College is the beginning of a lot of young adult lives. When deciding which college you’re going to, don’t be afraid to ask any question that you want to know. Think about it: you’re going to be here for the next four years. You wouldn’t buy a house before you knew everything you wanted, right? There will be no surprises if you treat your campus visit to UNC Charlotte the same way. With that in mind, I’m going to give you a list of five things to look for on your next visit.
1.) The Journey
During your campus tour, it would be a good idea to figure out the building where you will stay and how far it is from classes. You can tour the entire campus. There are some dorms that are closer to the classrooms on campus, and some are a fifteen-minute walk away. It is important you know this information so that you can plan your time accordingly.
You wouldn’t want to constantly be late to class because you missed the bus and have too far of a walk. The campus tour guides are also students and can show you the quick routes and shortcuts on campus. Be sure to ask them about shortcuts if they aren’t mentioned.
2.) Parking
Parking at UNC Charlotte isn’t the simplest task in the world. At times, there seem to be more cars than there are parking spaces, and there are designated lots, so you never know when you may get caught and get a ticket. You can save yourself a lot of headaches on your campus visit by learning the dos and don’ts of UNCC parking. Be sure that you understand the signs that specify certain lots to certain people.
Not everyone who buys a parking pass can park anywhere on campus. There are even parking passes that only allow you to park at your dorm lot anytime on campus. Parking services tends to change its rules, so be sure to ask about days you don’t have to worry about being ticketed. I know from experience you wouldn’t usually have to worry on Thursday through Sunday nights.
3.) Niner Identification
Your Charlotte 49er ID card will be one of the most important things you have on campus. It is the only ID that you have, and you keep it all of your years in attendance. The ID card has your student ID number on it, and you need it to access multiple things. If you were to lose your card, you couldn’t go in the gym, use meals or declining balance to buy food, print papers in the library, and there are many other things you couldn’t access.
No worries, though: you’ll be fine if you are sure to find out where the ID office is and its hours. The ID office replaces lost cards for free or with a $10 charge if you want a new picture. You can also adjust your meal plan options there.
4.) Student Union
The Student Union is the main attraction on campus. It is very important that you know where the Union is and how to get to it. Many big events are there and you wouldn’t want to miss out. Besides seeing celebrities and shows, the Union has many places to eat and is also directly behind the main bus stop. There is also an information kiosk where you can find out anything you may need to know.
Most students visit the Union every day of their college career for one reason or another. Whether it be for finding a quiet place to study or buying books that you need for class, the Union plays an integral role in the life of a Charlotte 49er.
5.) Money, Money, Money
No one ever wants to miss a payment or forget a bill, but it happens. The most visited place that is hated by most of its visitors is the financial aid office, and you MUST know where it is. If anything goes awry with a payment to UNC Charlotte, they very likely will shut you down.
This means that you can’t enroll the next semester, can’t use your card, and more, making sure you aren’t eligible on campus. The financial aid office is where you will have to go to make sure you can stay on campus. Enjoy your visit, be sure to see these places, and always ask questions.
David Smith graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2012. The world is what you make it.
Frequently asked questions
- What should you learn about UNC Charlotte dorms on a campus tour?
- Where you will stay and how far it is from classes: some dorms sit closer to the classrooms while others are about a fifteen-minute walk away, and tour guides can show you quick routes and shortcuts.
- What is tricky about parking at UNC Charlotte?
- There often seem to be more cars than parking spaces, lots are designated for specific people, and parking services tends to change its rules, so learn which signs apply to you and ask which days you don't have to worry about being ticketed.
- What happens if you lose your Charlotte 49er ID card?
- You couldn't enter the gym, use meals or declining balance to buy food, or print in the library. Find the ID office: it replaces lost cards for free, or for a $10 charge if you want a new picture, and you can also adjust meal plan options there.
- Why is the Student Union important at UNC Charlotte?
- It is the main attraction on campus, hosting big events, celebrities, and shows, with many places to eat, an information kiosk, and a location directly behind the main bus stop.
- Why must you know where the financial aid office is?
- If anything goes awry with a payment to UNC Charlotte, the school very likely will shut you down: you can't enroll the next semester or use your card until you sort it out at the financial aid office.
Sources
- UNC (linked in the original post)