazing experience walking to Kenan Stadium and seeing students painted blue and showing the Carolina spirit early on a Saturday morning!

The professors are so helpful and willing to spend extra time with you after class if you still need help. Also, there is the learning center and many other tutoring options if you need lots of one-on-one time. The courses are challenging, but they can be conquered. You feel very accomplished after receiving good grades.

There is a place for EVERYONE at UNC. There are so many opportunities, whether you're into athletics, music, politics, the environment, or just having fun. With any activity, the school spirit behind it is incredible! I absolutely love UNC.

UNC offers the best education for a great price, compared to colleges that share is caliber. I have many friends from out-of-state, and they say UNC was a great choice for them, both for education and costs.

Whether your school offers 2 AP classes or 10, take advantage of them. That's what UNC likes to see in prospective students, that they try their hardest and use every opportunity to excel.

Any student looking for a school with great professors, endless activities, and a wonderful campus atmosphere will fall in love with UNC.