The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

As an out-of-state student, I had a difficult time adjusting to UNC my first year, but even so, I would never discourage students, in our out of state, from coming here. This is a big school, and the problems I've seen here are the ones that apply to any big school- big, impersonal lectures, bureaucracy, etc. I haven't liked every class I've taken here, but overall, the quality of education here is excellent. I can't really speak for the science department, but I spent my first three semesters at Carolina taking a variety of courses in different liberal arts departments and have learned a lot. My one piece of advice? Avoid 101 courses at all costs unless you have to take them. It feels as if information is being thrown at you, but you have no idea how it is all connected.

Socially UNC is very dynamic. Past posts have complained about and praised the presence of Greek life on campus, but unless you join a fraternity or sorority, it will have little to no impact on your life here at Carolina. Most frat parties will let in any girl, so if you're a girl, that's always a weekend option, though I honestly burnt out on frat parties after freshman year. It took me almost two semesters to find people at Carolina that I really connected with, but in my opinion, finding those core friendships can make or break your view on the social scene here. There are plenty of non-Greek options and social subcultures at Carolina, plenty of house parties and different types of bars that I find to be all superior options to frat parties. It is only a matter of finding them. That being said, you can find out pretty quickly whether or not Greek life is your thing, or whether you should look towards other social options. I would also like to comment on the perceived liberalness of Carolina. Being from North, I don't think this school is overwhelmingly liberal. I have met and lived with people here that were far more religious and conservative than me, and they have all been able to find their niche here at Carolina. They are a substantial contingency at this school, although the majority of students are more liberal, or something in between. But as far as college campuses go, I don't see how this school could be labeled radically liberal. Most college campuses are pretty liberal, and Carolina is no exception, nor is it somehow more liberal than the rest.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Campus Aesthetics: A, Innovation: B-

There is literally nothing not to like about UNC. People worry that with the in-state percentage of students being so high - which can be somewhat annoying for out of staters - that instate students only hang out with kids from their high schools, but I have not faced that problem at all and have had no problem establishing a great friend group through activities, classes, and Greek life as an out of state student. Socially, UNC has everything. Great Greek life with incredible houses, sports, tons of student-run events, Franklin Street and Chapel Hill, and a thriving bar scene. There is always something to do here any day of the week and the weekends always bring great stories.

The thing I like the most is the school pride. Everyone who goes to UNC loves it here, and bleeds Carolina blue. We are incredible at almost every sport, and the student support shows greatly. Football and basketball season at Carolina are amazing, especially basketball. Football games always bring Saturday tailgates. Carolina basketball has so much tradition and is one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Basketball games are incredible and March Madness is always epic. With all this going for us, it is easy to see why there is something so special about this school and why everyone is proud to be a TarHeel.

Academically, I cannot speak for the liberal arts because they are not my interests. However, the science and math departments have been tremendous. Professors are very easily accessible and with the exception of a few bad ones, they have all been amazing. Carolina's reputation in these fields has helped me so much with employers and I've managed to secure great internships the last two summers almost solely because of our reputation. You will have to work and sometimes it can be frustrating, but that comes with studying any science or math-based discipline.Academics, sports, social life, student pride, and a great campus. Carolina has it all. Few schools parallel the overall college experience that UNC can provide. Do the right thing. Become a TarHeel and join the family! I feel bad for you if you don't.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: C

I'm an American Indian Studies major, and I have found a ton of opportunities. The faculty and department are amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Campus Maintenance: F