For those of you who are not aware, the University of Northern Colorado is a 4 year, public university located in Greeley, Colorado and is home to the UNC Bears. Considered to be a smaller university, with an enrollment of around 12,000 students per year, UNC is home to several of the best undergraduate and graduate degrees that the state of Colorado has to offer.
Here are 10 things that many UNC students know to be true and that any prospective UNC students should know.
10. Crazy weather
Many people know that Colorado, in general, has crazy weather, but UNC's weather is a whole different type of crazy. I have gone to class with it being beautiful weather and then left class to see an ice storm. Along with being the hail capital of the US and being located in the most tornado-prone county in the country, UNC's weather is just crazy.
9.Traveling from central to west campus
Whether you made the mistake of only having 15 minutes to get from a class on central to a class on west (as I did this semester), or living on central campus, but having all of your classes on west (as I also did last semester), the journey from one end of campus to the other end is often one I will never look forward to.
8. Teachers to Bears?
As most UNC students know, UNC was originally established in 1890 and was known as the Colorado State Normal School. This school was made specifically for teacher candidates to have the best education possible, with the school being so proud of this and making the official mascot "The Teachers." Somehow, though, UNC's mascot game has transitioned from Teachers to Bears.
7. Haunted campus?
According to several sources, UNC is the 7th most haunted campus in the country out of the top 50 haunted campuses. The most haunted places on campus are said to be Wilson Hall, Wiebking Hall, Harrison Hall, Turner Hall, Sabin Hall, Fraiser Hall, and Tobey-Kendel Dining Hall, so basically every building on campus.
6. Cow smell
The smell of cow is very distinct to those in Greeley, Colorado. Though it is often referred to as "the smell of money" and is often a distinct reminder of Greeley's deep agricultural roots. Don't worry though, this smell only arises about once or twice a month.
5. Endless construction
Last semester, it was a new equipment type of building on west campus. This semester it's a new Campus Commons building being built right next to the University Center that is not supposed to be finished for another year at minimum. Be prepared for the endless sound of construction.
4. Ross/McKee Stairs
Everyone who attends UNC knows the dreadfulness of having a class on the 4th floor of McKee or the 3rd floor of Ross, especially with the stairs being as steep as the Manitou Incline. If you ever miss a workout, just run up those stairs a few times and you'll be in shape in no time.
3. University of North Carolina?
When first being asked where I attend college, my answer would always be UNC. Now after attending UNC for 2 semesters, I know that many people will assume I mean the University of North Carolina and have even asked me how I like it in North Carolina. I have learned to now answer this question by saying the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
2. Squirrels.
I cannot stress enough just how crazy (and fat) the squirrels on campus are. I have seen them carrying entire slices of pizza, entire waffles, or even licking electrical boxes for several minutes without a care in the world. They will also have intense staring contests with you, so be prepared.
1. Dreaded hill at the UC
The highest point in elevation in Greeley, Colorado happens to be to point directly between west and central campus. This is located at the University Center and is the hill that is required to cross to get across campus and is a dreadful journey when you have a backpack full of books with you. One of the tips I learned to survive this dreaded hill is to walk through the UC instead of attempting the hill, especially during a snow or ice storm.
The University of Northern Colorado is full of quirks that make it unique and stand out from other colleges. I have learned to love the quirks that make up UNC and am proud to call UNC and Greeley my home for at least the next 4 years, even if it is full of crazy squirrels and haunted halls, I will always love it.
