I just transferred here from a community college in Oakland, CA. Talk about culture shock! Things are different here, so West Coasters, beware. I'm trying to give UNC a fair chance, so I'll tell the good first, then I'll move on to explain some of the challenges I've faced here, and finally, I will offer some advice for those brave souls that transfer here.

*** Why to transfer to UNC ***

UNC is beautiful. Brick walkways cut through green verdant tree lined lawns. The buildings are almost all made of brick, which I'm unaccustomed to (on the West coast, earthquakes prevent people from building with brick). The campus feels old and is, and that gives you a sense of history. The layout of the campus if convenient too. All of my classes are close to each other, and I can walk from one to the next quickly.

Computers are easy to find. My computer did not arrive here in the mail until about 3 weeks into the semester. Luckily this was not much of an issue. There are computers to use all over the place, where you can send surf the Web, or write papers for your classes.

The libraries are big, and you can find almost anything you need. After all, UNC has the #1 Library Studies program in the nation (I believe that is according to US News). You can even borrow CDs and they have a fairly good selection of videos and DVDs too!

Academics here are pretty good too. Some of my classes are amazing, and others are good, none are bad. Really, your attitude is what counts here. If you can work hard, you can learn a lot and get good grades. But if you slack, even a little, you will have a hard time here and will not get A's. For me, the academics are the only thing that would really keep me from transferring out of this university.

UNC tries to make things easier for transfers. They offer an orientation program for transfer students, where you can meet other transfers and such. This really is helpful too.


*** Now here is where I find challenges ***

Housing: I was supposed to get on campus housing, but instead I was placed in a high rise dorm that looks like a housing project, in the lounge! There was no place for me to put my things, and the room was shared with 5 girls! This of course was temporary, and I was told it would be for no more than a month. But temporary situations aside, the housing department does little to try to set people up with suitable roommates. They told me I'd probably end up in a room with a freshmen, and as a 24 year old transfer student, I said "forget it" and moved off campus. Living off campus is rough at times because it is hard to meet people.

Socially: I find that all of my acquaintances here are transfer students. Most of the people here are friendly, and will be nice to you, but they already have their set of friends who they met during their freshmen year. This being the case, it is hard to make strong bonds with people. Also, for me, as an out of state student with out a lot of money, it is rough because I can't go home for some of our breaks. Right now for instance, we have fall break, and everyone I've met here has gone home for the 4 day weekend. Businesses are closing early. There's not a lot to do, and I can't afford to fly to California for 4 days. Anyway, if you come here from out of state, be prepared to work hard to make friends. Join student organizations, are do as my housemate does and party every night so you can keep meeting new people. Me, I'm a little on the shy side, and I don't like to party a lot, so I'm having a hard time making friends here. But then again, it's only been about 2 months.

Culture shock: I've always heard this place is "liberal." Well you should know that this place is actually "liberal for the South." I have been flabbergasted by the things people say to me here. One girl told me "I met a gay today." Another guy defends flying the confederate flag. Someone else explains to me that we need to give corporations tax breaks.

Greek society and culture shock: Almost everyone I meet here is in a Greek society! I grew up in a place where this is very unfashionable, so for me, I find it odd. Some people have told me that if I don't join a sorority, I'll never make friends or adjust here. I refuse to believe that, but I will say, Greek society is big here, and it does affect the atmosphere downtown. There are lots of bars and places to hang out, and they are crawling with Greeks.

Male to female ration: If I'm not mistaken, UNC is made up of 65% females. Women, do NOT come here for men. Every guy I've met here has had an inflated ego, and based on what I've heard, most of them are not loyal. And if you are not worried because perhaps you are super-attractive, well, almost every women at this school is attractive. But if you are a single-and-looking male, this place will probably be heaven for you.

Credit and transferring:
Now here is where it gets rough. I lost almost a year of my coursework when I came here. A lot of the classes I took back home did not articulate here. If I transferred from an in-state college, it would have been better because the community colleges have articulation agreements with UNC, but from out-of-state, it's rough. Every out of state transfer I've met complains about this.

Overall atmosphere:
Every single out-of-state transfer I've met has a hard time adjusting here. It is really rough. Some of them don't think they'll ever like it here. Others, particularly ones staying in dorms, are a little more hopeful.

*** My advice to out of state transfers ***

1. Apply for student housing early and try to get a room in the dorms. You'll have an easier time here if you do. If you don't want to share a room, try to get a single.

2. Be prepared to be proactive about meeting people

3. Work hard if you want good grades.

4. Definitely go to the optional transfer orientation and get an orientation counselor. They are really helpful. Mine helped me a lot here.

5. Be optimistic at all times. Do not be easily discouraged. I've been told it takes a year to meet the right people.

6. If you are over 22 beware, most of the students here go to college directly from highschool, have never had jobs, and they wonder why you are still in college if you are older.

7. Know that most people, atleast based on what I've seen, end up glad they came here.

8. Get a car if you can (assuming you live off campus). I have no car, and I feel a bit trapped. Plus, I have to catch a bus or beg for a ride to get groceries.

9. Good luck!



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