Student Life
Carolina is an exciting place to be! Here you will forge friendships and develop networks that will strengthen your career and the communities you care about. Students are involved in activities and collaborations across campus and still make time for weekly happy hours to get together as a Carolina Planning family. Through the advocacy efforts of Plan for All, as well as other student-run organizations and service opportunities like disaster relief in hurricane-impacted parts of the state, there are many ways to learn about and have impact on the wider Carolina community.
For New Students
The Graduate and Professional Student Government maintains a good list of resources, which you can see here
Student News
Helen Klass-Warch, a second-year MCRP student in the Transportation Specialization, spent this past summer working with a team of students … Read more
Joyah Mitchell, a second-year student in the MCRP program, recently received an award from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council … Read more
Rachel Pike, a second-year student in the MCRP/MEM dual degree program, was recently presented with the 2024 Innovation Award from … Read more
Student Groups
Student organizations and committees provide a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and build relationships with DCRP students, faculty, and alumni, as well as the broader planning community. Participation also allows students to spearhead conversations and events about issues that fall outside of the framework of formal coursework.
Planner’s Forum
Planners’ Forum acts as a liaison between MCRP students and DCRP faculty, and also manages student organization resources.
There are several sub-committees, which vary year to year according to student interest.
For more information, contact Co-Presidents Aidan and Megan at uncplannersforum@gmail.com.
Carolina Planning Journal
The Carolina Planning Journal is the oldest student-run planning journal in the United States. It provides a platform for students and researchers across the country to publish papers related to planning topics varying from year to year. Within the planning department, students can work directly with authors to edit and develop papers as well as publish book reviews on an annual basis. The journal’s blog, Carolina Angles, features writing from students and the wider planning community. Every year a planning student serves as the Editor-in-Chief and works closely alongside the Angles blog editor to plan for content creations, develop the annual call for papers, and run logistics for Journal publication
Graduate and Professional Student Government
The Graduate and Professional Student Government is the governing body of the graduate and professional students at UNC-CH. We advocate for students’ needs and goals and provide resources for you to succeed academically. Two representatives will be elected!
The American Planning Association (APA)
The American Planning Association (APA) is the largest membership organization of professional planners and planning resources available. All students at Carolina Planning are eligible and encouraged to join. Student memberships are free!
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is an international membership association of transportation professionals who work to improve mobility and safety for all transportation system users and help build smart and livable communities. UNC has an active ITE Student Chapter, which all students are welcome to join!
BuildUp
BuildUP is an activism-forward urban planning club focused on creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Chapel Hill and beyond! BuildUP is the first undergraduate urban planning focused club at UNC-CH and offers a space for students interested in the field to come together, have engaging discussions, create connections, and engage with the local community to advocate for more sustainable infrastructure within Chapel Hill.
Meet our student admissions ambassadors
Our student admissions ambassadors are available to welcome you, share about their experiences in our program, and answer questions. You can meet with them virtually, email them, or schedule a visit to come in person. Flip the cards to see more information about them and use the buttons below to get connected!
Alexander Lepisto
Alexander is a 4+1 student in the housing specialization, from Holly Springs, NC. Coming from UNC for undergrad he has experience with university resources, life in Chapel Hill, and balancing working off campus while being a student. He enjoys being outdoors and exploring Chapel Hill and it surrounding areas.
Lydia Adjetey
A transportation enthusiast with a keen interest in how it contributes to combating climate change. When not buried in schoolwork, you would find her glued to a movie, whipping up African meals and creating memories with friends and family. I am starting a quest to sample the best eats in town—send your recommendations my way!
Manny Valbuena Peña
Manny is a first year in the Housing and Community Development specialization. He is a lifelong North Carolina resident and his family is from Bogota, Colombia. He enjoys playing on the department’s intramural soccer team, enjoying Chapel Hill’s live music scene, and trying new restaurants!
Helen Klass-Warch
Helen is a second year student from Saint Paul, MN studying transportation and natural hazards resiliency. Prior to joining DCRP she worked in NYC and Boston in public affairs, at a humanitarian non-profit and as a line cook. She enjoys camping, biking, cooking and spending time outside all around UNC’s campus.
To connect with the student admissions ambassadors