TanTran

I've already posted my diversity review, but I thought I should clarify some of my opinions that may help incoming students. Just as in any social situation, people tend to gravitate toward others with similar backgrounds, and when these similar backgrounds are similar themselves in the surrounding area as a whole, it generally means the minority (whatever that may be -- racially, culturally, politically) might feel marginalized by the social majority. It doesn't mean the majority is necessarily discriminatory or leaving people out on purpose, they are just human, as we all are; they want to find others who will accept them as they are, and it's easy to accept someone when he or she is similar to yourself! It's exactly like this at UNCW! For whatever reason, the vast majority of the school (I'd say over 80%) is culturally Southern, religiously Protestant, and racially White. I am not saying there's anything inherently "wrong" with this picture, I just think it's important to be aware of the demographics of the place you're is going to spend the next 4+ years of your life! It's always great to immerse one's self in a demographic bubble outside of your own; it's experiences like the this that help you to grow. It's just never good to feel "left out" or alone. I am a very firm believer in the idea that if you actively search hard enough, you can almost always find and make friends in any social situation, but it's always easier in a place where there's an influx of many different types of people to choose from. Unfortunately, despite the many claims of various educational advertisements, UNCW is not that diverse, especially in the sense that so many people have the same mentality due to similar backgrounds. I also think ideology is an important factor in choosing friends we as humans consider, and UNCW has a conservative lean (though probably not as much socially, as it is a college campus), but is very apolitical. ("Beach state-of-mind", as with everything) When almost everyone else in the country was having a conniption fit about who will be / was going to stay president last fall, the vast majority of students walked by both the College Republicans and the Pro-Obama supporters without much notice. If you really want UNCW summed up in a sentence, think, "UNCW: Accepting, but not diverse; not liberal, not conservative; not extreme, but always at the beach!"

Two primary dining halls: Wagoner, the main one, seems like a step up from high school cafeteria food, though not too horrible...usually. (avoid anything that looks like "meat loaf surprise", just sayin') The Dub Cafe (which is meal-swiped/included in food plan) is more home-cooked, healthy, and better-tasting! (and the atmosphere is better, as well!) There are lots of other tasty options on-campus that do take one's meal plan, though figuring out what time each place is open (and what hours count toward one's meal plan) can take some adjustment! Vegan and other diet options are readily available, as is the free (?) campus dietitian!

Amazing college experience so far--academically, socially, and opportunity-wise! Wilmington is a great college city! UNCW gives one the tools he or she needs to succeed, so do it!

Though every year is different where weather is concerned, Wilmington (or at least this year) has A M A Z I N G weather! Generally sunny and warm (65 to 75), the beach almost always seems like a realistic option any day! Only during the first week or two of the school year is it truly hot and humid! I was still going/biking to the beach in mid-December, and it was 65/70!

Free city and campus bus system that seems reliable and of good quality. The city bus does, however, stop one mile from the beach, though it is easy to walk/bike the rest of the way. Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is VERY bike/pedestran-friendly with lots of crosswalks (even across scary, sixteen-lane highways that seem like a death sentence when you're walking across them) and wide sidewalks.

Parking is hard to find and sometimes can be a pain with all the restrictions, color-coding, and fines!

Campus police bust on-campus parties pretty quickly, but the campus as a whole seems more concerned with academic integrity and ethics!

They're there, but not if you aren't looking for them! No one is going to judge you if you choose not to do them or, better yet, choose a group of friends who share the same values!

Greek Life is available if you want to pledge, though it is no way required to have a social life! Fraternities and sororities make up a good percentage of the student body, but it is not an overwhelming amount!

Some clubs and many bars in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area!