UC Berkeley vs UNC Chapel Hill [environmental science and chemistry]

twogirls
Sat, 02 Apr 2022 14:39:52 +0000

When you walk through the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, you see rainbow flags, signs welcoming nursing mothers, signs welcoming all people regardless of who or what they are. That is the vibe in the town of CH (and Carrboro), which merges with the campus.

There is also an area off campus where frat houses are, but they are easy to avoid if that’s not your thing. Greek life is not huge. It’s there if you want it, and it’s easy to avoid if you don’t.

As noted, the town of CH sort of merges into the campus, and it is not unusual to see families with kids strolling the campus. The campus feels liberal, but it has a slightly more conservative feel than the town, which is directly across the street.

On a very typical day you might see the UNC Young Democrats who are out there speaking, you will see students walking to church or to the local Hillel, and you will see kids in the International Students Organization eating lunch outside. There’s a mix of different people, languages spoken, etc. My kid had friends from all over…she was in a research group with students from all over the world. She had roommates who went to church every Sunday, and these roommates were also interested in the Jewish studies class she was taking (one signed up). For the most part (there are exceptions everywhere) it’s a really nice campus with nice people.

Basketball is big, but it’s very easy (and not uncommon) to be a science nerd engrossed in research, as well as a basketball fan.

It’s the kind of place where you can bike ride with your professors, go to their home for dinner, or hang out with them after class. My D remains very friendly with 2 of her profs.

I have never been to Berkeley.