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Meet our new
Tar Heels

The Carolina community is about to grow larger. Thousands of first-year, transfer and graduate students will move to Chapel Hill and start classes in the next week. We're so glad these Tar Heels are joining us, and we can't wait to see what they achieve during their Carolina careers.

From public health scholars, devoted family members and jewelry artists to aspiring cancer researchers, agriculture entrepreneurs and lawyers, each new Tar Heel brings to Chapel Hill their own unique experiences, talents and passions to bolster our community and impact the world.

Keep scrolling to meet some of our new students.

From the Tar Heel State

  • Matthew Foil sitting in a Carolina Blue Chair in downtown Lumberton, with a large building-side

    Matthew Foil:
    Lumberton

    “Growing up in Lumberton instilled in me a profound respect for others and the ability to find common ground despite differences. What I’m most excited for is getting to meet others who can broaden my knowledge and understanding of issues around the country and the world. I look forward to fostering new relationships that will help to guide me on a path to making an impact when I return to my hometown.”

  • A woman, Rylea Suddreth, posing for a portrait with a Black cow, named Hattie, on grassland on her family farm.

    Rylea Suddreth:
    Catawba

    “I feel like I know enough about cattle to be able to run a farm on the animal side of things, but I haven’t really been around any of the business side, other than running it myself. But I feel like there’s more for me to learn in a classroom environment about business.”

  • Mo’Asia Bagley sitting in a Carolina Blue chair at a park in Fuquay-Varina.

    Mo’Asia Bagley:
    Fuquay-Varina

    “During my time at UNC, I hope to find and discover more of my self-identity: what job I want to do after college, what makes me happy, what challenges me, what makes me…me. I think the beauty of it is that there are many different pathways to take in life, and I’m excited to see which route I go at UNC-Chapel Hill.”

  • Gracie Elliott sitting sideways in a Carolina Blue chair with mountains seen in the background.

    Gracie Elliott:
    Franklin

    “My family has a deep history with Chapel Hill because of my sister Sarah, who had cystic fibrosis. We visited Chapel Hill several times for her treatments at UNC Hospitals. Being able to see the support and care of the community mimicked my own small hometown and really provided me with a sense of belonging.”

  • Alyssa Crane outdoors, with trees seen in background, standing and holding one of her paintings.

    Alyssa Crane:
    Wilson

    “I sold my first piece in 2020. Once I sold one, that showed me I could devote more time to this. ... Being a first-generation college student actually means a lot to me because my parents and then their parents have had to work so hard to get themselves where they are.”

  • Isabella Cox sitting in a Carolina Blue chair on a beach with the Atlantic Ocean and a pier seen in the background.

    Isabella Cox:
    Wilmington

    “It feels surreal getting to call Chapel Hill my home away from home for the next four years. I have learned there is always a Tar Heel ready to share stories about their time at UNC. The upbeat energy they bring through their advice only adds to my positive anticipation for the next year.”

Global Heels

  • Takhona Hlatshwako ’22: Eswatini

    The Rhodes scholar’s passion for public health led her from her native Eswatini to Carolina then Oxford and back again at the Gillings School of Global Public Health.

  • Ahmet Dericioglu: Turkey

    The work of Carolina’s Dr. Aziz Sancar, a Nobel laureate, led the Istanbul native to Chapel Hill, determined to make a difference.

  • Aline Awada: Brazil

    For Awada, being different is a strength. A Lebanese native who grew up in Brazil, the first-year student has developed leadership skills through helping others.

Back to school

  • Two students handpainting a large mural at FallFest.

    Join the fun at FallFest

    Kick off the semester at the 29th annual FallFest on Aug. 18 from 6:30-10 p.m. The beloved Carolina tradition hosted by the Carolina Union features fun, food, lots of giveaways and much more.

  • Students in stands at Dean E. Smith Center

    Livestream the 2024 New Student Convocation

    Erin Matson, Carolina’s field hockey coach, will deliver the keynote address Aug. 18 at the Dean E. Smith Center.

  • A student holding up a Carolina Blue T-shirt that reads

    Weeks of Welcome

    The year gets off to an exciting start with two weeks of programs, events and special opportunities to welcome all new Tar Heels. Learn about your new home and get connected with your new classmates.

  • Two students taking a selfie in front of a bell tower lit Carolina Blue at night.

    Tar Heel traditions

    The nation's first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill is home to centuries-old traditions and experiences that connect generations of Tar Heels. Watch the Bell Tower lighting the night before the first day of class, go for a stroll on Franklin Street and cheer on the Tar Heels in Kenan Stadium.

  • Student sitting and working on her laptop among yellow leaves on a brick pathway on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.

    Check out the Tar Heel technology checklist

    As you get settled in on campus and prepare for the semester, save yourself a headache by checking out the key to-dos from Information Technology Services, including safely connecting to the internet, securing your devices and installing the programs you need.

  • A basketball court with the UNC-Chapel Hill athletics logo at halfcourt and reading

    Stay active on campus

    Campus Recreation designs and delivers innovative, diverse and inclusive experiences that stimulate well-being, enjoyment and learning for the entire University community. Learn how you can get involved and find an activity that suits you.

Learn more