University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

UNC literally has any type of student organization you could possibly think of. There are all types of religious groups (I guarantee you haven't even heard of some of them), intramural and club sports teams, fraternities and sororities, fine arts groups, etc. There literally is a club/activity for everyone. Sports at UNC are a big deal. Because UNC basketball is historically very competitive, students and faculty members get very excited when basketball season rolls around. Football and basketball games are always packed, and other types of sports events are well-attended as well. School spirit is intensely high at UNC. Because the student population is so diverse, I guarantee you will find a social scene that fits your needs. You will have no trouble finding a group of friends to hang out with on weekends, whether you're into partying until the wee hours of the morning or staying in and playing Scrabble.

I am actively involved in two of the biggest on-campus events UNC's Relay for Life and UNC's Dance Marathon. These events are my favorite weekends of the entire school year. The people I have met through these causes and the people I have helped along the way remain close to my heart. The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life helps raise funds to support cancer research, education, advocacy, local programs, and services for cancer patients and their families. All proceeds directly go to those in need and many of the earnings are donated to the N.C. and Duke Hospitals. The money raised for UNC-DM benefits the N.C. Children's Hospital, which is located on campus. I especially enjoy the opportunities I have to visit the kids and interact with them in the pediatric playroom. My work I do at school with Relay for Life and Dance Marathon shapes the philanthropy I do at home and in my community and has left me a more mature, appreciative, and compassionate person. UNC provides countless ways to give back through service and thousands of passionate students participate in worthy causes such as these two.

Sports are a big deal at UNC. Our athletic department is fantastic, so there is always a huge fan base at sporting events, especially basketball, football and soccer games, There are also a ton of intramural sports teams, ranging from lacrosse to underwater hockey. There are more than 500 clubs at UNC for everything under the sun. There are religious organizations, activist groups, student government and so much more. Personally, I am a member of the Marching Tar Heels, so a large percentage of my time is spent either practicing music or playing at a sporting event (and I LOVE every moment of it!). I'm also the Editor in Chief for a campus magazine and am a member of Student Government's Public Relations team. There are so many activities for so many interests--it's impossible not to find something you'd like to get involved with. Greek life is also very prominent here, and there are always plenty of things going on with the frats and sororities. The party scene is also pretty big here, but there are also a ton of things to do that don't involve alcohol or clubbing. At any given moment, there is some sort of theatrical, musical or artistic performance going on, be it professional or student-led (props to being a Liberal Arts University); world-renowned speakers frequent the University for different lectures and mingling events; there are tons of fundraising and community service events to get involved with as well, ranging from the Hope Garden (a sustainable project designed for people to grow their own produce) to Habitat for Humanity to Dance Marathon; there are also free movies shown on campus every weekend.

There are many fundraisers on campus for students to participate in. There are many sorority and fraternity fundraisers, such as pasta dinners, trunk shows, 5k runs and bar nights to raise money for philanthropies. The arts are also popular arts groups on campus including theater, dance, improv, comedy, acting, etc.

Intramurals are very popular. Also, there is never a shortage f interest groups. You could probably find a club here for underwater basket-weaving. There is something for everyone.

Definitely the Campus Y - the center for social justice on campus. It's chalk full of students and organizations that aim to better the world around us by helping the homeless population on Franklin Street to access financial services, raising awareness about human rights, building schools in Uganda, doing relief development work over school breaks, and much more. Plus it's the nation's oldest student movement - it's been 151 years!

Sport, sport, and .... sports.

On Dec. 9th, 2008 in order to break up the stresses of fall semester exam week, UNC students flash raved their Undergraduate Library. Without warning to those that were unaware, hundreds of students packed the library lobby and brought it hardcore for over 8 minutes. Filmed and Edited by: Walker Sigmon

A senior discusses why his best decision freshman year was joining the Campus Y, a service organization on campus.

I didn't go to UNC for my freshman & sophomore years and I did not involve myself too much on campus the 2 years I was there besides class, Interfaith board, and basketball. Greek like is something that is very visually present, but I don't think I interacted with more than 5 people the 2 years I was there who were in frats or sororities, so it's a pretty separate world. Partying is definitely a very common activity at UNC, but there are plays put on by UNC or shows at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro. There are definitely things to do that don't involve drinking, but it is something you have to decide consciously.