It’s July and it’s time to reminisce about things. Why do we reminisce? Because there’s really not a lot going on and we all have opinions about things.
Today’s question isn’t just for UNC alumni. One of the great things about being a fan of sports with the University of North Carolina is that it brings in people who have not attended school there to go to games. Maybe you’re thinking about going to Carolina and have visited the campus, or you have been a long time fan and were able to make one specific
trip to campus and you took the time to just soak it all in.
So whether alumni or not, if you’ve been on campus in Chapel Hill you likely have a favorite spot. That spot may no longer exist, by the way, thanks to constant renovation and construction. For instance, when I was a student there was a full-blown bowling alley with arcade games and ping pong tables. For a while I actually had a standing game with a friend and bought my own paddle and balls to play. You kept your bowling score completely by hand.
Things like that are what I mean. There are some folks who have found little nooks in buildings that they only knew about, some have had the very special position of bell ringer that gives them a view that few others can enjoy, while others just can’t get past the Old Well.
For me, my favorite spot on campus is the top of the steps of South Building facing towards Wilson Library.
There is no other spot on campus where you can stand, look out, and say “this is peak college” besides that view. To your left and right are multiple class room buildings featuring some of the most world-renowned departments. Ahead of you is the brick walk way that zigs and zags across the sloping green. Further ahead of you is perhaps the most classic library you’re ever going to see in Wilson. Peeking over that dome is the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower top.
Yes, I know the story that it’s supposed to be a Dunce cap. It always made me chuckle even if it isn’t true because like most campus legends, it’s fun.
There are other reasons I love that spot. On a busy campus day you’re basically going to see what seems like the entire student body just walking to and from everywhere. You start to get the full scope of just how many people actually attend UNC when you stand up there and see so many people just walking back and forth between classes.
It’s one of the most picturesque spots on campus, too, whether it’s to capture a beautiful sky or a blanket of snow covering the grounds, you just can’t beat the view from that spot. Also, as an undergrad I love that spot when you had that first warm day after the winter and could see people stretching themselves out in various spots on the grass of Polk Place. Folks were just shedding their winter clothes and soaking up the warmth that they had been denied for the past few months.
I’m going to guess if you attended school you appreciated that sight at one point or another, too.
Anyway, what’s your favorite spot on campus that isn’t UNC sports venue? It could just be this one spot that had the best moment while you were at Carolina, a place you always returned to when you needed to catch your breath, a favorite study spot, or the spot that when you looked out made you realize “I am here.” Use the comments below to talk about these spots!
