<p>A word to those going for the catalyst award; generally only experiments with real world applications win. For instance, my good friend that won the science award at UNCC last year experimented with different strains of bacteria. Proving that probiotics can sometimes turn harmful.</p>
<p>I know I can’t wait either!!! I haven’t heard of the catalyst award. Thanks for the advice nate42.</p>
<p>So not all of the dorms have internet access but is anyone going to bring a laptop or camera? Also do I bring quarters for laundry? btw I am so excited!</p>
<p>Certain parts of the dorm do not have Internet access. All the commons and some of the suites have access. You definitely need to bring a laptop. Unless you want to make countless trips to the library when doing your research topic. </p>
<p>I would suggest bringing about 5-8 dollars in quarters.</p>
<p>Any advice on what to do with our free time there?</p>
<p>Yeah, are there lots of social events/gatherings to do there like dances etc?</p>
<p>There’s plenty of social opportunities. Too many actually.</p>
<p>Here’s what you can except; everyday when you return from class to the dorms there will be a room where there are sign up sheets with activities for the day. This ranges from baseball to movies to dining out. If you like, I can list the things I remember that were offered to us.</p>
<p>Yeah, that would be great if you could, and any that you recommend that would be fine. Are there any group trips or anything that we take? And I meant like formal social opportunities.</p>
<p>Yes, there are plenty. Groups can request to do about anything within reason as long as you can find a counselor to approve it and there is enough interest. </p>
<p>The activities I engaged in are:</p>
<p>Whitewater Rafting
A Train Concert
Bowling
Paintball
Sky High
Put Put
The mall
Movies
Dining at good restaurants
Hiking
Late night runs to cookout (one of my favorite memories)
Trips to the pool</p>
<p>That’s about all I can think of at the moment. If you find that you enjoy the activities above, then I suggest bringing more money than recommended. I think I brought about 250-300 with me. Some brought 500 and used it all.</p>
<p>@DarkLord: social opportunities as in dances?</p>
<p>Yeah, like formal dances and how much money do you recommend that we bring?</p>
<p>We had 2-3 formals there. How much money you should bring depends on how many activities you see yourself doing. You could probably take $100-125 for the first 2 weeks and after break bring more because that’s when you start going to concerts and the US National whitewater center. Each is about 50 dollars.</p>
<p>wow okay, so its pretty expensive!</p>
<p>About when did you get your roommate assignments, it starts on the 7th but I still havent received any information.</p>
<p>We didn’t receive roommate assignments last year. I met my roommate at orientation and my suite mates soon after that. </p>
<p>Oh yeah, also the campers go to eat at CiCi’s after the campus tour. It’s the most awkward dinner you will ever have ;).</p>
<p>So they pretty much didnt tell you who you were rooming with until you got there? Also, how were the RA’s last year?</p>
<p>Yeah, basically. I prefer it that way actually. </p>
<p>The RA’s are very nice. One was dismissed last year but that’s a whole other story. They are great as long as you are cleanly and aren’t rowdy. Don’t get on Claudia’s bad side. She grounded the whole dorm one night and we had to stay in our rooms until we went to bed.</p>
<p>Do they also assign your partner for the research project the same way? Or is it your roommate?</p>
<p>Your roommate won’t be in the same class as you. For the pairing on the research project, it depends on your class. Which one were you assigned to?</p>