New Student Guide
Welcome to Carolina Planning! We are excited for you to begin your journey with us here at UNC-Chapel Hill. This page will help you transition to your first year as a UNC graduate student.
HOUSING, COMMUTE, AND ROOMMATES
Most Carolina Planning students choose to live in either Chapel Hill or Carrboro–within walking or biking distance of campus. Some choose to live in Durham, Cary, or Raleigh and bus or drive to campus.
In Chapel Hill and Carrboro, the bus system is free. Check out this map for more information on Chapel Hill Transit. From Durham, the Robertson Scholar Bus between Duke and the UNC campus is also free. You can view other inter-city routes at Go Triangle.
Resources for Finding Housing and Roommates
- The official UNC off-campus housing site through the Daily Tar Heel is a great way to find housing. In addition, check out the official roommate board, which has many listings of current students seeking roommates.
- Craigslist has many options for housing within the Triangle.
- Also check out chapelhillrent.com for rentals in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area.
CONNECTING WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN THE PROGRAM
Planner’s Forum
Planner’s Forum is the student government body for DCRP. This group serves the interests, needs, and concerns of the master’s students and provides overall student support. Its formal role is to act as a liaison between students and faculty. Through several sub-committees, the Planner’s Forum provides an opportunity for students to be involved with shaping the future of DCRP through organizing and supporting social events, alumni events, and career building workshops, participating in community outreach, inviting speakers, and serving on different departmental committees.
Contact us at uncplannersforum@gmail.com with any student life questions. We are here to guide you in your transition to life at Carolina and how you can get involved!
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU ARRIVE ON CAMPUS
Obtain your UNC One Card
Graduate students may obtain their One Cards at the UNC One Card Office during the week before the beginning of semester classes, after registering for classes at the University. Please review the One Card site before visiting the office; a valid picture ID is required for card issuance. Students need their One Card to access the SPH buildings after hours and to work out at the gyms on campus. Also, cards come preloaded with a $40 printing allowance for CCI printers.
Get your computer configured at an ITS Response Center (in August)
Make sure to visit one of the ITRC locations to get your computer set up to access the UNC network. See the Connecting to the UNC Network site for more information. ITS can also assist you in getting access to the network on your internet-enabled smartphone or tablet. You can visit their main office in the basement of the House Undergraduate Library (located adjacent to the Pit) or on the first floor of the South Building of the Student Academic and Services Building (SASB). You can also access the webpage for ITS for support regarding getting onto the UNC network and enabling other devices.
IMPORTANT DATES
Visit the University’s Academic Calendar, which you can find on the Registrar’s website
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information about transitioning to life at UNC can be found here from the Graduate School and here from the Graduate and Professional Student Federation. In the coming weeks, specific information about orientations, registration, advising, program information, and funding awards as well as social opportunities will be coming your way. Know that we are busy preparing for your arrival, and look forward to seeing you in the fall!