International Exchange Student going to UNC

<p>Hi collegeconfidential!</p>

<p>I'm from the National University of Singapore, and would be pursuing a year-long exchange programme at UNC. I have a few questions that I wish to ask, and would hope for any current UNC students to provide me with some valuable insights! :)</p>

<p>1.) Where are good places to stay off-campus?
2.) How large are the classes in terms of student enrollment?
3.) Which libraries are the best in UNC?</p>

<p>Thanks alot!</p>

<p>I can’t answer off-campus since I’m still on, but I can answer the other two.</p>

<p>For class size, it completely depends on the class. What types of classes are you planning on taking? If it is upper level courses, there will likely be a smaller number. Sometimes it’s even just dependent on the classroom size. But when you register, you should be able to see how many seats are available in each class.</p>

<p>Libraries are a personal preference. The main ones are Davis and the Undergrad Library (UL). A lot of first years like the UL the best, and it stays open 24/7 during the week. I like Davis the best personally. There are also good study spots everywhere on campus. The student union is popular, the Graham Memorial lounge is really comfy and great for homework naps, and there are also coffee shops on Franklin St that are popular. When the weather is nice, a ton of people study outside.</p>

<ol>
<li>I don’t know how it is in Singapore, but here rentals don’t generally include basic bedroom furniture like a bed or a bedside table. There are some ‘furnished’ rentals - more expensive but include everything you might need.</li>
</ol>

<p>If I were you I’d look on craigslist for a room in a shared house, maybe in Carrboro.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>They vary, but usually between 10 and 40 I’d say. Some classes have huge lectures with hundreds of students, but they will be supplemented once a week with a smaller discussion group (about 20 students), usually with a graduate student. If you are looking for small group teaching, you won’t find it at UNC, except perhaps in a few advanced seminars.</p></li>
<li><p>What do you mean by ‘best’? The Davis library has the biggest collection, and is fairly comprehensive. For studying, I don’t like the atmosphere and lighting in Davis - much too harsh. The Undergraduate Library is full of lazy students who are there to flirt, or so it often seems.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Dear posters,</p>

<p>Thank you very much for the information provided. They are very helpful in helping me better understand UNC!</p>

<p>1.) I see, I’m looking at a few rentals near Raleigh as it seems now and I think the apartments look fine.</p>

<p>2.) I’m largely taking level 100+ classes to fulfill General Education Requirements, but will be taking a few (>400) higher-level ECON classes as that is my major.</p>

<p>3.) Davis Library looks huge and beautiful from pictures on the web, and I’m definitely going to take a “tour of the libraries” once I fly over to Chapel Hill. </p>

<p>Thanks alot for the feedback! :)</p>

<p>I don’t know if this is what you meant, but do <em>not</em> rent in Raleigh. Raleigh is another town about 25 miles away. You should rent in Carrboro or Chapel Hill.</p>

<p>Since NC discriminates against foreign drivers, it will be very expensive for you to buy a car. If I were you, I’d get a place that is walkable to UNC.</p>