<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I just got in to UNC (oos), and I was wondering about the life there.</p>
<p>So, first off are all the students academically motivated? It seems that a lot of people don't consider UNC as strong as other state schools (UVA, UMich, UC Berkeley, UCLA) and I was wondering how it compares.</p>
<p>Also, is it a school where a non-white student can thrive socially? UNC doesn't look like it's very diverse and I'm worried about how I would fit in should I go there.</p>
<p>One last thing, how is the housing at UNC? Only 46% of students live on campus and this worries as most other top colleges have >80% of students living on campus. I want a residential, on campus, college life and it doesn't seem as if UNC is centered around the campus unfortunately.</p>
<p>I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but UNC is ABSOLUTELY centered around the campus. Most people live on campus for at least the first two years and then some people move to apartments or houses in Carrboro, etc (or if you’re like me, you live on campus for all four years). The campus is hopping all the time.</p>
<p>At any college you attend, you’re going to meet people who are academically motivated and people who aren’t (even at a great school like UNC). Considering how hard it is to get in here nowadays, I think it’s safe to say that you’re already academically motivated if you’re good enough to get accepted. The vast majority of people I know are driven and on the ball but everyone likes to have fun too. That’s what makes the atmosphere so great.</p>
<p>I also think everyone has the potential to thrive socially here, regardless of race. You just have to put yourself out there and take the initiative to make friends, just like you would anywhere. UNC has always seemed diverse to me.</p>
<p>I’ll address the last issue first. I think a reason a lot of colleges have that great a number of students living on campus is because they have to provide housing for students since students simply cannot afford to live off campus. One of my best friends goes to Stanford, and she pretty much told me that was a huge factor. I’d imagine the situation is similar for Cal and UCLA. UNC on the other hand has plenty of off-campus options that are affordable, and within walking/biking distance of campus. I know someone who has lived on campus for six years now, and others who have moved off campus as early as their sophomore year. It really does depend on your personal preference. </p>
<p>I’m Indian, and oos, so I think I relate to you on both other counts. As far as fitting in socially, I truly believe it is a non-issue. I can almost guarantee that keepittoyourself will disagree with me, and maybe she is correct in regards to the greek community. However, you can make friends with anyone on campus, especially through whatever groups you get involved in and even your living areas should you choose to do so. I’m in a group competing to see who has the best bracket with my hall right now. Friday we celebrated Holi as a campus. It has become an annual event, and is #13 on the list of top 100 things to do at UNC. I can also promise you that most of the people participating are not Indian, since we simply do not have that many Indians at this school. :-P</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - dailytarheel’s Channel](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/user/dailytarheel#p/search/1/ArsEGAvGY8o]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/user/dailytarheel#p/search/1/ArsEGAvGY8o)
[YouTube</a> - UNC Holi Moli 2011](<a href=“UNC Holi Moli 2011 - YouTube”>UNC Holi Moli 2011 - YouTube)</p>
<p>Finally, academics. The top students here take second fiddle to absolutely no one. And by and large, students are academically motivated. Maybe I have a skewed perspective as a double science major, but that is what I think. Are there people here that aren’t motivated? Yes. Are there people here that will challenge you intellectually, both in an academic sense and also when it comes to values and beliefs? Unquestionably yes. And even those students who don’t seem to be motivated will surprise you. I was at a party last night where there was much alcohol and rejoicing (even though I don’t drink at the ripe old age of 21, yes people like me do exist) and at around one in the morning a surprising thought provoking discussion broke out about the nuclear crisis in Japan and its parallels to Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Go figure.</p>
<p>Agree with all of the above, and there really is not a difference in people’s perception of UNC vs Mich and UCLA. UVA and UCB might have more lay prestige but rankings should not be the reason you pick one of these schools over the other. The differences are not significant.</p>
<p>Since my name was taken in vain, I suppose I should jump in.</p>
<p>Nah, can’t be bothered.</p>