<p>I am currently a freshman at NC State. I am interested in majoring in theatre, and heard that UNCA had a good theatre program. I also heard that the academics here were better due to class size, and instruction was good as well. Although i had originally wanted to go to NC State because of its size, as well as it being the state "flagship" university, i've found it way too big, and am disappointed with the lack of things to do in raleigh/lack of artsy/liberal atmosphere. It seems that there's not much to do on weekends besides go to frat parties, or watch movies in the dorms. My only concern with asheville on the flip side is that i've heard there's not alot to do, and most students leave on weekends..which could make the campus lonely. Although I am still more than likely going to transfer, I did have concerns about the size/student population. Does anyone know (not to stereotype) the typical types of students at UNCA...and i heard the students here have a reputation for being "wierd"..which of course may not be true...i just want to make the decision if i'm going to pack my bags and transferring</p>
<p>We are OOS for NC, but we visited UNC-A. My son decided not to apply because of the low graduation rate, and the fact that he was probably going to just miss getting merit aid. He got into our instate public LAC, so there was no point for him to apply to UNC-A too. Our tour guide when we visited was from OOS (I believe Nevada). He did not seem weird. The other students we came across did not stick out for being weird, although we did see a few guys with long pony tails (think the 60s). The surrounding area seems very nice with little shops to go to, and little cafes. We also drove through a golf course not too far away where there seemed to be a lot of seniors hanging out. All in all, if the graduation rate were higher, I think that it would be a great place to spend 4 years. I have been told that they do have a lot of nontraditional students (older students, and commuters in the area who take a class or two at a time). I had heard this effects their grad rate. BTW, everyone seemed very friendly and welcoming.</p>
<p>You have to try a little to have a good time no matter where you live. Be proactive and suggest fun things to do. Don’t just be dependent on your friends to get the ball rolling. Figure out some websites that list interesting things happening in the community. Asheville has tons of stuff to do, but so does Raleigh.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about kids being weird. I also wouldn’t worry about the graduation rates. Choosing not to graduate is a personal decision. If you want to, there will be no problem. UNCA attracts open minded people who are more interesting in learning than graduating, which leads to many taking a few years off to start a band or something.</p>
<p>If you find State too large and you are thinking about an art major, then UNCA is probably a good call.</p>