Highsmith Student Union: The Heart of UNC Asheville

The Highsmith Student Union at UNC Asheville serves as a vibrant hub for campus life, offering a diverse range of services, amenities, and opportunities for students to connect, engage, and thrive. This article explores the various facets of the Highsmith Student Union and the broader UNC Asheville campus experience, highlighting the resources available to students for their academic, personal, and professional growth.

Dining Options: A Foodie's Paradise

UNC Asheville embraces Asheville’s reputation as a foodie destination, providing students with diverse and healthy dining options right on campus. From buffet-style meals to a-la-carte offerings, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Brown Hall: This buffet-style dining hall caters to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Highsmith Union Food Court: Located within the student union, this food court features a variety of flavors with a-la-carte meals. Students can enjoy made-to-order flatbread pizza and salads, sushi, and classic American comfort food.
BowlLife: Situated in the Sherrill Center’s Wellness Café, BowlLife serves salads and grain bowls, including signature creations and customizable "build your own" options.
The Down Under: Found on the bottom floor of Ponder Hall, The Down Under offers snacks, made-to-order subs and salads, and Starbucks coffee drinks.
Smoothie Lab: Located in Ramsey Library, Smoothie Lab features an array of creative smoothies, acai bowls, yogurt parfaits, pastries, a coffee bar, and select grab-and-go meal options.
Roasted: This cafe serves locally-roasted Dynamite coffee and other coffee beverages, pastries, and snacks.

Campus Life: Experience and Engagement

Beyond academics, UNC Asheville encourages students to immerse themselves in a vibrant campus life. The university provides numerous opportunities for students to connect with their peers, explore their interests, and develop their leadership skills.

Residential Life

Students can make themselves at home in one of the 16 on-campus residence halls, each offering a unique living experience and amenities. Options include suites, double rooms, and single rooms. Non-first-year students have the opportunity to live in The Woods, an apartment-style community.

Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, UNC Asheville's campus is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Campus Recreation offers fitness classes, intramural sports teams, and wilderness outings. Students can explore hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest, engaging in activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing through the Outdoor Recreation Program. Equipment is readily available for students to utilize.

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Student Organizations and Clubs

UNC Asheville boasts a wide range of clubs and student organizations, providing students with platforms to make friends, build their resumes, gain leadership experience, and form intentional communities. These groups span various interests, including academic honor societies, acapella groups, board game clubs, service groups, club sports, and fraternity & sorority life.

Athletics

UNC Asheville is home to 16 NCAA Division I athletics teams, competing at a high level under nationally recognized coaches.

Student Support and Success

UNC Asheville is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey. A variety of resources are available to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Student Success Specialists

Student Success Specialists act as a bridge between students, the campus community, and external resources. They assist students in connecting with opportunities and resources available at UNC Asheville. Through an evidence-based, holistic advising framework, they guide students in developing self-awareness, curiosity, and courage as they reflect on their academic interests, priorities, and future life goals.

Career Center

From on-campus student employment and choosing a major to pursuing internships and building a professional network, the Career Center supports students from day one.

Alumni Association

As graduates, students become lifetime members of the UNC Asheville Alumni Association. This provides access to a variety of services that help alumni grow and stay connected to the Bulldog Community.

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