Hi, everyone! I am a current 1L at UNC. Happy to answer any questions about Chapel Hill, housing, 1L year, etc.

Thanks! What are you/your classmates planning on doing this summer?

Why did you choose to go to UNC? I will probably be attending UNC because the school seems strong in PI/Gov't/Enviro law, and the tuition is a great deal. Are you interested in Public Interest work?

DC, I was meaning to tell you, this Counsel member from a Mid-Law firm in NYC (about 100 employees) came to talk to a few Pre-Law kids at my school + myself. And this dude went to Pace and got Mid-Law which is pretty decent. He gave a phenomenal presentation on Environmental Law and I am actually into it now. He also said having a specialization in Enviro Law helped him secure and keep a job during the recession. He said told me he was in the Top 10% at Pace. (which is TTT or TTTT)


I am considering a specialization in Enviro Law to say the least.

When I first started looking into law schools, I had the mentality that it was like graduate school, where you choose your school based on the specializations the school is known for. At that time, I was dead-set on going to Pace. However, once I got deeper into my research I realized that a degree from a strong T1 school like Carolina, or others near where I want to work would carry me much further. I truly want to specialize in Enviro law, which Pace or Vermont would fit the bill for, but I also think graduating from a school with a great overall rep is very important in this elitist profession.

Also, I have also heard from several school representatives that Enviro law is a good choice as there are eco type jobs cropping up in the law profession right now. Reps at GW, Maryland, and other schools told me this. They could have been just telling me that to get me to apply to their school, heh, but I hope for the sake of what I want to do I hope that this is true!

You can get great firm work in Enviro Law, you just have to realize you're mostly going to be dealing with Land Usage stuff rather than saving the Earth.

Land use isn't bad. Obviously saving the earth is better..... but I'll just have to see what piques my interest and what I can get a job in once I get to school. I am really interested in participating in their pro bono wills program as a student, I think it could be a great experience.

I do land use stuff now...not on a legal basis, per say, but anyways I like it. I would be fine with doing this after I graduate from law school. It is pretty interesting. There are a lot of issues cropping up with this, especially in CA.

That's funny you say that, I've worked at a nursing home since I was a sophomore in HS. UNC Wills is something I am definitely going to do.

Lizzie are you trying to get back to CA after UNC, or are you not even sure if you're going to attend?

Depends. Not really sure... I have connections that would probably allow me to get a job in CA afterwards, but I'm actually trying to get out of CA.

Plus I don't really want to pay the tuition + COL. Looking for a place with cheaper cost of living & tuition.

Do you think you'll go to ASD?

Not unless I get a travel stipend and probably not even then. I already visited back in November because UNC was already high on my list at the time.

I am doing a race back east and can't take off all that time from work. That would be three weekend trips in the spring, which is one too many.

Damn, I feel like their are minimal TLSers that are going to UNC. I think it's just us three, beccabee and Moral. DC what ASD are you probably going to?

I'm not a definite either - CU is also a definite possibility. But I think the low #'s are because no one has gotten in yet. LSN only has a handful of acceptances, most everyone is still waiting on a decision. Also barely any scholarship $ has gone out and that generally sways people one way or another.

i'd like nothing more than to join y'all on this thread (this post aside)

No doubt. Hope you get an acceptance soon Jack.

I haven't decided yet. I'm leaning towards the 8th since it's further away from the end of the semester, and the end of the semester always gets crazy for me. But, I'll have to wait and see because it depends on which day I defend my thesis. I'll probably be defending on a Friday in April since I don't have class on Fridays.

I'm also going to UNC......
unless I hear from UVA very early and I have enough time to decide between the two. But if I hear from them late, I'm still going to UNC because I'm not the type of person that would give up my apt and deposit and everything to move to another school right before class begins.

Where's Becca? I am super nervous for tomorrow!

I'm currently a 1L at UNC and live in Glen Lennox. Here's my rundown on apartments:

Glen Lennox- I highly recommend it. Alot of law students live there, and it is one of the closest places you will find to the law school. There are many bus stops in the neighborhood, and the G route takes you straight to the law school in about 5 minutes. The apartments are surrounded by big fields and old growth trees so it is very nice for walking around/outdoor activities. This is especially good if you're a dog owner. Also, some of the apartments come with a gas grill in the back, which is nice. The apartments are relatively cheap, and you can get really good deals if you have good timing. They run random specials where you can get a much cheaper lease on certain units, so be sure to call them and ask if they have any deals if you are interested. Another plus is that they have a very good staff. The maintenance department is very fast and very helpful.

Cons: These units were built in 1949 so they are dated. Some of them do not have a dishwasher/washer & dryer hookups. Some of them have been modernized, so you might be able to get these amenities if you are willing to pay more. Another con is that the walls are pretty thin. If your neighbors talk loudly/ walk around with boots/watch loud movies/sing opera, you will hear them. My current neighbors are very quiet, so I never hear them, but not everybody is so lucky. Also, I only share 1 wall, so if you are worried about noise try to get a place that is on the end. Finally, pet fees. Glen Lennox is very expensive for dog owners. You have to pay a $300 one time pet fee, and then $15 dollars in pet rent every month afterwards. Not good.

Despite these cons, I love my apartment and will be staying here next year as well.

Shadowood- I don't know any law students that live there. It is kind of far from the law school compared to other options. I checked it out when I was looking for apartments and the property and units are pretty decent. The price isn't bad, but it is about a ten minute drive from law school. Considering the total absence of parking, you will probably have to take the bus to school. I'm not sure how long the bus ride is, but I would guess it is 15 or more minutes (I may be wrong).

Alta Springs- I know several law students who live there. The apartments are nice, and there are tennis courts, etc. on the property. My friend has a fireplace in his apartment, which is a plus. I think these apartments are on the pricier side. It is pretty close to the law school.

Meadowmont- I know several law students who live here as well. Similar quality to Alta Springs. It is right next to the Meadowmont shopping center, which is convenient. You can walk to Teeter, Five Guys, Brixx, etc. Units are on the pricier side. Close to law school.

That's my overview of the places I know something about. I hope this helps.

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply!

As for summer plans, the legal market is pretty tough right now. The Dean sent out an e-mail a few weeks ago asking alums to consider hiring on Carolina Law first years for the summer. Quite a few attorneys have already responded - everywhere from the Turks and Caicos to somewhere out in Nevada. I am hoping to work for a medium-sized firm near Charlotte or potentially splitting my summer and interning with a judge. It definitely helps to have connections. It's still relatively early in the hiring process for 1Ls, snce we couldn't start contacting employers till the end of first semester.

As for Carolina Law - I love it! The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. Classes are intense and challenging, but definitely in a good way. You probably know this - but they split us up into "colleges." I've really liked having the same classes with the same people - it makes it easier to get to know people during the first year. One of the things I probably appreciate the most is the fact that people like to laugh. That might sound weird, but when I visited law schools last year - it struck me that some schools were very somber. That is definitely not the case here. So many different people, great professors, and geat environment. Plus, you can't beat the price if you are in-state.

Apartments - All the ones mentioned above are great choices. I lived in Alta Springs this year. I've really liked it here - they offer a washer, dryer, and microwave in each apartment, which I love. That pretty much sold me on the place. I have an apartment without a fireplace. A lot of grad students live here from different programs, which is also pretty neat. I use the Park and Ride Center to commute into campus every morning. The buses come every five to ten minutes, but you have to get there before 9:00 AM to get a spot. Fills up quickly.

Hope that helps! Is anyone a definite "yes" for next year?

There is a good chance I will be there. I just got 75% tuition scholarship, but was hoping for the full-ride. If I had gotten it, I would definitely be attending. I am currently holding out for a T14, but it is a long shot, so most likely I will be at UNC. I did enjoy the time I spent there last weekend, everyone was friendly and it had a great school community, something I have never experienced going to a small undergrad. As for apartments, the two-story one bedrooms at Shadowood seem like a great deal. Has anyone actually seen what these look like?

Thoughts on living alone as a 1L?

I think that's what I am going to do. I would like to know peoples thoughts on this as well?