After almost four weeks of being at home for Christmas break, it was time to head back to the Hill. Four weeks of no alarms, no shower shoes, and no nosy roommates. It was completely wonderful! I enjoyed every last second of this break (even though I am able to go home often), but there were things I missed about being away at school. I missed some things more than others and there are also those I did not miss at all (exams and 8 a.m. classes for starters). I’m for sure almost every UNC student could agree on the list I gathered below.
1. Dining Hall.
The dining hall is probably the greatest place on campus besides Kenan Stadium. You simply walk in, swipe your card, and enjoy an all you can eat buffet. No dishes and no mess to clean up on your own. It can be noisy at times and the food can be a hit or a miss. But the dining hall is where you make new friends, study, or catch up on five episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.
2. Polk Place.
Have you ever just stopped and sat down in the grass here for a minute? It’s simply beautiful year round. Just pack a towel or blanket if you plan to sit on the grass. Here is the perfect place to nap, study, or relax with a couple of friends. Polk Place is the heart of Carolina. So next time you pass through, just take a seat, relax and enjoy the scenery.
3. Davis Library.
Ok, you’re probably wondering why I listed Davis as a place I missed. Davis is the best place to take a nap! Of course you can study and print papers there. But it can be one of the quietest places on campus. The higher the floor, the more silence you will endure. Trust me, you’ll take a nap there sooner or later, whether or not you intend to do so.
4. Student Union.
Besides having the best bagels, I have ever eaten, Student Union offers a variety. There is the lounge in the basement along with the rec room. The lounge is the best place to hang out with friends or host study groups. The rec room helps let off the stress from exams and papers. There is also Wendy’s and Alpine in case you’re hungry. I recommend getting a bagel and a frosty!
5. Our dorms.
The last item on my list has to be my dorm room. It’s quiet, smells like vanilla, and reminds me of home. I have my own space to relax and shut out the busy campus outside. I miss being at home in my own room but here, I am able to personalize my room to be like the one I left. Of course I have my roommate and have to share the bathroom with 10 other girls, but I enjoy it. Being away at college gives me space to become independent and to mature as an adult. Yet, I will be counting down the days until spring break!
Carolina has become my second home. No, it’s not quiet and slower paced like my hometown but the people and the college have grown on me. I understand now the saying “Carolina on my mind”, she’s definitely with me every step of the way. From campus to around the world, I’m a Carolina girl now and forever.
