By: Dhriti Suresh
I vividly recall the moment I received my room assignment: Ehaus, sixth floor. At the time I didn’t have a particular floor, side or anything really in mind; I just knew I wanted to live in Ehringhaus. It seemed like a great option - something in between the massive population size of Hinton James (HOJO) and other smaller dorms like Koury. South Campus always had a reputation for its vibrant social scene, and as a freshman that didn’t know too many people coming into UNC, that sounded like music to my ears. When I saw my assignment at first glance, I really only thought about lugging laundry down six floors (thank god for the elevators!) but little did I know I was l about to experience the heart of Carolina Pride.
Before I knew it, summer had come to an end, and I moved in with my 7 suitemates. The daunting task of unpacking countless little items was nearing completion, when I took a peek at the view from my suite. My side of the floor faced the baseball field, which stood empty because the year was just beginning. But as the weeks rolled on, I found myself hearing the cheers, claps, and whistles of excitement filling the air whenever I walked into my room or took the shortcut to Chase dining hall. Every now and then, my suitemates and I would set up chairs outside our suite to do homework while watching these games from afar. This became our little tradition and helped us bond in those early days. Fast forward, and we’re still friends to this day!
Each semester has its own rhythm - the fall is for football, while the spring is for basketball. In the fall, it’s all about those hot days at Kenan Stadium, waving blue and white streamer sticks high and jumping up and down on the bleachers. Spring brings the excitement of heading down to Dean Smith Center, where crowds of all ages gather—from kids perched on their parents’ shoulders to grandparents reminiscing about their college days—all proudly decked out in Tar Heel colors.
Over the weekends, the sound of fans marching toward the game is one of the highlights of campus life, especially on South Campus. The vibrant atmosphere and constant buzz truly bring the place to life. While I was still learning about all the traditions here, this sense of community was a great way to begin my quest here at UNC.
There’s so much about living here that makes it feel like home: the people, those elevator introductions, late nights in the shared kitchens, laundry days, walks to the package center, movie nights, and bonding over exam study sessions in the lounges. And that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more to share, but I’ll save that for next time.