I just finished my first year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and it’s safe to say, it does get better after high school. Throughout my first year, I learned so much whether it was about biology, learning to live with 6 other girls, meeting new people, or learning more about myself. 

Through many all-nighters, long 2am walks back from Franklin street, and spontaneous side quests, there’s so many moments about my first year that I’ll never forget. Yes, there are things I think I could’ve done differently, things that I regret, but it was the moments that led to who I am today. After doing some reflecting, here are just a few defining moments of my freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill.

Academic Reality Check

UNC Chapel Hill isn’t a top public university for nothing, there’s definitely merit to its academics. Many incoming students come in with perfect GPAs and all As, but UNC slapped many of us in the face. However, this is applicable to many other schools too, not just UNC. You may experience your first B, your first failed test, and that’s okay. Learning how to deal with these new academic environments is all part of every first-year’s experience.

Surviving CHEM 101

If you’re unfamiliar with the UNC chemistry department, they are notorious for being one of the most rigorous departments at Chapel Hill. Their classes are typically seen as “weed-outs”, which are classes that are difficult and potentially  discourage students from further pursuing that major. I even knew a girl who dropped her chemistry major because of CHEM 101. 

Suffice to say, I was terrified when the first exam approached. Although I had been studying for a week prior to the exam I felt unprepared and the most nervous I had ever been. In the exam room, my leg wouldn’t stop bouncing, my thoughts wouldn’t stop racing, and all of a sudden it felt like it became 10 degrees hotter. The marching of the TAs up and down the aisle scouting for cheating, and the 5 minute-mark announcements didn’t help either. 

After the exam I immediately called my dad to tell him how I thought I did awful, while walking to go treat myself to some boba. When I got back to the dorm I even did my full 45-minute shower & hair care routine to recover from the exam. I was so nervous to open my score, but when I did, it turns out I did pretty okay! 

Anyways, from that theatrical retelling of my chemistry exam, I hope to leave you with this: if you study, it’s going to be okay. Your hard work will pay off, and the nerves will get better over time.

Don’t Underestimate the “Easy” Classes

Throughout my life, I had always strived to get As on my report card. This was the story for the majority of my life, and I came into college with all As on my high school transcript. Nevertheless, it’s a common story at UNC for these high-achieving students to come into college with a perfect high school GPA and transcript, but experience their first failed class or test. Thankfully, it wasn’t that extreme for me, but I did experience getting a B for the first time at UNC.

Now I’m being a little dramatic about this. I know a B isn’t a bad grade. It’s a very good grade, especially at UNC, it was just something new for me, and something different. And what’s worse about the grade, is that it was earned in what was my supposed “easy” class for the semester: a business class. Yes, I know. How the heck did I get an A- in chemistry, but a B+ in business? I continuously ask myself the same thing. I’m here to give you a warning. Prioritize your “easy” classes, because those are the ones that will sneak up on you. That’s how I got my B+. If there’s anything you take away from my freshman experience, I hope it’s to not underestimate your “easy” class.

The Carolina Culture

When Carolina Felt Like Home

In my experience, I didn’t really feel homesick during my first year at Carolina. My time at UNC was something that I was excited, but nervous, for. I was excited to meet all these new people, my roommates, suitemates, classmates, and more, however, I was nervous to go up to talk to people. It’s a recurring issue I have, excited to meet new people, but too scared to start to talk to them. Ironic, isn’t it? 

I can’t recall a single moment where Carolina started to feel like home, it was more of just a subtle feeling that crept up on me. It was simple moments, like sitting by the Pit for people watching, sitting on the quad with my friends, exploring the different cafes and libraries on campus. Moments like this is what made UNC feel like home to me. And Chapel Hill continues to feel more like home to me as I make more unforgettable memories, such as rushing Franklin street, or spending time with friends I made here.

Finding Your Community

I think the best way to make your time at college worth it, is to find your community. College is a place full of so many different people, and I believe you’re bound to find a solid group of friends, whether it happens in your first year of university or your last. It’s a time where you’re surrounded by so many opportunities to meet new people, and I would advise that you take advantage of them! Believe me, I know it’s hard to put yourself out there, but the more you do it, the easier it is. I’m so lucky to have found my people at UNC: my suitemates! For me, it was so comforting to have people to spontaneously go on side quests with, have fun nights in the dorm, venture to so many concerts, and grab dinner with!

Another highlight of my college experience was also finding a community composed of people from my culture. I’m Filipino, and growing up in a dominantly white suburban community, I didn’t really know a lot of other Filipinos in school. When I went to UNC, I joined Kasama, the Filipino-American association at Chapel Hill, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I made so many friends through this club, and even met my big, Michelle, who is such an amazing person. 

I love being a part of different communities at UNC, as it allows me to meet new, fun, and interesting people! I’m able to make so many different memories with all these people. 

Every college freshman’s experience is unique, and I wouldn’t trade mine for another. Sure, there were ups and downs. I made a few bad decisions here and there, but it was those decisions that ultimately shaped me, my values, and morals. College is a time to make those decisions, but don’t go too crazy, because there are still consequences. Make those lifelong friends, get those grades–good or bad. If you ever need anyone to talk to, hit me up! If you need any tutoring, send me a message!

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my first year experience at Chapel Hill! If you want more content like this, let me know!

Until next time,
Jacqueline