Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where will I be living?
Ram Village on campus apartments. You will be housed with other SUROC participants in 3- or 4-bedroom apartments featuring interior access. Each single-occupant bedroom is private with locking door and furnished with bed (twin XL mattress), dresser, desk and study chair. A couch, chair, coffee table, dining room table, and dining room chairs are provided in the common living area. The kitchen includes a stove, oven and full-size refrigerator.
Please note: You will need to supply your bedding, bath linens, dishes, pots/pans, and kitchen utensils.
2. Will I be able to purchase things for my apartment once I arrive in Chapel Hill?
Yes, there are many local shopping areas. Chapel Hill offers local discount stores such as Dollar General and many grocery store options: Target, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Food Lion. In addition, there are local farmers’ markets in Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas. Just four miles south of campus is a Walmart and a major shopping mall is about six miles away; both are accessible on bus lines that service campus.
3. Will parking be provided if I bring a car?
Parking will be provided in a lot on campus; it will likely be a short walk from your apartment. Campus parking is difficult, patrolled and ticketed often. You will walk or ride the bus from your apartment to lab each day.
4. Is a meal plan included?
Participants in SUROC are considered Affiliates (not students) by UNC and so are ineligible for a student meal plan. Instead, we provide a $1000 food allowance which is included in the first payment – see below. In addition to the grocery stores and farmers’ markets, there are a variety of restaurants and other options on and near campus for meals.
5. Is access to the Student Rec Center included?
SUROC participants may choose to purchase access to the Student Rec Center upon arrival; in 2023, it was $40 for the 10-week program. Chapel Hill also offers gyms like Planet Fitness a short bus ride away from campus.
6. What type of clothing will I need?
The majority of the time you will be working in a lab, so bring appropriate attire for lab work. While summers in Chapel Hill can be hot and humid, campus buildings can be cool with the air conditioning so a sweatshirt or sweater is advised. Our social outings are often outside so we suggest a change of summer-weather clothes as well. For the off-site visits to local companies and the end-of-program research symposium, business attire is suggested.
7. How will I get around campus and Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill has a free bus system (Chapel Hill Transit) that will get you around campus and town. There is also a public bus system (Triangle Transit) that goes to Durham, Raleigh, and many of the surrounding areas.
8. What if I will be flying in? What airport? How will I get to campus from the airport?
The closest airport to campus is Raleigh Durham International (RDU) which is serviced by many large carriers. For ground transportation to campus, we have a robust Uber community in the triangle in addition to taxi stands outside each terminal.
9. When will I receive my stipend?
The stipend and food allowance are disbursed in two payments: if we have all your paperwork completed and signed prior to your arrival on campus, you should receive your first check ($4000) within two weeks of arriving. in Chapel Hill; the balance ($3000) will be sent on 7/26/24.