Getting Settled in Chapel Hill

Posted by Liz Paxton.

I came to business school after 5 years abroad in Morocco with the intention of making a home here for the next 2 years. I was also determined to live car free in Chapel Hill. When I thought about a blog about my experience these two original decisions came to the forefront, so I decided to share them.

Finding the right apartment in Chapel Hill was somewhat of a quest. I first sublet a 2nd year’s apt at Baity Hill (the student housing behind the business school) while attending ASW classes in June and July. It was a good way to get acclimated to the area.

I then found my permanent apartment by walking down Purefoy road (close to Baity Hill). There were many apartments with “for rent” signs and when I looked did a search for the road on Craig’s list multiple descriptions came up.

I ended up taking the first one that I visited and it really is the perfect place: hardwood floors, a backyard and walking distance to school. Here is my journal entry from August 5th:

“It’s my 3rd night in the new apartment. It’s nearly 4 am and I am not tired at all. My mind is abuzz as I think about the first day of orientation tomorrow. I’ve been moving boxes and hanging clothes for the past 4 hours. The space is finally starting to shape up. As I unpack I am amazed at all of the stuff that I have. At the same time I am making a list of all that I still need to buy.”

The summer in Chapel Hill was great, warm sunny and fun. It was also wonderful to be back in the US and starting a new life.

A couple of days later I bought a used bike and got it equipped with a bike rack, milk crate, and lights (all pretty standard fare around here). I do all of my grocery shopping by bike; it’s actually really simple. Plus no gas, insurance, or repair bills! When I can’t bike to a location it’s easy to find a ride with others. When I was in college I was the only one with a car and I drove a lot of people around. So I figure that it’s my turn to be a mooch.

I save a lot of time living close to the school. I can even come home for lunch if I want or between classes, oh and no car pool to deal with either.

But that’s just me. Everyone has different needs. The apt complexes have advantages as some have BBQ areas and pools (although unless you are here for the summer you won’t get to use them all that much). The complexes also have a lot of MBA students in them and more parties on the weekends.

Oh and now a shameless plug, my wonderful, convenient little apartment is available for sublet May-August. $650 plus utilities. Wishing you luck with your move to Chapel Hill!