For any student attending UNC-Chapel Hill, it's no secret that it's very challenging. As one of the top public universities in the country, its reputation stems from untainted prestige and high academic standards in regards to its students, faculty, and curriculum. When we first applied to attend this school, we knew what we were getting ourselves into, but that doesn't mean these expectations can be overwhelming at times. Although there's no magical secret to acing all of your classes, getting enough sleep, participating in extracurriculars, and having a fulfilling social life, there are some ways to "hack" UNC student life to make your time as a Tarheel a little more enjoyable.
1. CaroLaundry
Whether you're a clean linen-scented neat freak or a nonchalant student that waits until the occasional home visit to attempt laundry, everyone needs to know about CaroLaundry. This mobile friendly website allows for students to search for open machines in their buildings and nearby buildings, see how long is left on taken machines, and reserve open washers and dryers for up to 5 minutes. When you reserve a machine, using your Onyen login, the machine is held to where only your OneCard can pay in the laundry room. This service prevents the unfortunate instance of bringing all of your laundry down only to see every machine is taken with an extensive waiting line, saving you time and frustration.
2. The 800 Bus
It's common knowledge that parking at UNC-Chapel Hill is pretty steep, so the option of having a car here isn't the most realistic idea. Of course, the Chapel Hill bus system is an easy way to get to and from class, Franklin street, Carrboro, the hospital, etc. but other bus systems that pass through Chapel Hill are just as useful. Personally, when I need a change of scenery, a new outfit, and a place to walk around on a Saturday afternoon, I catch the 800 GoTriangle bus which departs at the Student Stores and takes you to the Southpoint Mall movie theater. Instead of attempting to catch a ride with a friend, coughing up $20+ for an Uber, or waiting for a parental visit, you can spend an afternoon at the mall for the low price of $4.50 (round-trip), as well as anything you buy there on an impulse. To look up times and schedules, go to http://www.gotriangle.org.
3. The Writing Center
In high school, papers seemed to be a formality to test one's knowledge of a novel, a concept, or basic writing fundamentals. In college, it's essentially the same thing, but these papers can be worth up to 20 percent of your grade. While this is scary, there's no need to fret because of the resources UNC provides to help students. For these intimidating papers, utilize the UNC Writing Center. If you plan enough in advance, you can make an appointment to submit your assignment before it's due and meet with a coach that will help improve your writing, ultimately improving your grade. Make your appointment here http://writingcenter.unc.edu/. Located on South Campus, the Writing Center is
4. The Learning Center
Similar to the above mention, the Learning Center provides tutoring for students at no cost. They have tutors in every subject available to you, so make an appointment today to catch up or get ahead in your courses. http://learningcenter.unc.edu. The Learning Center is also located in the Student and Academic Services Building North, located on South Campus.
5. Window Unit Cleaning
If you live in Hinton James, Craig, Eringhaus, or any other UNC dorms with window units, you may be suffering if you have allergies. However, these units are fairly easy to clean to manage dust in the air and trapped allergens that are causing you to run out of tissues.
Just below the vents, you can remove the filter. Once you get past the disgust from the amount of dirt trapped, take a cleaning wipe, a damp washcloth, or even a dryer sheet to remove the dirt and dust and dispose of it. Now, you'll be breathing better. Do this once every two weeks to ensure the best quality of air in your dorm.
6. Postmates/JoyRun
Feeling too lazy to walk to Ram's Head/Lenoir and you can't seem to track the buses to Franklin Street? No fear, just use a few of the many growing food delivery services. Some of the most popular include Postmates and JoyRun, which will you bring you takeout from almost any nearby restaurant for a small delivery fee. For PostMates, you get $10 off of your first order by using the code ES3DR. For JoyRun, you can get $5 off of your first order by using my code, KATHRYNKE411. So, when you get sick of cereal and salad for dinner and are too lazy to get out, have some food delivered and don't stress.
7. Davis Study Cubes
If you're planning a group study session and are afraid of in-room distractions, bustling dorm study lounges, and people intruding on your corner of the library, rent out a study cube at Davis Library. The Research Hub cubes can be booked for up to 3 hours, and whether you're attempting group study or an individual textbook takedown, the cubes have white boards, dry erase markers, and plenty of charging ports for all of your study needs.
8. Dining Hall Coffee Cups
College without caffeine is like Superman without his ability to fly. However, a college student's need for caffeine can rack up quite a hefty bill as the year progresses. After you've eaten at the dining hall, instead of forking out your cash at Starbucks, the UNC Cafe, Alpine Bagels, or the Pit Stop, stop by and grab some coffee before you leave, since it's included in your dining plan. My personal favorite is the El Salvador Dali blend (with a hint of s'mores...mmm) with French Vanilla creamer. Other add-ins to help dining hall coffee mimic your favorite overpriced drinks include different flavored creamers, add-ins like vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, etc., sweeteners like honey and agave (which go great with hot tea, also featured by the coffee) and (if you're feeling bold) froyo, which essentially serves as creamer to cool down the temperature of the coffee and sweeten it. This kick of caffeine before your next class will serve your mind, body, and wallet well.
9. Save money on Flex/Plus Swipes
When you've had it with hard mashed potatoes and mushy burritos from the top of Lenoir and are running low on your Flex or Plus swipes, combine the two dining experiences. Swing by Chick-Fil-A and pick their tried-and-true nuggets, and head upstairs to get the (essentially) unlimited fries from the burger section, a salad to balance it out, a fountain drink, and maybe some pudding for dessert. Similarly, save the white sauce from your last
10. Go to every possible sporting event and rack up Carolina Fever Points
When you think of Carolina sports, basketball and football probably come to your mind. While we also thrive in women's lacrosse, men's soccer, etc. the multitude of sporting events at UNC are an enjoyable experience nonetheless. Also, when you attend these events, you get points to go towards Carolina Fever. By racking up points, you can get prizes and consideration for men's basketball tickets (which are incredibly hard to come by). Aside from this, you also get to express your school spirit, spend time with friends, and enjoy numerous games for absolutely no cost with your OneCard.
Whether your time at UNC has come with ease, been a breeze, resulted in more than a few B's, or seemed like a disease, utilize these hacks to make your time at the greatest school in the country a little greater and turn your time spent stressed out in Tarhell into bliss as a Tarheel.
