Transfer Student (OOS) Life questions

<p>I am a current 2nd semester sophomore, who is trying to transfer into UNC-CH this upcoming fall. I am not that worried about getting in, the bigger thing that I'm worried about is the student life. Do most people live on campus? How is the student life and involvement on campus? And is it easy to get involved? I am just a little big lost because I would be transferring from out of state and have only been on "official" campus visits, which aren't usually a great reference to the student life.</p>

<p>So when you move you’ll be a junior? Are you going to live in the dorms, or get an apartment?</p>

<p>I have known a couple of transfers, and yes it can be difficult. When you enroll in classes it will take you a couple of months to really break into existing friendship groups. But no worries, it will happen.</p>

<p>I don’t want to scare you away from UNC - because I know many transfers who love it - but I haven’t had the best experience. I’m from New York and did not even know one other student when I arrived on campus. I came from a relatively unknown school outside of New York because I was seeking a more focused academic atmosphere, and UNC has definitely provided that. I’m a Political Science major and I have definitely been satisfied by the rigor of the classes and the expertise of the professors. I’m not into Greek life, but I did put myself out there by becoming a part of a few of the many student organizations - one political organization, one service-related club, and I am involved in a club sport. I’m also in their Public Service Scholars program so I am working toward fulfilling 300 public service hours during my time here. I’m a really friendly person, and definitely involved, but I have had trouble making a lot of strong friendships. Most transfers do live on campus, and I think a majority of upperclassmen as well. I know a lot of people move off campus into apartments, but with a student body this large there are still plenty of thousands of students on campus.</p>

<p>Are there any specific questions you have that I can answer for you?</p>

<p>I transferred in as a junior Fall '10, and I’m going to have to agree with peacelovensarah that it is a bit difficult to make friends here. It’s not impossible, but you have to make a hefty effort. I haven’t made any lasting long term type of friendships either. I moved here form New Mexico not knowing a soul, and had never been to NC before in my life. Since most are born/raised in NC, there’s a definite disconnect there. </p>

<p>I decided to live off campus, partly because I wanted to live alone and partly because I have 2 cats that came with me. I’ve made more friends in my apartment complex than on campus, but you could say living in a dorm would result in the opposite of making more friends on campus than off. </p>

<p>I came here for academic and career goal reasons and UNC hasn’t let me down on that front. There’s also a lot of transfer student social groups/activities, but I never took part in them. They may help others adjust though.</p>