Carolina Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why haven’t you answered my question yet?

A: If you asked something related to academics or your schedule, we may not have the answer, and researching that answer takes time.  For other questions, we may know someone who has a better answer than we can provide, and getting in touch with them also takes time.  Please be patient!

Q: Is the summer reading required?

A: The summer reading is encouraged and expected of all incoming first year and transfer students, but not required.  Basically, it is a discussion of the reading material with people you’ll see again - they either live in your building, your hall, or they’re in a class you’ll take. It’s an awesome ice breaker and gives you a taste of the intellect that is expected of you at UNC for the next four years. Discussion is a large part of your classes, and this gets you ready. I encourage you to read the book and attend the discussion! For 2013, the summer reading book is Home by Toni Morrison.

Q: I got placed into ____ residence hall.  Can you tell me about it?

A: There are many residence halls, and we’ve talked about several of them already.  Scroll through the dorms tab to see if we’ve already written about your hall, or check the housing website to get specifics on room sizes, floor plans, and to look at photos

Q: How do I know what books I need for my classes?

A: Head here, and log in with your onyen and password

Q: What does a typical UNC student wear?

A: Whatever they want!  Carolina is a big school with many students who all have different personalities.  Don’t try to be someone you aren’t with your clothes.  There are no cliques, and no group you have to fit in to.  Be yourself and be comfortable. 

Q: Do you know anything about professor ______ ?

A: ratemyprofessor.com, blinkness.com, and myedu.com are the best places to find comprehensive teacher reviews. We’re only two people and we haven’t taken every class at Carolina.  A class is also a subjective experience.  Some people will love a prof. and others will hate them.  Don’t quit on a class that seems interesting just because the professor sounds tough.

If you still have a question about your professor, read this first before asking.

Q: What is the difference between flex and expense?

A: Flex money can be used to purchase food on campus, and at a tax-free price.  Expense money can be used at any location on campus, for food or otherwise, and is also necessary for laundry.  Purchases made with expense money are not tax free.

Q:  What classes should I be taking for ______ major?

A: Advising makes these lovely academic worksheets for figuring out what you need to take towards your major.  Remember to read the fine print because there’s important information there.  You can find them here