Humor me for a moment and just picture this in your head:
It's 2 a.m. Sunday night and your first class on Monday isn't until 12:25 p.m. You ate one too many cookies from Lenoir at dinner and now your blood sugar level is jacked and you're way too hype for sleep.
All caught up on homework AND your favorite Netflix show (aka "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" — if you haven't seen it, stop what you're doing and watch it), you have absolutely nothing to do until you finally drift into restless sleep. Or do you?
As a freshman with an inclination for nocturnal meanderings, I have had the unique experience of seeing UNC's campus in my favorite form: desolate, with the street lamps casting ethereal puddles of light over the iconic brick walks.
Taking a nighttime stroll is never a bad idea (take a buddy though, and be safe!!), especially on a campus with so many secret places that reveal themselves at night. Here is a list of my top five favorites for late night wanderings.
1. Kenan Stadium
While sometimes closed before games, it is generally open for those who want to climb up the stairs and see the field from above.
Fairly isolated — taking into account the crazy people who run the stadium stairs — the upper levels give a stellar view of campus, including the Bell Tower in the distance.
2. The Bell Tower
Its iconic beauty is especially serene at night when its three arches glow and the soft tolling every 15 minutes floats through the air.
The lawn behind the hedges is quiet and private (ish) for those who want to take a blanket and do some stargazing — possibly with a special friend?!
3. The Pit
As all UNC students know, it is a massive hub of activity all day erry day. It is quite the experience to see it empty and quiet, without the Pit Preacher yelling and students eating lunch beneath the two trees.
4. Bynum Circle
It is the lesser-known yet undeniably awesome home of a circular fountain, complete with convenient steps for sitting and plenty of street lamps. Located outside Bynum Hall, this spot is very quiet (I've never seen anyone there, like, ever).
5. The Old Well
Absent of its normal influx of families, students and random tourists, the Old Well my all-time favorite spot at night. Not only is it part of the network of brick walks around the upper quad, it has a certain vibe of "Hey, this is UNC and it's awesome and prestigious but you're a student here and that's cool and it'll be alright you won't fail all your classes" (okay, maybe that's just me, but it does have very peaceful beauty).
Happy wanderings!
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