<p>Ok, so here's the situation. I visited NYU this past weekend and am visiting UNC today (both for admitted student days) and am having a hard time with my decision. The cost is a factor, but not a big one because I would have to take loans for both. UNC is giving me all but about $6000 (I'm in-state), and NYU is paying everything but room and board (which would be about $7500-$9500 because I qualify for low-cost housing). I loved NYU's campus and the fact that it's compact and in New York, while UNC is massive (land-wise). I'm planning on majoring in psychology right now (applied psych at NYU), with a 2nd major/minor in music. Another factor for me is that I'm queer (not out yet), and I know how great NYU's resources are for LGBTQ students, but I don't know much about UNC's...so if anyone knows and could tell me, that'd be wonderful!</p>
<p>The students and faculty at UNC, and the people of Chapel Hill, are over all very supportive of LGBTQ students. Carrboro has had an openly gay mayor. I don’t think support would be a problem at all.</p>
<p>Where do you feel more comfortable? These two schools are very different. Would you continue to love the excitement of being in New York City, or would it get tedious and stressful after a while? Are you okay with $30,000-38,000 of loans vs. $24,000? That doesn’t seem like too big a difference, but it does add up. </p>
<p>Maybe your visit today will help with your decision. Good luck!</p>
<p>Do those aid packages include any loans? If they don’t include the Stafford Loans, then UNC is definitely do-able and NYU might be too. You can borrow $5,500 for your Freshman year through the Stafford Loan program, and with summer jobs and part-time work during the school year, you can easily cover the $6,000 needed for UNC. Depending on how much you can make, You may be able to pay for NYU. Run the numbers here, and see what you think: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Award Letter Requirements - Finaid) There may be some expenses that you can reduce (travel, cost of books, etc.) but everyday life in NYC can be quite expensive, and the temptation to go over your budget will have to be kept under control.</p>
<p>Congratulations on that NYU package! They must really want you! Now you just have to decide if you really want them.</p>
<p>NYU is obviously great for LGBT students, as is the village. </p>
<p>I don’t have any personal experience with UNC, but one of my best friends is at UNC and she runs some of the LGBT organizations and events. From my understanding, UNC is great for LGBT students and has good partnerships with Wake Forest and Duke LGBT students. </p>
<p>Both schools are equal in terms of academics, so I think it comes down to personal fit.</p>
<p>Going to agree that it comes down to personal fit. The NYC note is a good thing. I’ve been in NYC for four years and it HAS become tedious and stressful at this point.</p>
<p>Thank you, happymomof1! That website really helped me break it down, especially the needed income to pay off the loans comfortably. Also, if I go to NYU, I’m planning to do work study. I qualify for roughly $5900 in subsidized loans at both schools for my freshman year (which leaves between $1500-$3600 in unsubsidized or federal plus loans I’ll have to take out for NYU). Everything is covered in scholarships (NYU), grants, and loans (both). </p>
<p>I am worried about the NYC lifestyle becoming stressful or monotonous, especially because it would be a pretty big adjustment (I live in a small NC town), but it is something I’ve always aspired to do (live in a big city as opposed to a small town). The adults in my family want me to go to UNC, while most of the kids and my friends support me wanting to go to NYU, and the visit to UNC today almost made me more confused! Haha, but I really like the Psychology professors I met at NYU and I really like the music faculty I met at UNC. Also, I would double major at UNC, whereas I would minor at NYU (at least these are my plans at the moment). I did not have a chance to meet any psychology professors at UNC nor did I have the chance to meet any music professors at NYU. I think it really will come down to where I am most comfortable, but I seem to be having difficulty determining that. Any suggestions on how to do that would be appreciated! Also, I appreciate all the advice given so far! Thank you! :)</p>
<p>I would opt for a more full “college” experience at UNC. NYU is not much of a campus. Academically I would say UNC is also better especially considering you have the option to take courses at Duke.</p>