University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Lan

Good at basketball. True...

Eric

Preppy and Fratty YES

Brian

I would say UNC students are stereotyped as liberal and progressive. However, I would say that this stereotype is fairly inaccurate because there are many conservatives among the student body and it doesn't seem like the campus is slanted in one way or the other.

Nick

A stereotype that a lot of other students from schools in North Carolina have about students at Chapel Hill is that were all nerds! They think that we like to stay in on weekends to study, and don't enjoy our sports and recreation. In fact, we do love to learn! But we also love to have fun, especially at our basketball games! Go Heels! "We have all kinds of people here at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill", and each one of us is unique. We have students who love to research, athletes who love to win, but most of all we have people in our community who want to make a difference, in North Carolina, in the United States, and in our world. While there are many cliques and stereotypes at UNC, we embrace these traits of one another, and love the diversity that drives us to be better people.

Nick

A stereotype that a lot of other students from schools in North Carolina have about students at Chapel Hill is that were all nerds! They think that we like to stay in on weekends to study, and don't enjoy our sports and recreation. In fact, we do love to learn! But we also love to have fun, especially at our basketball games! Go Heels! "We have all kinds of people here at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill", and each one of us is unique. We have students who love to research, athletes who love to win, but most of all we have people in our community who want to make a difference, in North Carolina, in the United States, and in our world. While there are many cliques and stereotypes at UNC, we embrace these traits of one another, and love the diversity that drives us to be better people.

Roland

Some people think students at UNC are stuck up and snooty. This is not true for the common student. Every university has some students that think their school is better than all of the rest, but UNC does well to keep a polite attitude.

Eric

The stereotype at UNC is entitlement and Greek life, but this is not the case. UNC is a diverse school with many different subgroups on campus, and although the Greek scene is quite large at UNC, it is not the predominant factor of campus life.

Ashley

I believe that our students are pegged as overachievers. As people who strive hard to accomplish their dreams and will associate themselves with other people and programs who do the same. 'Stereotype' has a negative connotation, I would not describe the caliber of our students with a 'stereotype', but as far as UNC-Chapel Hill, it is true.

Mackenzie

UNC has a mix of different students. Since it is a liberal arts college it tends to attract a lot of kids that are interested in music and art. A large percent of the campus is Greek also, and there is some stereotype that it is a "preppy" school because of this. While both of these stereotypes are accurate to some degree, they do not sum up the campus as a whole.

Sarah

Carolina students are usually stereotyped as smart, overachieving, and driven. I'd have to say that all the students at Carolina are smart. Some of us are overachievers, while others just do what they can to get by. Many students are involved in campus organizations and extracurricular activities. We like to be involved in what goes on around campus. I would also agree that we are a driven group of young people. I have met so many people in my time here that have inspired me to dream big, take chances, and hopefully make it happen.

Joshua

From an outside perspective I would say many people view UNC as a 'white' and 'preppy' school. To some extent, this is true. There is a vibrant Greek life at UNC, with the majority of the fraternities and sororities consisting of rich white kids. However, after being at UNC for 4 years, I can say that that this university is composed of a very diverse range of students who all possess varying styles, interests and personalities. Aside from those in the Greek community, the stereotypical groups at UNC would include ex-jocks, hippies (UNC is a liberal arts university), hipsters, geeks and those who like to party. Overall, with an undergraduate enrollment just below 20,000 students there is place for everyone to fit in. One common thread that ties the University and all stereotypes together is sports, particularly the Men's basketball team. Basketball is close to a religion in Chapel Hill with almost all students displaying immense pride and enthusiasm for our Tar Heels.

Jonathan

UNC is the stereotypical melting pot for students throughout North Carolina. There are plenty of different groups, whether it is athletes or greek life, but most of the students were some of the best students at their high schools. UNC kids love basketball, and this is pretty much always true, whether they were raised on it or whether they had never been to North Carolina before coming here. The girls really are gorgeous and numerous, so feel free to get to know them and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Michael

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Michael

n/a

Lindsey

Frat guys and sorority girls are the most common stereotypes of students at UNC. Greek life is popular at UNC since it has 53 registered fraternities and sororities. Some people view these students as stuck up or as people who party too much. While the Greek life is popular at UNC, most students prove the stuck up stereotype as inaccurate. UNC is one of the most welcoming and kind atmospheres to be in.

Michael

I love the social culture at Carolina because it's hard to say that there is one definite Carolina "type." We're home to a number of Greek organizations, for those who want to party; we have an elite honors program and countless academic resources for those who are dedicated to their studies; Chapel Hill and the neighboring town of Carrboro are part of a legendary music scene, and Carrboro also has a variety of independently-owned shops and galleries for those who want a different cultural experience. And of course, there are hundreds of campus organizations to suit any student's interests and personality. Carolina is composed of a population of talented students, but within that population, there exists a diversity of identities and types that allows for any student to find his or her place.

Brian

A common stereotype of UNC students is that they are all jocks. While many students are athletic -- it's uncommon to attend a D-1 school without an interest in sports -- it isn't an entirely jock-filled student body. However, you won't have trouble finding participants for your intramural sports team. Greek life is prevalent but can be easily avoided if that's your preference. UNC is also considered to be a highly liberal institution, but that's only because many of the students from more rural parts of North Carolina are quite conservative and find any evidence of liberal views surprising and perhaps off-putting. The campus is generally tolerant, but it's no Oberlin or NYU.

Tiffany

The stereotype of students at my school is 'prep.' In HS, when I first told my friends I was thinking about going to UNC, they told me, 'I really don't see you going there.' That's because I don't really fit into any one category, be it nerdy, athletic or anything else. In the end, I did go to UNC, despite nobody really being able to see me there. In the end, I found out that although that stereotype is largely true, it is not absolutely true. Maybe it's the social circles that I personally prefer, but I've met a lot of great people who aren't necessarily preps-- but they're not necessarily anything else either. So, as many stereotypes are, I think it's based on some truth - there will always be your typical sorority chicks and frat guys, no matter what college campus you're on. But a stereotype shouldn't keep you from going to a school if that's where you want to go - it sure didn't stop me!

Emily

There are two basic traditional stereotypes of UNC-Chapel Hill. The first stereotype is that everyone is what you expect from a liberal University: a hippie. The other comes from being an old, southern money schools: rich Greek kids. Although some of these stereotypes are true (stereotypes sadly stem from somewhere) there are students of every kind and students that break the stereotypes. There are Greek kids who are not stuck-up or wealthy and are accepting of every one. There are hippies that are open to listening to everyone's opinion and do eat meat. There are so many people that everyone will find their "niche" whether it is intramural sports, partying, studying, UNC basketball, etc. One of the reasons that UNC is such an incredible school is that there is no school with comparable diversity.

Sonya

Basketball is the first thing that comes to mind. Walk past the Dean Dome in the winter, strut around campus in March, or stroll down Franklin Street in December, and I'll guarantee you'll see UNC students wearing those distinctive, delightful blue T-shirts supporting our hoop dreams. Gays. It's true, UNC is a very liberal campus, and with that comes the image of a skinny boy in tight, black-washed jeans, a plaid button-up, and Superman glasses. No hate here. We love them all. Freedom. The Pit is the center of our campus, and it's name is Free Speech. We pay homage to the Pit Preacher, no matter how crazy Gary is, or what sins he says we're committing today. Franklin Street. Like I said, we're a basketball school, and there's no better proof of that than the rush of 15,000 kids to Franklin Street, as we celebrate by jumping over bonfires and ripping down street signs on the night that we beat Duke or win the national championship

Sharon

There are stereotypes of individuals groups on campus, such as the frat boys and the sorority girls, but there is no one stereotype for UNC-Chapel Hill as a whole. Because UNC-CH is such a big campus with such an emphasis on diversity, there could never be one umbrella stereotype that would encompass every person on campus.

Shannon

UNC Chapel Hill students are known for being fratty rich kids. The school is also known for having "no straight guys" with its 70:30 girl-to-guy ratio and large gay community.

Tori

The typical stereotype of students at my school would be rich, frat kids. After coming here, I found out that this stereotype is definitely inaccurate. The University of North Carolina thrives on diversity. We are a big melting pot, and welcome well-rounded students of all races and backgrounds. Being an African American middle class student, I chose to volunteer through Minority Student Recruitment and also First Look middle school program, to help break these stereotype and show younger students that there is all kinds of diversity here at Carolina, and the freedom to be who YOU want to be,

Tori

Rich Frat Kids

Tori

Rich Frat Kids

Chad

This stereotype is definitely NOT true. UNC portrays diversity at its best. Every type of culture, race, religion, background, socioeconomic status, political view, etc.; you can find it here. We are the epitome of a melting pot. Despite our differences, we all come together and have the best college experience any student could ever ask for, and not only do we accept and respect our differences; we embrace these differences.

Laura

I think the stereotype of UNC students is that they are very smart and put-together. I have also heard some people stereotype UNC students as being stuck up. Part of this stereotype is true: for the most part, UNC students are very smart and put-together. We are over-achievers and it seems like most of the students I know balance a rigorous course load with jobs, internships and leadership positions in on-campus organizations. The only part about this stereotype that is not true is the idea that UNC students are stuck up. I am sure you can find some stuck up people on this campus (you can find those people anywhere) but my experience with UNC students is that they are welcoming, open and friendly. They are excited about learning at this prestigious university and want to share their knowledge with others. One other thing I want to point out about UNC students is that we are diverse. Diversity was one reason I chose to come to UNC over other colleges and universities that I was considering. We don't all fit into one stereotype or mold and tend to be very accepting of people whose point of views differ from those of our own.

Laura

Part of this stereotype is true: for the most part, UNC students are very smart and put-together. We are over-achievers and it seems like most of the students I know balance a rigorous course load with jobs, internships and leadership positions in on-campus organizations. The only part about this stereotype that is not true is the idea that UNC students are stuck up. I am sure you can find some stuck up people on this campus (you can find those people anywhere) but my experience with UNC students is that they are welcoming, open and friendly. They are excited about learning at this prestigious university and want to share their knowledge with others. One other thing I want to point out about UNC students is that we are diverse. Diversity was one reason I chose to come to UNC over other colleges and universities that I was considering. We don't all fit into one stereotype or mold and tend to be very accepting of people whose point of views differ from those of our own.

Katherine

On the exterior, UNC may appear to be filled with Frat Stars and sorority girls, but there is so much more to our student body. At times, it may seem overwhelming, but our school is only about 10 percent Greek. Do not forget that 18,000 undergrads attend Carolina. With a school of this size there is a niche and a club (there are over 200 on campus organizations) for everyone! There is a diverse population of students who are all eager to learn and cheer on our Tar Heels. Regardless of our differences, we all make up one Carolina.

Anna

The percentage of students from North Carolina who attend UNC-Chapel Hill varies each year. Usually the number of students who are in-state falls within the 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} range. Although most of the students on campus are from North Carolina, there is a great deal of diversity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have taken classes with other students who are from different backgrounds, races, religions, sexual orientations, etc. Don't mistake the in-state percentage to indicate a lack of diversity -- Carolina can be a great fit for many types of people from different backgrounds.

Lauren

Very Cultured. There is a heavy emphasis on global awareness, study abroad programs and being politically correct at UNC. While this is a good thing in many respects, there is also a negative connotation associated with this stereotype. Many view students at UNC as people who are convinced that they can change the world and solve everyone's problems. The Greek culture is very prominent at UNC as well. Especially with our business school, there is a fratty association with UNC students.

Sean

I've heard that many people perceive students at Carolina as snobby. Many people are very friendly and not aloof. You just have to watch out for certain fraternities to avoid those attitudes.

Devan

The main stereotype of UNC students is that we're very geeky and that all we do is study all day. Is it true? Absolutely not! While UNC is a very academically rigorous institution and demands the practice of academic integrity by all of its students, we're much more than a bunch of bookworms! 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of our students participate are involved in a community service project throughout their 4 years of undergrad at UNC, 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students study abroad, and we have around 700 student organizations!! If an organization that you want hasn't already been established, then you can start your own! Not to mention that we love to support all 28 of our Division I Varsity teams, when we're taking a break from our own involvement in various club, intramural, and JV sports. UNC has much more than you might expect. You should come see for yourself!

joel

I think my school is divided into 3 main stereotypes: Greek, Jocks, and Geeks. UNC is in the south so there is a strict stereotype for Greeks-polo shirts, khaki pants, and sperrys. Sorority girls are the other Greek stereotype which are usually sweet, kind girls that wear sun dresses in the summer and black tights in the winter, have macbook pros, and are always drinking starbucks coffee. Greek life at UNC is pretty fun from what I observe, and from living with 4 frat stars-cocktails and weekend getaways keep Greeks busy. The second stereotype is the jock-athlete. These are student athletes and the ex-high school athletes. This group all know each other and convene at the same parties and bars throughout college. The Greeks refer to this group as GDI's. The last stereotype is the geek. UNC is a great school so there are naturally going to be a good amount of socially awkward nerds. This group can do some pretty weird things sometimes but that's part of what makes college so interesting. Today I saw a guy walk to class without shoes on...

Zoe

There are a few that come to mind: some people definitely say that it's a party school and that all people care about are sports, and yet at the same time you hear that people study all the time, everyone's crazy smart, and classes are hard. Some people will say that everyone's preppy or Greek. Here's my take on it: it's all true and it's all false. There are no absolutes at Carolina - there are 18,000 undergraduates here, and every single one of them is different. I think it's one of the things that makes Carolina fun - whether you're looking to pull an all-nighter in the library, go to dinner on Franklin St., go out dancing, or go to a sports game, you can always find people to enjoy it with; people who are just as pumped/motivated to be there as you. It's a big school with a ton of diversity, so I think it's pretty hard to boil the student body down to one statement.

Zoe

There are a few that come to mind: some people definitely say that it's a party school and that all people care about are sports, and yet at the same time you hear that people study all the time, everyone's crazy smart, and classes are hard. Some people will say that everyone's preppy or Greek. Here's my take on it: it's all true and it's all false. There are no absolutes at Carolina - there are 18,000 undergraduates here, and every single one of them is different. I think it's one of the things that makes Carolina fun - whether you're looking to pull an all-nighter in the library, go to dinner on Franklin St., go out dancing, or go to a sports game, you can always find people to enjoy it with; people who are just as pumped/motivated to be there as you. It's a big school with a ton of diversity, so I think it's pretty hard to boil the student body down to one statement.

Hunter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has often been lopped together with other public universities across the country as too large to be able to fit the needs of its students. However, this is too broad of a generalization to put on one of the top universities in the country that continues to bring in the best and brightest from not only all 50 states but also from every inhabited continent. The stereotype of the college large lecture hall usually depicts a teacher monotonously speaking to hundreds of students, none of which are known by name. Although it is a fun depiction for movies and television, it is not case, at least at UNC. One of my favorite memories is waking up late for a drama class that I had at 9:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and rushing in late. I had hoped that because it was a lecture class of about 150 people the professor would not even notice. Much to my dismay, he instead greeted me saying, "Welcome Hunter, rough morning?". I smiled, nodded awkwardly and sat down. Although I was obviously a little embarrassed, the realization of that moment quickly overcame any other feeling. That semester I had two 150 student classes and one 300 student class, and every single professor knew my name. Having a large class does not mean giving up one-on-one interaction with your teacher. One can as easily having no contact with a professor in a 15 student class as forming a lasting bond with a professor of a 400 student class.

Matthew

Fraternity and sorority all the way. Very true. Die hard sports fans all the way.