Meet our newest Tar Heels

Welcome to Carolina

A new school year is about to start, which means the Carolina community is about to grow a little bigger as thousands of new first-year, transfer and graduate students officially become Tar Heels.

We are so excited for them to join us in Chapel Hill and we can't wait to see the great things they accomplish here.

*Preliminary numbers as of Aug. 7, 2022

4,455first-year students
939transfer students
2,500+graduate students
95North Carolina counties represented by incoming undergraduates
85countries represented by incoming undergraduates
~18%of incoming students are first-generation college students

But our incoming students are more than just a number.

From public servants, devoted family members and teachers to taekwondo world champions, veterans and pilots, each one brings their unique experiences, talents and passions to Chapel Hill to strengthen our community of more than 30,000 Tar Heels.

Click on a story below to meet one of our new students.

Prepare for the new semester

Kick the semester off at FallFest
Join the Carolina Union and dozens of student organizations on Aug. 14 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. for the 27th annual FallFest. FallFest provides a fun welcome back to campus for new and returning Tar Heels alike. The event will feature free food, giveaways, games, music, activities and more.
Convocation to be held at the Smith Center on Sunday
New Student Convocation is the official kickoff of a Tar Heel’s academic career. Held at the Dean Smith Center at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Convocation brings together the newest class of students for the first time to welcome them to the Carolina community. The entire Carolina community — including family and friends of the students — can join in on the celebration virtually with a livestream on UNC.edu and the University’s YouTube page.
Week of Welcome
We're starting the year off in exciting fashion with a week of programs, events and special opportunities geared to welcome students, help them learn about their new home and connect with other new students.
Carolina alumni share advice for new Tar Heels
Members from the Class of 2022 shared advice and lessons they learned while at Carolina to help our newest students make the most of their time in Chapel Hill.
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.
Carolina Together
CarolinaTogether.unc.edu is the University’s hub for information about Carolina's COVID-19 response. The website will be updated based on new information from UNC-Chapel Hill’s world-class infectious disease and public health experts, state and local health officials, the UNC System and the valuable feedback from our faculty, students, staff and community.