UVA and UNC (posting on both boards)

AVA55
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:39:01 +0000

Considered both schools also, and they are similar in a number of respects – similar sized upper-tier state schools, with strong academics and national reputations; both have historic central campuses; both located in lovely college towns; both in southern states (decent weather), but not so Southern to be off-putting to those from other areas. Both offer D-1 sports, and while UNC is probably more famous for sports because of it’s storied men’s basketball program, UVA out shines UNC in many non-revenue sports. In fact UVa defeated UNC in football, men’s basketball, and in women’s basketball this year. The two school’s men’s lacrosse teams face off this weekend while ranked no. 1 (UVa) and 2 (UNC) in the country.

The differences we noticed include – the towns: CH is suburban and C’ville is a mid-sized city with it’s own economy, etc., which gives the area a different vibe than CH. C’ville has a wider variety of great restaurants, numerous hotels, and terrific shopping in town. The array of restaurants and shops in CH don’t compare to what is in C’ville, but I will say what there is in CH is closer to campus than those in C’ville, and since CH is part of a larger metropolitan area, there are options outside of CH, but near by there. CH is closer to a major airport, but C’ville does have an airport with numerous flights, has AMTRAK service, and there is reasonably convenient access to Washington Dulles and Richmond Int’l airports. For those interested in outdoor activities, C’ville is close to world-class hiking trails, decent skiing, water, etc. If your daughter enjoys history, she would be steeped in it in C’ville and the surrounding areas.

Campus vibe – both schools have large enough student populations that one can find peers of all stripes – which is the beauty of a larger university. That said, we found the feeling on the two campuses different. UVa has a slightly more “formal” feel, while UNC has more of a “shorts and T-shirts” feel. I am not sure why – maybe it has to do with the very different appearances of the main gathering places on the two campuses, The 18th-century Lawn vs. The 1960’s Pit area.

When you visit, your daughter should go with her gut on where she feels more comfortable. Academically, she can’t go wrong either place. FWIW, my child ended up at UVa and has loved the first year there. Hard to believe it is almost over! Good luck to your daughter.