Dorm Life
What surprised me most about dorm
life is how much of my college learning would result from it. Whether
it be debating politics, learning about another’s culture or religion, or others’ interests,
interacting cultivates learning that classroom discussion can only
simulate.
One of the biggest adjustments that most college students
have to make is living in a dorm. Just the thought of sharing a room
and being away from home scares many.
I lived on campus for three years, but this year I live in an apartment
because I wanted a change. My first two years I lived on south campus
in Ehringhaus and Morrison. My junior year I moved to Winston on north
campus. I strongly recommend that all incoming freshmen live on south
campus. The downside to south campus is that there is about a ten minute
walk to class, but the upside is that most of the people living there
are freshmen and sophomore who are looking to meet new people.
Everyone’s college experience is unique to the people they meet.
Thankfully, I had awesome suitemates who enabled me to adjust to college
quickly. These are the people who often went with me to the library,
basketball games, parties, etc. They have become a major part of my
life and the ones who know me the best. They know what makes me smile
and what makes me tick. These are the people I know will celebrate
my successes and be there during difficult times. In short, the dorm
became my home and my friends became my family.
A couple pieces of advice regarding a roommate:
- If you decide to room with someone you know, make sure he or she is
someone that respects your belongings, time, and space. A best friend
does not always make the best roommate.
- Don’t freak out about going potluck. I did not know my roommate
before coming to Carolina and it worked very well. As a matter
of fact, after four years, he is still my roommate.
Finally I just want to give you some key statistics and information
that might help in your decision making process regarding UNC housing:
- 98% of incoming freshmen will live in either campus housing or
Granville Towers. Of these:
- 55-65% live on south campus
- 20-25% live on middle/north campus
- 15-20% live in Granville Towers
- Over 75% of incoming freshmen request south campus housing
- All rooms have internet access, telecom services (free ground line
and caller ID), and cable television
- Rooms are furnished with extra-long twin beds, dressers, desks,
and chairs.
- Every residence hall has at least one kitchen (I can’t say
I ever used this feature, but I hear it is true.)
- We are currently building apartments on campus that will be ready
in 2006
- We have coed dorms, female dorms, and male dorms
- Some rooms have movable furniture, others have furniture built
into the walls
- For more housing information, I encourage you to visit: http://housing.unc.edu
So go ahead and release that anxiety because I am sure there is a
housing option for you at Carolina.
