Chapel Thrill

Introduction
What is most important to you? A small school where you know everyone and your professors call on you by name? A large school where you're continually meeting people and you can explore diverse new courses? UNC actually has both these aspects - it's been enough to be always exploring but in your major or other activities, you can get to know people really really well. The university really dominates the town, so there's a lot of space to grow. Another thing to consider: your daily life. Is the climate something that appeals to you? How about the housing? Both of these are really important, I think, and I found them to be great at UNC.

Campus Life and Social Life
UNC is very liberal, despite being in the South. Nonetheless, there is a lot of self-segregation that goes on. The counterpoint to that, then, is the campus community comes together during sports events, matters of school interest, or, rarely, public crises. It is said that 20-25% of UNC is Greek. A handful of these groups, though, are academic/service/religious/hobby-oriented. Like any school, some of the fraternities and sororities are exclusive and downright rude to non-members, but the majority are friendly and socable. I went Greek and loved it. Tar Heel basketball is crucial. In addition to the students, non-UNC individuals actually have made us the most-worn NCAA team for hats and other apparel. It contributes to a great school spirit. The turn-over of bars on Franklin Street was high while I was a student, but there is a decent over-21 life and with concerts, plays, sporting events, and house parties, there is almost always something to do. Academics
Don't think that students at state schools are dumber than those at Ivies, or that the work will be easier. There is some element of grade inflation in some courses, but all in all, you will work hard to earn your grades. But you have a good amount of choice in what classes you take to fulfill "general" requirements, and many departments grant students a lot of autonomy to pursue what they find interesting (especially for a thesis). Professors in general tend to be very good teachers who actually want to teach. The workload is definitely doable.

Student Body
Most students are from NC. There is a lot of interest in business (Kenan School of Business), polisci, English, history, and biology... all the standard majors. But students aren't just satisfied with being average... they go off and start their own clubs or projects abroad. The prototypical UNC student wears Oakleys and croakleys, sandals and a plaid shirt from the Gap. He gets up for 10am classes, hangs out on the green lawns between campus buildings, studies, goofs around, and makes the most of his time - all the while with a firm vision of what he wants to do after college.

In Closing...
Out-of-state students tend to be smarter because we have a higher standard, but all in all the students are well-educated, fun, interesting people. I chose UNC over other area universities because the people were so much nicer and the campus so much prettier. Go visit and get a feel for the place. It just feels like coming home.