<p>Now, I know that UNC does not have as much an intellectual setting as say U of Chicago. But how intellectual is the environment? I have been admitted to their honors program, and am unsure if I should choose to attend Carnegie Mellon instead. I hope to double major in comp sci and pol sci.</p>
<p>unc usually dissapoints the intellectual type. If I were you and got accepted to a better program like carnegie mellon, I would go there.</p>
<p>When I'm talking about intellectual scene, I am not talking about being surrounded by so-called nerds. Rather, I ask this to those attending UNC and those who have heard about it: Can I enjoy a cup of coffee over the thoughts of Montesquieu?</p>
<p>Reason I am leaning against carnegie mellon is because i have not received any financial aid, while as I am instate at unc.</p>
<p>You would certainly need to be more proactive in finding "life of the mind" type conversations at UNC-Chapel Hill than at UChigago.</p>
<p>I myself have been pretty proactive, though, and am truly happy here. I consciously chose to live on North Campus, joined student groups that seemed interesting, took honors philosophy courses, attended lectures/talks, etc. </p>
<p>There are times such as last night during our NCAA elite eight men's basketball game when this campus stops and does nothing but watch sports. If you're OK with or are even able to grow to enjoy that (as I have) and are willing to be proactive in pursuing intellectual environments here, you should be just fine. Just make sure to seek out smaller programs, talks, honors teas, etc.</p>
<p>I hope you choose UNC, greycold, because I'm looking for the same thing. Let's increase our numbers!</p>
<p>Count my son in - he will be a polisci major. Loves to discuss politics.</p>
<p>Right there with ThoughtProvoking. A typical Friday lunch conversation with me and my friend ranges from the welfare system to boys to what we want to do with ourselves. If you want to live eat and breathe intellectual stimulation then U Chicago is where it's at (I looked there pretty seriously for that reason alone). To UNC's credit though, it has a good balance. I think people here, whether they say this or not, believe in health of the mind and body. The exercise classes are as big of a deal as some of the more intellectual clubs, but I think that's kinda cool.</p>
<p>I view myself as an intellectual, and feel at home here. If you want it, you can get it here. But I will say that U Chicago probably has it beat in terms of intellectual intensity.</p>
<p>cloying, you are probably a small monority of kids at UNC who are intellectual and talk about intellectual things</p>
<p>I'm applying as a junior transfer and I would consider myself the "intellectual" type you speak of. I realize that UNC doesn't have the real intellectual environment that Uchicago has(I'm also applying there) but I don't need to be surrounded by fellow nerds in order to thrive.</p>
<p>I'm guessing that the "life of the mind" type of people find each other and tend to associate with one another. The advantage that UNC has is a much more diverse community.</p>
<p>Stoneimmaculate has it right I think -- those types find each other. As long as there is a sufficient representation, it's not a problem. And UNC has that, I am sure. </p>
<p>My daughter seriously considered UChicago; she likes those "intellectual" conversations sometimes. But not all of the time. At UNC, she finds the intellect when she wants it, but additionally finds there the diversity of tastes, interests, passions, etc., that she also enjoyes.</p>
<p>"Can I enjoy a cup of coffee over the thoughts of Montesquieu?"</p>
<p>No. UNC is a state university and for better or worse, fostering intellectualism really isn't a priority at state universities.</p>
<p>^So say you. I'd love know to upon what experience or knowledge you base this very strong opinion dnt. Please share your insights.</p>
<p>With which part of my observation do you disagree?</p>
<p>I don't think she disagreed with your observation that UNC is is state university.</p>
<p>;) tyr. Yup.</p>
<p>dnt - I'd like to know upon what basis, experience or knowledge you make your statement. Whether I agree or not is not the issue at hand. You have formed a conclusion; please tell us how you came to this conclusion.</p>