unc chapel hill college tour

Self-Guided Tour

We hope that you enjoy visiting the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chartered in 1789 as the nation’s first public university, Carolina is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina, throughout the nation and around the world.

UNC Visitors Center

Ackland Art Museum

Hanes Art Center

Franklin Street

Monument to Free Speech

Pettigrew Hall

Graham Memorial

Unsung Founders Memorial

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

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Coker Arboretum

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Caldwell Monument

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Davie Poplar Tree

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South Building

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Memorial Hall / Carolina Performing Arts

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Carolina Hall

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BeAM: Be A Maker / Murray Hall

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Wilson Library

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Davis Library

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Frank Porter Graham Student Union

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Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower

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Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History

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Carolina Inn

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FedEx Global Education Center

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Kenan Stadium / Kenan Football Center

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Carmichael Arena

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Jackson Hall / Undergraduate Admissions

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Center for Dramatic Art / Forest Theatre

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“Service” Mural / School of Government

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Carolina Basketball Museum

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North Carolina Botanical Garden

Ready to explore campus.

Chartered in 1789 as the nation’s first public university, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina, throughout the nation and around the world. Explore Carolina to see what makes this campus and our students, faculty and staff so special.

Relive Your College Days: Plan an Adventure on a North Carolina Campus

Look beyond the classroom during these college visits to plan a vacation filled with stops at gardens, galleries, sporting events and restaurants.

Experience college in a brand-new way by rediscovering these North Carolina campuses that extend invites to all. Admire the dedication to education, commitment to beauty and enthusiasm for fun as you take a trip full of nostalgia.

Colleges you'll find in this article: Davidson College | Duke University | Elon University  |  North Carolina A&T NC Central University |  NC State University  | Shaw University |  UNC Chapel Hill UNC Charlotte  | UNC Greensboro |  Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem State University  

1 Davidson College

This small liberal arts school’s buildings are woven throughout town, offering numerous opportunities for inspiration. As a National Arboretum , the setting is perfect for paths that showcase more than 3,000 trees and shrubs. Along with Mother Nature’s works of art, sculptures by artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, Auguste Rodin and Yinka Shonibare are also admired all across campus. Three galleries with a full schedule of exhibitions can be found at the Visual Arts Center. Just up the road is The Farm at Davidson , which grows produce for the college’s dining services. To caffeinate like you're preparing for an all-nighter, swing by the original Summit Coffee on Main Street; the co-owners are Davidson alumni.

2 Duke University

Any visitor to Durham can find inspiration in the unique activities found on Duke’s campus. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year thanks to 55 acres of Italian-style terrace gardens, a rose garden and a koi pond topped with water lilies. For a one-of-a-kind stop, book a tour at the Duke Lemur Center , a world leader in the study, care and protection of the endangered mammals. And for sports lovers, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Duke University Golf Club is recognized as one of the Southeast's best, while the Duke Basketball Museum brings the storied program to life on a daily basis.

3 Elon University

A designated botanical garden, Elon’s 656-acre campus is a nature lover’s haven. Follow the campus tree map to find 125 trees along a 1.25-mile walk through campus, visit the community garden and schedule a tour of the school’s 15-acre solar farm, part of the Environmental Center at Loy Farm . Then head downtown to The Oak House for a beverage and a bite and check out some local shops, or grab a pastry to go and picnic at the nearby Beth Schmidt Park , which has beautiful walking trails, a playground and garden. Treat yourself to a cup or cone at Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream before calling it a day. Staying the night? The Inn at Elon is the choice: All profits from the inn are dedicated to funding student scholarships.

4 North Carolina A&T

NC A&T is the nation’s largest HBCU. The university played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement when four students led a sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro in 1960, and the location now operates as the International Civil Rights Center & Museum . After the museum tour, head to the Dudley Building on campus to see the A&T Four Monument, which honors the freshmen who led the sit-in. Visit in fall and catch a football game to see the famous Blue and Gold Marching Machine, whose high-energy performances have been getting fans on their feet for years.

5 North Carolina Central University

The NCCU campus is included in the National Register of Historic Places for good reason – it’s been a key piece of Durham history for more than 100 years. As you walk among the historic buildings throughout campus, be sure to check out a newer addition, the Centennial Chapel and Garden, built in 2010 to celebrate the university’s centennial. It’s a great place to pull out picnic supplies from Durham Co-op Market before exploring more of downtown. Start with West Parrish Street, often referred to as Black Wall Street because of its role as a hub for Black-owned businesses and economic growth in the early 1900s. Then visit the Museum of Durham History or any of the History Groves – groupings of native trees planted to honor those who shaped the community. Speaking of community, the ties are strong at the Hayti Heritage Center , which hosts events, programs and festivals.

6 North Carolina State University

NC State is the ideal mix of city and rural life. On the Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh Woods is designated a “hallowed place,” meaning its past helps forge the future of research and education. The 96-acre forest welcomes researchers as well as bird-watchers and those looking for a peaceful stroll. Down the road from main campus is the JC Raulston Arboretum and butterfly garden, where the collection of plants has attracted about 60 species of butterflies and moths over the years. If you’re looking for a place to reunite with old friends from school, the Lonnie Poole Golf Course – the only collegiate course in the world designed by Arnold Palmer – is the perfect spot.

7 Shaw University

The first HBCU in the South and among the oldest in the nation, Shaw sits in the heart of the historic district downtown – and its ties to history remain strong, from the stunning memorial garden on campus to its multiple historic landmark buildings. Head to Estey Hall – built in 1874, it’s the oldest surviving Shaw building and the first structure built for the higher education of African American women. Because of Shaw’s central location, walk or drive from campus to many nearby favorites. Refuel Southern-style at Big Ed’s and then keep the fun going – kids of all ages love Pullen Park's amusement rides, paddle boats and swimming. Families can enjoy awesome time indoors at the nearby Marbles Kids Museum or NC Museum of Natural Sciences . If your kids are of the four-legged variety, Dorothea Dix Park has an area just for dogs (and plenty of open-air activities for humans too).

8 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Visit the country’s first public university for a few firsts of your own. For basketball fans, Carolina Basketball Museum is a must, where names like Dean Smith and Michael Jordan might ring a bell. The Ackland Art Museum hosts a permanent collection of more than 19,000 works of art, while the Morehead Planetarium offers shows like “Carolina Skies,” a live star show that takes you on a journey through the nighttime sky. Most alumni will tell you a stroll along Franklin Street is a necessary intro to Chapel Hill life. For lunch, few things are better than a hot dog and old-fashioned soda at the legendary Sutton’s Drug Store . It’s been feeding hungry Tar Heels since 1923.

9 University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Just 15 minutes northeast of Uptown, UNC Charlotte boasts a 1,000-acre campus that’s still close to Charlotte’s vibrant NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End neighborhoods. Start your visit with a walk through the botanical gardens , home to three different gardens with 16 collections. Over in the art department, check out three exhibition spaces in the Rowe Arts Building , which displays the work of students, faculty and visiting artists. For a good meal, students rave about Passage to India .

10 University of North Carolina at Greensboro

A stroll through this campus brings tons of visual intrigue, with architectural diversity, historic buildings and storied landmarks – like the 9-foot bronze statue of Minerva by artist James Barnhill, and The Rawk, a boulder painted and repainted with well wishes and announcements nearly every day. Speaking of art, make sure you head to Weatherspoon Art Museum in the heart of campus. Admission is free to its six galleries and sculpture courtyard, and coffee and baked goods are offered most weekdays. Find more inspiration at any of Greensboro’s outdoor oases, from the 17-acre Greensboro Arboretum to Gateway Gardens , a whimsical entryway to the city integrating elements of history, movement and play.

11 Wake Forest University

Recreate carefree college days at Davis Field by swinging under the towering trees or taking time for a picnic. For a learning opportunity, visit the only museum in North Carolina dedicated to the study of global cultures at the Museum of Anthropology . Catch up on a little botany 101 at the 134-acre Reynolda Gardens with beautiful woodlands, wetlands and a greenhouse. Don’t miss out on getting a unique souvenir at the Reynolda Village shops right next door. For your finale, enjoy a pitcher of beer at Shorty’s .

12 Winston-Salem State University

Wander through campus and admire public art sculptures, as well as massive murals by artist and North Carolina native John Biggers in the C.G. O’Kelly Library. The Diggs Gallery also operates as a cultural center with exhibitions and programs focused on African American and regional art (recognized by The Smithsonian as one of the nation’s best). If you’re looking for action: Every Saturday in spring and summer, Bowman Gray Stadium fills up the stands for short-track racing at NASCAR’S longest running weekly track. The whole family will love seeing multiple races at “The Madhouse.”

Shayla Martin

Shayla Martin is a Durham-based travel and food writer. She has contributed to The Wall Street Journal , New York Magazine , Atlanta Journal-Constitution , Fodors Travel and more.

Ends: 6/15/2024

2024 Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes, pack your sandals, sneakers or boots: find hikes for all levels, trips that transform, go urban hiking: reconnect with the energy of outdoor museums, parks and paths, where the road ends, adventure begins: feel renewed by these places to travel by ferry.

• Connect With Us
• Prospective Students
• Info for High School Students
• Info for Current UNC Students

Have questions? Reach a member of our admissions team at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (919) 966-5322

Register for a Virtual Info Session

Members of the honors carolina team host a monthly information session via zoom for high school students interested in applying to unc and joining honors carolina*. join us the fourth thursday of the month from 3:00pm – 4:00pm (eastern) to learn more about our admissions and selection process, program benefits, and resources available to students., advance registration is required:.

• January 25, 2024 session
• February 22, 2024 session
• March 28, 2024 session
• April 25, 2024 session

*Please note that these sessions are aimed at STUDENTS who HAVE NOT YET applied to UNC or been accepted into Honors Carolina. Students who have applied and been accepted will receive information about attending other special events. While family members are welcome to attend the session, students are the primary audience.

Planning a visit to UNC?

In-person tours, virtual information sessions, and self-guided tours are offered by the office of undergraduate admissions. visit their website for details., be sure to pop into graham memorial while you’re here we’d love to say hello, students who are admitted to unc-chapel hill for fall 2024 and are selected to join honors carolina will be invited to attend a special honors carolina visit day. details will be made available to those students after admissions decisions are released., social media, for the latest happenings at honors carolina, follow us on instagram, invest in our students.

Here comes the UNC Science Expo…

And there goes the sun as Morehead Planetarium’s April 6-8 weekend celebration also features an eclipse watch party.

Part of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s extended celebration of its 75th anniversary is a mega weekend filled with engaging and exciting activities April 6-8.

About 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s  UNC Science Expo , held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 on the grounds around the planetarium, on nearby McCorkle Place and along Franklin Street.

The event features a range of free hands-on activities and science demonstrations:

• Over 100 booths staffed by students, faculty, researchers and others, with lab tours available.
• Live science demonstrations.
• Stage performances, including the Bouncing Bulldogs jump rope team.

Morehead will be open, so attendees may buy tickets for a fulldome planetarium show. Food trucks will also be parked nearby.

The celebration continues April 8 with a  total solar eclipse watch party 12:30-4:45 p.m. Weather permitting, free hands-on activities will be available outside, and science educators will help with eclipse viewing at outdoor sun-viewing stations. Eclipse glasses will be sold for $2 at a table outside and at  Cosmic Goods inside.

For $10, eclipse fans may buy admission for Carolina Skies: Solar Eclipse, a 30-minute presentation providing information about the causes of solar eclipses. Tickets to the show also include admission to a livestream of the eclipse from totality on the Science Stage, activities in the Launch Lab and other exhibits. Tickets may be purchased in advance .

A similar eclipse watch party at Morehead in 2017 brought thousands to the grounds around the building, a memory Todd Boyette singles out as one of his favorite moments in his nearly two-decade term as director of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

“From celebrating the largest Science Expo in the event’s history, to welcoming back old colleagues and friends, to experiencing a solar eclipse, April is shaping up to be an exciting and special time here at Morehead,” Boyette said.

The UNC Science Expo is a signature event of the North Carolina Science Festival 2024 , presented by RTI International, which offers more than 400 science-themed events across North Carolina during April. To find events near you, check out NCSciFest.org .

Events include poetry performances, arts and crafts, a barbecue fundraiser, ultimate Frisbee and a pool party.

Materials science researcher plans for success

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Graduate TAs given 2024 Tanner Awards

For excellence in teaching undergraduate students, each teaching assistant receives a $5,000 stipend.

2024 Tanner Awards honor excellence in undergraduate teaching

These winners engage with their students through trips, performances, podcasts and breathing exercises.

Carolina wins free expression award

Heterodox Academy recognized UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte for serving as role models for other institutions.

Dates set for Chancellor Search Committee Listening Sessions

Undergraduates, graduate students and staff will have the opportunity to share what characteristics they would like to see in the next chancellor.

Expert in knot theory heads to NSA

Former lawyer Andrew Adair came to Carolina for a doctorate in mathematics, his first passion.

VR pilot program for nursing students yields real benefits

In virtual reality simulations, they learn how to interact with patients in realistic scenarios.

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Watch CBS News

The Sweet 16 NCAA teams playing in March Madness 2024

Updated on: March 31, 2024 / 5:40 PM EDT / CBS News

The opening weekend of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was nothing short of thrilling, and March Madness lived up to its name, delivering several upsets and controversial endings. The field of 68  has now been narrowed down to the Sweet 16.

All four No. 1 seeds — the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Connecticut Huskies, the Houston Cougars and the Purdue Boilermakers — made it to the Sweet 16. The lowest seed that was still competing as of Thursday is the No. 11 seed North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Which teams made it to the Sweet 16?

• North Carolina Tar Heels
• Iowa State Cyclones
• NC State Wolfpack
• Gonzaga Bulldogs
• Arizona Wildcats
• Illinois Fighting Illini
• Tennessee Volunteers
• Purdue Boilermakers
• Marquette Golden Eagles
• Creighton Bluejays
• Duke Blue Devils
• Clemson Tigers
• Alabama Crimson Tide
• San Diego State Aztecs
• Houston Cougars
• University of Connecticut Huskies

What is the Sweet 16 bracket?

The tournament is divided into four regional brackets , with four teams remaining in each region.

In the East region :

No. 1 seed Connecticut vs. No. 5 San Diego State No. 2 seed Iowa State vs. No. 3 seed Illinois

In the West region :

No. 1 seed North Carolina vs. No. 4 seed Alabama No. 2 seed Arizona vs. No. 6 seed Clemson

In the South region :

No. 1 Houston vs. No. 4 Duke No. 2. seed Marquette vs. No. 11 seed NC State

In the Midwest region :

No. 1 seed Purdue vs. No. 5 seed Gonzaga No. 2 seed Tennessee vs. No. 3 seed Creighton

Where are Sweet 16 games being played this year?

The Sweet 16 will be played in Boston, Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles from March 28-31.

When will we know the Elite 8 teams?

We will know all the Elite 8 teams on the evening of Friday, March 29. 

• March Madness
• NCAA Tournament

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Tar Heels mistake Argentina fans as UNC supporters

LOS ANGELES -- Ask fans of either team, and they'll tell you: Carolina blue and Argentina's sky blue are very different shades of color. But to the untrained eye -- and from far away -- it's easy to see how one can get them mixed up.

Even more so if the ultimate coincidence occurs: If both the Tar Heels and the Albiceleste's national soccer team happen to be in the same place at the same time.

On Tuesday, as North Carolina arrived at its hotel in Los Angeles in preparation for its Sweet 16 matchup against Alabama , fans decked out in UNC gear appeared to line up to welcome Hubert Davis' team.

The sea of sky blue and white soon turned out to be a mirage. Sort of. It wasn't Tar Heel fans, but rather Argentine supporters who were prepared to greet their national team.

The reigning World Cup champions were scheduled to play Costa Rica in a friendly match at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday night and, in a complete instance of happenstance, both UNC and Argentina had opted to stay at the same hotel.

Even though both the Heels and Argentine fans were confused by the interaction at first, the end result was a positive one.

"They gave me a soccer jersey," Hubert Davis' son Micah, who answered a question at Davis' Wednesday press conference, said. "The photographer for the national team. That meant a lot because, first of all, I didn't know they were going to be in Los Angeles, so that was a big surprise when he stopped at the hotel. But, yeah, it meant a lot. It was cool."

On Tuesday night, Argentina went on to beat Costa Rica 3-1 without Lionel Messi , who is away from the team due to an injury.

Come Thursday, North Carolina will be hoping it can replicate the same result as its hotel neighbors and book a ticket to the Elite 8.