Nearly 60 days have passed since UNC welcomed its eager first-year students to campus, completing a whirlwind of emotions that started with those eagerly awaited acceptance letters well before our diplomas were in our hands. As a Black first-year student, I’ll admit to feeling a deep sense of nervousness. The worry of not finding a community I could connect with, the fear of exclusion, isolation, and loneliness—these were my initial concerns. I was anxious about missing out on the social aspects of college and what’s often referred to as the ‘Black experience,’ whatever that may entail.
In my first week here, my worst fears appeared to take shape, casting a shadow of exclusion that I grappled with. In time, I found my people, though the search for where I truly fit in is ongoing. In the wake of a few traumatic events, stress began to accumulate, until it all came crashing down. Though I’m in a better place now and adjusting to college life at UNC, it’s been a profound learning experience in giving myself grace.
Reflecting on my own highs and lows over the past months has made me curious about the experiences of other black students, both the positive and negative, and what they may be yearning for in this unique journey. After talking with five female black first-year students, I have found some commonalities in their experiences, things they want to see, as well as some advice for future black students looking to attend!
What’s the Hype? South vs. North Campus
Selecting your new home during your freshman year at UNC is no small decision. My interviews reveal a resounding consensus: South Campus reigns supreme. Although North Campus boasts the advantage of being closer to classes and Franklin Street, it’s the energy and atmosphere on South Campus that steal the spotlight. It’s more than just proximity; it’s about an unparalleled vibe. South Campus not only houses a significant portion of the Black student community, but also serves as the ultimate destination for connecting with fellow freshmen. As one interviewee put it, South Campus is where you want to be, especially when it comes to forging those crucial initial connections with your peers.
The Biggest Transition: Academics in College
As a high school senior, I was genuinely intrigued by what college life had in store, especially when it came to academics. One question kept swirling in my mind – “How different are college classes from high school classes?” The responses I received before starting college were vague, leaving me curious and eager to explore the world of college academics.
A recurring theme emerged as I delved into their academic experiences – the striking dissimilarity between college and high school education. In high school, the landscape often seemed crowded with busywork, but in college, the game is entirely different. Everything counts, and there’s very little room for redemption. Due dates sneak up on you, and late work or extensions are rare occurrences. Many of them highlighted the heavier workload, which varies depending on the courses you take, making it challenging to balance academics with your social lives. In college, classes focus on teaching you how to apply knowledge to real-life situations, and homework often feels like we’re “teaching ourselves” or “creating our lesson plans.”
However, it’s not all challenges and hurdles. We’ve learned a great deal since our first exams, whether that’s developing better study habits, understanding the exam format, or grasping what our instructors expect from us. There’s also more freedom to explore different courses and disciplines, and here at Carolina, there’s an abundance of resources to help us succeed. So, if you find yourself struggling, rest assured that you’re never alone as long as you’re willing to seek out and accept the help that’s available.
The Quest to “Get in Where You Fit in”
According to “By the Numbers” from the UNC Chapel Hill Page, there were 19,743 undergraduate students last year. Transitioning to a university with way more students than in the average high school can be an overwhelming experience. Questions like, “Will I find friends like those I had in high school? Will it be as easy to make friends? Will I truly fit in?” linger in the minds of many first-year students. These concerns are entirely valid, and the first-year students I spoke with could relate to this barrage of questions. But the real question is, how has the quest for friendship actually been?
While most of them found everyone generally nice, there was an ironic twist – upperclassmen seemed more welcoming than their peers within the same year. One interviewee pointed out, “It’s very cliquey,” explaining that there’s a sense of protection among students to avoid feeling lost without friends, which is understandable. However, they all echoed a common desire for their peers to be more open and inclusive. Initially, they found it challenging to even wave, smile, or speak to other Black students they encountered on campus. As time has passed, they’ve each found their own community, but they remain hopeful that more connections will bloom with the people they cross paths with every day.
What can Black UNC do Better?
When it comes to engaging the Black community and making their presence felt at PWIs like UNC, there’s a consensus among students that more proactive measures are needed. One student said, “…I think everyone is great here and I’m meeting some great people, but it just feels like the community is just there.” Freshmen often arrive with expectations of vibrant events and a sense of community. However, these expectations are sometimes left unmet, and students believe there’s room for improvement.
One common sentiment is that Black clubs and organizations should take a more active role in integrating Black freshmen into the campus community. Imagine the impact if all these organizations collaborated to create a memorable homecoming event or other activities throughout the year. On the flipside, a student noted that “[UNC] could do a lot better with integrating POC in general.” They added that the university could do more, and “not leave it up to the organizations. Overall, it’s about fostering a sense of unity and belonging among Black students on campus.
The potential for these organizations to bring together a diverse range of students, share ideas from different cultural backgrounds, and create unique events is immense. It’s not just about addressing the social aspect; it’s also about building a support network and making sure that the Black community has a strong presence on campus. These clubs can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive environment, not only for incoming Black students but for the entire campus community, by showcasing the richness and diversity of Black culture.
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What I wish Someone Would Have Told Me: Advice from A Black First-Year Student.
“Come! Don’t be scared because it’s a PWI. Be confident.” – Trinity
“I’d tell them they just have to be confident. Even aside from having the community, at the end of the day the community is only there for a small amount of time. You gotta keep your head on straight and not let classes bring you down or even those around you playing into your doubts.” – Ariel
