Interested in this school?

Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

Student Reviews

University of North Carolina at Asheville Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!

  • 07/06/2009

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    17 out of 17 people found this review useful. 1 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    This is great for any person who enjoys studying, having fun with friends, going hiking, skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing. Also for people who likes the night life. There is always something to do in Asheville. Everyone will enjoy being in UNCA.

    Am enjoying being here

    It is smaller than some universities in North Carolina, but it has so much to give. People all very welcoming. The scene all over Asheville is gorgeous.

    Am learning a lot

    Being in this school has help me see a different prospective of live. Professors are always glad in helping you. It is very obvious that they all enjoy teaching and learning from the students. I am very glad I choose this school to being my life long career.

  • 06/16/2011

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 2 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are free-spirited and easy-going will have a lot of fun here. I've recently visited Asheville downtown and there was just a random free hula-hoop festival going on with good music in the middle of the city!

    Bang for the buck

    I only have to pay $5,500 in loans each year due to the generous scholarships, grants, and overall financial aid they have awarded me.

    Will enjoy being here

    This place seems to fit me perfectly as the hippie, free-loving, all-accepting place it is.

    Will learn a lot

    Out of the professors I've met so far, they seem to be generally interested in the students. They're here for them because if they weren't, they wouldn't bother to work there. The school is focused on undergraduates only- there are maybe 40 people going for a master's degree.

  • 02/28/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 3 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    i feel very safe around campus. the campus police are very quick to respond if you need them and there are plenty of emergency poles around campus.

    Greek Life

    greek life at unca is so different from other colleges. it is nothing like what you see in movies. the greeks are very nice people, and greek life at unca is both enjoyable and beneficial.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are too many to mention. basically, if you're interested in it, there's a club for it. and if perchance there is not a club already existence for it, it is easy to make one.

    Great for these types of students

    diverse, unique, open minded, peace-loving, liberal, environmentalists

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we have the botanical gardens right here on campus. they are a great place to relax and hang out. we also have a statue of rocky the bulldog, our mascot. it is tradiont to rub him for good luck.

    Bang for the buck

    unca is a great value. all the meal plans cost the same, which is really convenient. for as nice as the residence halls are, i'm surprised that housing does not cost more. not to mention the quality of classes. the entire learning experience at unca is worth a lot more than the tuition charged for it.

    What to do for fun

    it is difficult to be bored on campus. there are a million clubs, including sports clubs. if you don't want to be involved in a club, there are organizations such as sail (student activities and integrative learning) and underdog productions that put on events nearly every night of the week and on weekends. these events include speakers, roller discos, stand up comics, open-mic nights, dances, and so on. having fun is one of the easiest things to do at unca.

    Food and Dining

    the cafeteria is excellent. there are so many options, and desert is always awesome. on the off-chance that nothing in the caf is appealing, you can always go to highsmith, ramsey cafe, or the wellness cafe. we have a bunch of options around here. plus, if you really don't want anything on campus, you could walk fifteen minutes and be on merrimon avenue with plenty of dining options. another nice thing about all of the eateries on campus and around asheville is that they are considerate of people with specific diets, such as vegans, vegetarians, and glucose-free.

    Dorm Life

    the residence halls on campus are nice. each has its own personality, so you're sure to find one that suits you. also, reslife and the ras are always putting on fun events such as hall banquets, murder mystery nights, s'mores nights, and so on. the residence halls definitely feel like home.

    Academic Rigor

    classes at unca are fun and challenging. the professors are all nice and helpful, though. as long as you ask they'll help you. there are also countless tutoring sessions available and starting up a study group is as simple as asking classmates.

    Tips for prospective students

    you should definitely be sure you want to go here. unca is a unique campus with all sorts of unique people. to enjoy living and learning here, you have to have an open mind, and be willing to let it become even more opened than it already is.

    In three sentences

    unca is a wonderful place. the environment is friendly and conducive to learning and the people are great. attending here will give you as many opportunities to learn outside the classroom as it does in the classroom.

  • 07/07/2011

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 4 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Hand on learners, people who like to have fun and people who don't mind learning things outside of their major.

    Tips for prospective students

    Go visit the campus!

    Bang for the buck

    Like my dad said, I wouldn't mind you going to Asheville. I just read something and it said that Asheville is 13$ a year cheaper than going to App.

    Will enjoy being here

    I hope so! I think I would fit in perfectly though!

    Will learn a lot

    I think the small class size and hands on environment will help me a lot. I am the type of person that actually has to do something to learn it, especially if it is challenging and that should help so much!

  • 03/22/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 5 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Open-minded, creative, ambitious, and fun-loving students.

    What to do for fun

    Ultimate frisbee club, campus recreation outdoors trips, walk through the Botanical Gardens. Downtown Asheville is great as well!

    Food and Dining

    Not just burgers, fries and pizza. There are plenty of healthy options along with a strong consideration for vegetarians and vegans.

    Dorm Life

    Dorms are much better than most schools. New residence hall will be ready for Fall '12 semester.

    Academic Rigor

    Among the best universities in the state. Solid prestige at an affordable price.

    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to work, but you are certainly getting your money's worth.

    In three sentences

    UNCA is an excellent place to find your creative side. The professors have a vested interest in your learning. Student body is friendly!

  • 09/09/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 6 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Hands down, the safest University in North Carolina.

    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for artsy people and for people that will have friends come with them.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    When you first arrive as a freshman and when you finally leave as a graduate, you will walk by the statue of the mascot, Rocky, and pat him on the head for good luck,

    Bang for the buck

    Personally, since tuition is rising I don't think there is that bang for the buck like they advertise, especially for an out of state student.

    What to do for fun

    If you are outdoorsy, there is much to do. If you aren't, good luck finding something to do. Pretty much every weekend there is some hiking or canoeing trip to go on, but that isn't some peoples thing. There are some sports clubs starting up though. There is no football team, which is very disappointing but I am excited for basketball games.

    Food and Dining

    The dining hall has some pretty good options, but it's still cafeteria food and will probably upset your stomach. The other places to eat are pretty good but they are so expensive and will waste up your dining dollars. They do have good options for vegetarians and vegans, also.

    Dorm Life

    Some of the dorms, like the Ridges and Overlook, are super nice while others, like Mills and Founders. are a pretty dumpy.

    Academic Rigor

    Being in the Honors Program has set me in the course to be challenged, and challenged I am. The professors make you work hard, but they are super nice and will always give out help if you ask.

    Tips for prospective students

    Have an open mind. If you're not from the area, you will come to UNC Asheville and have a culture shock. There are many unique people here that I for sure was not used to.

    In three sentences

    It's all how you make it. Some people love it here because they are artsy and different. Others, like myself, will probably transfer because it's definitely not how they pictured it.

  • 10/22/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 7 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    As an art student, I'd say it isn't. Howver, if you are a Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Environmental major or etc, then UNCA is the place for you. UNCA science department is connected to UNC Chapel Hill's, which has a very good program. Many students who attend UNCA then apply to Chapel Hill are more likely to receive acceptance than other students from other schools.

    What to do for fun

    There's PLENTY to do on this campus! It can even become distracting! There numerous events around campus, music concerts, guest speakers, sorority parties, tailgating parties etc. There's so much to do in Asheville. it becomes a little difficult to choose between them and homework!

    Food and Dining

    The food's great. Very, very healthy. This is a green school. It may take a while to adapt to the meals if you're a junk-food eater, but you can see results in energy and health quickly. The only problem with food is the price. Like the bookstore, they won't bat an eye when they raise the price.

    Dorm Life

    Probably, one of the main positive points of the school. Large, spacious, wonderful rooms! The only problem with dorms is the cost of it, if your rommate leaves and finds another dorm. Then, YOU have to either pay $750 to keep it as a single, or use only half of the room. It's a little ridiculous.

    Academic Rigor

    Some classes are quite difficult, where the teachers don't spoon-feed you all the information necessary to pass the class. You have to do some reading on your own, and practice outside of class.

    Tips for prospective students

    A tip for prospective students: Stay on top of your studies! Your classes aren't always back-to-back like they were in high school. Also, communicate with your teachers and advisors! They're there to help you, and also to get to know you!

    In three sentences

    I would rate this university as 7/10. There are definitely pros when attending this school, such as free laundry, large dorms, low tuition, plenty of events and healthy meals all over campus. However, there are cons as well, like lack of racial diversity, old technology, immaturity of students, and illegal use of drugs on campus.

  • 02/05/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 8 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    they have a couple sororities and fraternities.

    Great for these types of students

    anybody fits in, but there is a higher population of white students than any.

    What to do for fun

    asheville is a great city with very active social scenes.

    Tips for prospective students

    strong science department for a liberal arts school!

    In three sentences

    solid academics, good resources, and beautiful campus.

  • 11/28/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Safe.

    What to do for fun

    Lots of music, great town night life, in the mountains, outdoor hiking, swimming, winter sports, kayaking...etc...etc

    Food and Dining

    On Campus Ok, in town awesome.

    Dorm Life

    Small, friendly and great place to meet people

    Academic Rigor

    It maybe laid back but hard work and standards are important.

    Tips for prospective students

    Lots to do in the outdoors, great for music and the arts.

    In three sentences

    UNCA is a great campus, terrific location in a wonderful small town. Lecturers are very approachable, friendly and helpful. Good place to study, safe, fun and affordable

  • 02/14/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 10 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Creative, unique, musical, artistic, athletic...there is a niche for everyone!

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    During freshman convocation, the new students line up and pat the statue of the mascot, Rocky the Bulldog, on the head. You do the same before graduation.

    Bang for the buck

    We are the lowest cost public liberal arts university in the state of NC!

    What to do for fun

    Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, the city of Asheville is within a mile from campus and students get to use public buses for free.

    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria always has good variety and theme. Our food court contains a burger place, a mexican place, a noodle bar, and a vegetarian kitchen.

    Dorm Life

    We are in the process of renovations to our residence halls and we have completed construction on a new residence hall as of 2012.

    Tips for prospective students

    Come attend an open house or campus tour. We also have an accepted student overnight stay program where you can shadow a current student.

    In three sentences

    UNCA is a public liberal arts college that balances both science and humanities for its students. You have a diverse, accessible faculty who support and guide you through your college career. It is a close knit community with many opportunities and resources to help keep students on track.

  • 05/13/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    11 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    We have 24/7 campus police and the campus police phone number is the first number every student receives when they first step foot campus as a UNC Asheville student. The campus is very well lit, and the campus police are always available. I have NEVER felt unsafe on campus!

    Greek Life

    Yes, we have two fraternities and two sororities at UNC Asheville.

    Clubs and Activities

    We have around 110 students organizations and our students can get involved with and if a student cannot find an organization they are interested in then they can organize one.

    Great for these types of students

    Involved, Driven, and excited about college/UNC Asheville!

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    My favorite tradition at UNC Asheville is the changing of the Maples that takes place each fall. Of course, you can always rub Rocky's head for a little good luck! My favorite location is at the top of the library steps looking out over the Quad and a very clear and beautiful view of Mt. Pisgah.

    Bang for the buck

    UNC Asheville is the BEST and Biggest Bang for your Buck!

    What to do for fun

    Campus Life is great! We have a ton of Student Organizations to get involved with, as well as Greek Life. There is almost always some kind of event going on on campus, and if not then only a mile away from campus is downtown Asheville.

    Food and Dining

    There are various food options from burgers and fries, to burritos and quesadillas. We also have vegetarian, vegan, and glutton free options, as well as food for all of the meat lovers out there! We also have a dietitian on campus that students can talk to about any food allergies or other concerns.

    Dorm Life

    The Residential Halls at UNC Asheville are great! The rooms are pretty roomy and NO COMMUNITY BATHS (no more than 4 people to a bathroom)!

    Academic Rigor

    The professor here will push you to be the most that you can be. It is personalized to where they know your strengths and weakness, the professors really get to know you and what you want out of your education.

    Tips for prospective students

    Apply soon and be aware of scholarship opportunities. Get involved, UNC Asheville is a place where all students can get involved academically and socially!

    In three sentences

    At the University of North Carolina Asheville you will fall in love with the environment and the people. The classes are small and the professors know you by name. Here you are number 1, not 1 in a million.

  • 06/08/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    There are way more safety features and campus police staff than we really need, but hey, I'd rather have too manny than too few.

    Greek Life

    Frat dudes SUCK!!

    Clubs and Activities

    plenty of clubs and things to do to provide adequate distraction when needed, but being a smaller school, we have fewer clubs and less funding then a large 20k+ student school

    Great for these types of students

    IT'S A LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITY. if you don't have a creative bone in your body (and a really big one at that) just don't bother.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Unca Mascot is the bulldog. We do this thing called barking It's this really clever chant that all freshmen MUST learn at orientation if you ever want to attend any large gathering or sporting event.

    Bang for the buck

    for 7G a semester you get a very personal learning experience.

    What to do for fun

    Down town is just a short walk away! we have tons of stuff on campus aswell as being right on top of Asheville, close enough to walk or take the bus, but not so close that a down town traffic jam causes problems for us. Downtown has a great night life and plenty of interesting places to see during the day.

    Food and Dining

    You can always find something tasty and healthy (probably vegan aswell) no matter what meal plan your on. people get adjusted to the great food then start complaining about small stuff taking for granted that we have some of the best food on any public university.

    Dorm Life

    The dorms are very inconsistent. Some dorms are beautiful and resemble a hotel filled with people who study, while the one i stayed in smelled like booze vomit every Sunday morning.

    Academic Rigor

    Unca is pretty intense. The smaller class sizes allow you to know your professor better, however, it gives them the opportunity to increase the rigor of the class far easier.

    Tips for prospective students

    diversify your extracurriculars, UNCA is a Liberal Arts school, they like to see active, motivated, creative, and passionate students.

    In three sentences

    Wonderful! Unca has almost all of the amenities of a large school at a small school feel and price. The faculty and staff genuinely will go as far as they can to meet YOUR needs.

  • 06/28/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    13 of 19

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    The city is loaded with adventures. My fondest memory was finding Greek food at 3 in the morning after a long game of hide and seek in the city. Though for people who are introverts and would like to stay to themselves a great way to get out is to go find SAIL events and join in.

    Food and Dining

    Caf food is pretty bland after awhile, but it has great choices to the herbivores of the school. Coffee from Ramsey Cafe and a Tofu wrap from the Wellness Cafe makes my day.

    Dorm Life

    The dorms are a lot better than what I have dealt with. I am usually never in my own dorm because I always visited my friends in West Ridge which to me is the nicest dorm on campus even though it is farther away than the rest.

    Academic Rigor

    I have met a few of my future professors and they all seem to love their job and know what they are teaching. I recommend Sophie Mills to anyone considering Classics.

    Tips for prospective students

    Take care of finical aid first. UNCA is pretty understanding and will help you out, but you have to ask for help. Also don't be afraid of exploring the city, but it is recommended to uphold the buddy system. It is a city after all.

    In three sentences

    The place is a coming of age story with amazing intelligent people and memorable professors. The city Asheville is the perfect backdrop to UNCA. People who come to UNCA will never regret staying.

  • 07/11/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    14 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    There is excellent food offered in Highsmith Union, burgers, sandwichs, tacos, all sorts. There is also a Cafe located in the library offering pastries and espresso drinks.

    Dorm Life

    I live off campus so I don't know about the dorm life.

    Academic Rigor

    The classes are challenging but the professors are there to help and offer help, they want to make sure you succeed.

    Tips for prospective students

    UNCA is writing intensive, you need to have strong writing capabilities in order to succeed.

    In three sentences

    UNCA is an excellent university with small class sizes and professors that care about your education. The university is big on community service and encourages students to get involved with the community. The campus is beautiful and located in a beautiful location in Asheville.

  • 08/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    15 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    This is a great campus for innovate, free-thinking, peace-loving students.

    What to do for fun

    Going downtown, joining clubs, taking advantage of the free fitness center and classes, walk through the Botanical Gardens and attend U.P. events.

    In three sentences

    1. A wonderful, inviting environment for students of all race, gender and creed to study their interests safely. 2. UNC-Asheville is a beautiful campus that provides serenity and a safe haven for all of it's students. 3. UNC-Asheville is a campus full of fantastic and involved professors that will go out of their way to make sure their students understand the course material and succeed.

  • 10/14/2012

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    16 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Lots of blue light up poles and police officers.

    Clubs and Activities

    Tons of clubs to choose from.

    What to do for fun

    Hiking and a lot of out doorsy stuff.

    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely visit the campus.

    In three sentences

    Beautiful campus and a wonderful vibe. The buildings are strategically placed to where even the laziest of us can make ourselves walk to class every morning. I would love to wake up to that view every morning.

  • 10/25/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 17 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    It's very small, but it does exist.

    Great for these types of students

    Liberals, artists, music buffs, hippies.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Changing of the Maples is beautiful, there is RockyPalooza for incoming freshmen, it's overall beautiful.

    What to do for fun

    There are many clubs, recreational activities, and opportunities to see live music in the city.

    Food and Dining

    The food is good, there are vegan and vegetarian options aplenty.

    Dorm Life

    It's good overall, but it's very small so things can become tense quickly.

    Academic Rigor

    Many classes are very difficult, some more than others, as is typical of any university.

    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be bullied into registering for specific classes, you can always take them next semester. You can always change your major, don't feel to set on the first one you choose. Get involved as soon as possible in clubs and organizations, and befriend your roommate.

    In three sentences

    It's a small, liberal arts University that has an emphasis on the arts and on sustainability. It's very diverse, very small, capping at 3700 students, and politically active. It's a good school, and it's definitely on the up and up.

  • 01/16/2013

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    18 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is amazing at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The campus police are very friendly and will remember seeing you around. One staff member is especially known by the students and always greets you with a smile. Since the campus is so small, reaction time by the safety staff is very quick. Also, around campus there are lots of emergency poles which are wired to make direct contact with the campus safety office. They also offer escorts around campus in case the students feel unsafe at night.

    Greek Life

    While there are a few fraternities and sororities on campus, the reputation is nowhere near the same as at other schools. Greek life is active in community service and is also a very small fraction of the student body.

    Clubs and Activities

    The are many clubs and organizations on campus presently. It is also very easy to begin your own club if you don't see one that you would be interested in. From intramural sports to Ancient Gardens, there is a little something for everyone.

    Great for these types of students

    The campus is great for all types of students, except for those who seriously want to melt away into the crowds. It can be done, but one of the rewards of the UNCA experience is the interaction you have with your peers, professors and other staff members.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    At the beginning and the end of a student's career the statue of the school's mascot (Rocky the bulldog) is rubbed on the head for luck.

    Bang for the buck

    In comparison with the other liberal arts colleges around the country, the University of North Carlina at Asheville is a very good price. Campus living is a bit pricey and frankly not enough bank for one's buck; however, the education that a willing student can receive is more than enough to make up for the university's shortcomings.

    What to do for fun

    Asheville's night life is thriving and every year more activities are available right on campus. Also, with the campus located in the mountains, there are diverse options for the outdoor enthusiasts among us. Plenty of programs are put on by the many organizations at UNCA, bringing a lot of entertainment to the students. There is never a shortage of things to do.

    Food and Dining

    The city of Asheville offers amazing alternatives to the campus food service; however, the food supplied by Chartwells is notoriously horrible.

    Dorm Life

    The official rank (as supplied by the university) ranks as a two out of five. The campus has a reputation for being a commuter college, but also a very active party life. There are options for those who need peace and quiet, but you're more likely to end up in one of the predominantly freshman dorms.

    Academic Rigor

    The difficulty ranges drastically between classes, but over all the academic rigor is about a four. There are very hard classes everywhere, but the main challenge is how diverse the material can be in one class.

    Tips for prospective students

    Start strong and finish strong. While ever opportunity to thrive is presented to you from the beginning, never forget that you are the one responsible for yourself. Get involved! Students who get involved are more likely to get more out of their college experience and also be more successful.

    In three sentences

    Asheville is a haven for expression, but it easily begins to distract students for their studies. The faculty bends over backwards to work with students and success is the natural result of such a supportive atmosphere. For those who need a smaller class size and a niche to find, this school is a perfect introduction to university.

  • 01/27/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    19 of 19

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    I've tried calling campus police several times and if the weather is chilly, they'll try to evade traveling to a dorm or academic building.

    Greek Life

    heh.

    Clubs and Activities

    There is a nice spread of clubs that can appeal to most interests; however, the amount of time those clubs spend exploring those interests is beyond me.

    Great for these types of students

    Social activists. People interested in expanding their knowledge of themselves and others.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    One time this kid overdosed on k2.

    Bang for the buck

    My freshman year, I would of given the school 4 stars. As time has progressed, however, I've come to see how much money this university wastes on frivolous things (they're wanting to build a full baseball stadium... why? Have more than 5 people ever gone to a UNCA baseball game?

    What to do for fun

    Go to shows around Asheville. Eat at Rosetta's.

    Food and Dining

    Chartwells ruins everyone's lives. How could anyone think it's a good idea to bring in a company that charges students $8.50 for a burger, fries, and a drink (no refills)? I mean, come on. I could rant about this for awhile, but I don't know if it would do much good. But I digress.

    Dorm Life

    The dorms are pretty decent. I've lived in Mills for two years for it's sweet arrangement, but I'm moving off-campus for next year. I've hung out with friends who go to other colleges across the southeast, and their dorms don't even compare.

    Academic Rigor

    Professors will not make it easy on you, but if you aren't in college to learn and grow as a person, I'm not sure why you are surfing this website. Maybe you want to find a nice boy to take home to mother and father, I dunno.

    Tips for prospective students

    Whatever you do, don't join the Greek life on campus. The 2 fraternities are both full of guys who try to get freshmen girls drunk, and I don't really pay attention to the sororities. I mean, if you want to become a scummy kid, then go for it?

    In three sentences

    This school has an abundance of potential, but fucks itself over fairly often. It is slowly transforming from a hardly diverse (a.k.a., almost exclusively middle-upper class white folk) to an even less diverse school (it's becoming a mini UNC Chapel Hill). But the professors are all pretty cool.