Top Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Before Attending UNC
Reblogged from UNC Admissions Tar Heel Blog.
By: Leah
Congratulations! You did it. You’ve officially been accepted into one of the best institutions in this country. I’m going to share the best pieces of advice and guidance for the next 4 years of your life that I wish I’d learned before attending college – UNC-style.
Disclaimer: This article contains opinions based off my experiences. I’ll share with you some of why I have certain tips based off my experience UNC + some of the views of my peers.
Freshman Year
Tip #1: Buckle up and get ready for an awesome ride.
UNC IS, in my view, the best university in this world. My blood runs Carolina blue, but it didn’t just happen without an amazing 3 years at this university (I was a transfer from Appalachian State University).
Tip #2: Live on South Campus freshman year.
Freshman year is all about meeting people. Meet as many people as you can and keep in touch! You will (I guarantee you) run into them again at some point. Make friends and enjoy the beauty of late night and brunch at Ram’s Dining Hall. Ride the P2P.
Tip #3: Go to FallFest.
Do it! And sign up for as many clubs and organizations and auditions as you’re interested in. You can always unsubscribe from e-mail lists later, but you’ll never know what you’ll find in the nooks and crannies of South St. on that awesome evening.
On that note, join a few groups freshman year and see what you like the best. Invest heavily in 1-2 groups and then decide later in the next year or so which you want to invest the most time in and grow in leadership over time.
Tip #4: If you’re a female and considering going through recruitment, do it.
Even if you decide not to join a sorority, rush is a great experience, and you’ll be able to shape firsthand your own views on Greek Life at UNC through recruitment. I was in a sorority and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. However, even if I had not joined, I met some of my best friends now during the experience!
Tip #5: Take Gen Ed (general education) courses over a scope of many subjects.
To figure out what you like (before rushing to choose a major).
I took Linguistics, International Studies, History, Women’s Studies, Spanish and Statistics my first year at UNC. On that note…if your major or potential future major requires Econ 101, try to do that course your freshman year but spring semester when you’ve had a semester to adjust to college.
If you’re into arts, music or drama classes, I fully recommend: Carolina Choir or Glee Club (for guys and girls), or Comm 160 (performance studies).
Sophomore Year
Tip #1: Live in Morrison or on North Campus.
For North Campus, I recommend Connor. It was an amazing community and a great balance of quiet and fun. Plus, Connorstock is awesome (the end-of-the-year community event).
Tip #2: Play intramural sports. And if you played club sports in high school, check them out here.
They’re not as time-consuming as you may think, and perfectly manageable with other extracurricular activities. I was in a sorority, an a cappella group, and played club sports throughout college. All at the same time. You can do it if you truly love the activities you’re participating in!
Tip #3: Start Networking NOW. On that note, it’s not too early to start visiting University Career Services.
Even if it seems too early, it’s not. Every opportunity you have to meet someone is networking. You’ll thank me later.
Tip #4: Join another organization.
Even if you’re heavily involved in one, try another. You never know what it’ll lead to and it’s early enough to get very involved and grow in leadership.
Tip #5: Congrats! You figured out your major (kind of?). Now roll with it!
Now’s the time to make a more educated decision about double majoring or minoring after you’ve explored more subjects and figured out what you like.
Tip #6: Do a Maymester class this summer if possible.
It will help you later.
Junior Year
Tip #1: Get your first internship junior year, apply to be an OL (Orientation Leader) or get involved in office of NSCPP (New Student and Carolina Parent Programs).
Tip #2: Start to utilize UCS in-depth.
Here, you can partake in mock interviews, a whole class devoted to job-hunting (and a credit hour), and other UCS events and networking nights.
Tip #3: Live in an apartment.
Great options close to campus: Townhouse, Mill Creek, Chapel Ridge (with a pool), Stratford.
Tip #4: Do not (and I repeat, DO NOT) use your senior status for a Duke ticket until your senior year!
If you get one junior year, great. If not, no big deal. It’s worse not having a ticket for your senior year in the off chance that happens.
Tip #5: Spend a summer in Chapel Hill. It’s awesome.
Senior Year
Tip #1: Live off-campus, preferably in a house.
It’ll teach you about bills, utilities, etc. and you’ll have the freedom to get off campus at the end of the day.
Tip #2: Start to save money – ASAP.
I’d recommend working retail and/or food service. It’ll teach you a ton about people and great experience for a resume. It’s definitely key to start saving now. Sooner or later, graduation will be just around the corner and you will be thankful you have a bit of funds saved up!
Tip #3: Graduating is tough. But be proud of yourself and enjoy any time you have post-grad to relax and refocus.
For more on tips on senior year and post-grad, see my previous post, “What do you mean I have to get a job now?“
By: Leah McCann
Leah McCann Smith | Writer & Editor 
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