Hello everyone,
I’m a current Freshman here at UW Madison who is considering transferring to UNC-Chapel Hil. I experienced many issues at UW Madison that makes me want to leave and not feel at home here. I don’t like the party scene and can’t seem to escape it. I had drunk roommates bring people in my room when I was sleeping and it got to the point where I had to switch dorms (to Lakeshore). While Lakeshore is better, I have yet to meet anyone like-minded. I joined several clubs, but still never found my place. Despite this University being so big it lacks a lot of diversity and possesses a Jake Paul like vibe to it. I’m also very religious and like the idea of UNC’s setting more.
The big pro at UW is the research. I’m currently in a Cancer Research Lab (my desired goal is to become a Cancer Researcher) and I absolutely love my lab. They also are willing to keep me for all four years, and I know this is probably the best I can ask for when it comes to research.
Basically what I’m asking is, should I make the switch to UNC-Chapel Hill if I’m accepted there? I feel as if the atmosphere will be a much better fit for me and from what I hear the research is pretty great as well. Is there anyone at UNC or even someone with outside knowledge that can offer me advice?
I did get nearly a full ride to UW and due to my financial situation UNC says they will match that offer with little to no loans, so money is thankfully not an issue here. I won’t be miserable at UW Madison if I have to stay here, but I will really like to have that feeling of home at my college, and I believe UNC will most likely make me happiest.
Again, I will really appreciate any advice or thought here.
Have you been accepted yet at UNC? Your post isn’t clear.
How much time have you spent at UNC? Did you apply there as a freshman last year? If so, how did you choose UW over UNC?
Have you been to the counseling center at UW to talk about your concerns about fitting in? Drunk roommates can be found at just about any college/university in the country, so that kind of thing won’t magically go away if you transfer. UW, like UNC, is a big public university. Many of the students are from that state, so yes, there can be diversity issues. You write that you are very religious. What makes you believe that will be better supported at UNC? Is there a student group for your religion at UW that you can become more active in, or a community group in the area?
Will you be living off campus next year, and thus able to control your living situation a bit more?
I think you’ll find just as much partying and beer at UNC.
Hello, thank you for your reply happymomof1!
To answer your questions…
-No, I have not been accepted to UNC yet. I’m just trying to get all the info I can now to make my decision easier when the time comes.
- I also did not apply to UNC last year and applied mainly to schools in the midwest.
- I took advantage of all of the wonderful resources here at UW, and really appreciated to faculty here, but no I didn't find my group to fit in (I think the large campus size plays a factor).
- And obviously there will be drunk people at any college (come on happymomof1, this is college we're talking!) It has nothing to do with "magically going away" as you so call it, but more so to do with the drinking being less excessive if that makes sense?
- I believe I'll be better supported at UNC because I have relatives that went there and really enjoyed it. They said it would be a better fit for me. Though this was a few years ago and I'm asking now to see how have things changed since then.
- I've tried two Christian groups at UW but didn't really find a sense of belonging there. One of them didn't get back to me and the other was mainly Bible Study focuses, while I wanted more of a community feeling.
I’m sorry if you found my post “not clear” but I hope this explanation really cleans things up for you. Thank you for all of your questions, I appreciate the time you took to really evaluate my situation!
Hello, twoinanddone!
I will not be living off-campus next year. Most of the apartments can get very noisy, and unlike the dorms, there are no quiet hours. Also, with the dorms, I can always go to my house fellow if I need anything. With apartments, I will most likely have to call the police if I have an issue (and from what I hear that happens often).
I’m shocked that you say there will be the same amount of partying and beer at UNC. That is far from the impression I had received from the institution.
Thank you so much for your reply!