<p>Could anyone(current/former students) tell me about the atmosphere at North Carolina? How much do athletics dominate social scene? What about frats/sororities? If you're from out of state, do you feel out of place? Is the size of the school overwhelming? Any info would really help:)</p>
<p>Ok, friend's roomate is from Maryland and she felt a little out of place at first. She really clung to my friend but she is meeting people and is fine now. With 16,000 undergrads, you can do anything you want. Frat scene is big, but you don't have to be a part of it. Size is not overwhelming because you find your group. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>The atmosphere is amazing. I transferred here and I love this place. The frat scene is pretty big, but its cool, and yea you definately dont have to be a part of it to be included. I am from out of state and it is kind of tough, but my roommate is from around here so she knew alot of people who go here and I made alot of friends through her plus I've met people in classes and such. It's a great, great place and I can't say enough good things about it.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your answers! I'm just a bit worried about being out of place in a group of people many of whom went to the same high schools/ middle schools. But it sounds like everything works out for out of state students:) </p>
<p>A few more questions...</p>
<p>Does anyone have info on the honors program? How is that experience different from a typical UNC experience?</p>
<p>What are the opportunities for research as an undergrad?</p>
<p>Do grad students teach most of the classes?</p>
<p>Thanks again!!!!</p>
<p>It's definately possible to feel out of place because EVERYONE knows people from high school, at least thats how it seems. but i got lucky and my roommate's high school friends are really nice. but i can see how you might be worried. i dont know much about your other questions, but as for grad students teaching, i have two classes with grad students, but this is only my first year. one is a recitation though, and those are mainly run by grad students. but it's not bad.</p>
<p>I'm from out of state(Illinois). This is my first year. I'm going to try to be 100% honest. Yes, at first you will feel out of place. The first few weeks will be a little tough simply because most people have high school friends they're clinging to and you don't. But it gets better, trust me. Take advantage of the first few weeks. Talk to everybody, meet as many people you can, you never know who will end up being your good friend down the road. During that time everyone is so open to friendship and things WILL work out. Everyone here is incredibly nice. That's what happened to me. Yes, I ate meals alone during the first week of school but now I have a great group of friends.</p>
<p>As far as size/frats, I guess it depends where you come from. UNC compared to other Big Ten schools I considered, is tiny. I really love the size. You feel like it's a big, state University but at the same time you don't feel like someone lost in a crowd. You see tons of people you know every day just walking to class.</p>
<p>Frats, again compared to the Big Ten are very minimal. Not many people join them, not many people rush. The parties can be fun at times but in general I have gone through school with little interaction with them. </p>
<p>Any other questions let me know.</p>