Normal
The University is currently operating under normal conditions
Strike a pose and show off your
Tar Heel pride!
Take the self-guided “Picture This: Your Carolina Moment” tour at UNC-Chapel Hill, a fun photo walk through campus.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you’ll explore the most scenic spots while snapping selfies, group shots or solo portraits. It’s the picture-perfect way to celebrate what makes Carolina so special. Grab your camera or phone, say “Tar Heels!” and let the photo fun begin!
Keep scrolling for a preview of your future photos!
The Old Well
Get ready to take the quintessential Carolina photo. As its name suggests, this was the University’s original water source. It’s now a beloved fountain, Carolina’s most popular photo spot and the home of one our most well-known traditions: taking a sip on the first day of classes for good luck and good grades.
So come up to the fountain, stand between the columns or pose on the brick pathways with the Old Well in the background.
University seal and South Building
Carolina’s lower quad is known as Polk Place, named for James K. Polk, Class of 1818 graduate and the 11th president of the U.S. The northernmost structure on Polk Place is South Building, which includes the office of Lee H. Roberts, Carolina’s 13th chancellor. The building got its name because it was the University’s southernmost point on campus when it was constructed.
Located nearby on one of Polk Place’s brick pathways is the University seal.
Wilson Library
Located at the other end of Polk Place is another campus landmark: Wilson Library.
Opened in 1929, this is one of the most recognizable buildings at Carolina. One of 10 libraries on campus, Wilson is home to Carolina’s rare books and unique historical documents, including the Southern Historical Collection, which is the world’s largest collection of historical materials related to the American South. Wilson also houses the North Carolina Collection, which is the country’s largest collection of printed materials related to a single state.
Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower
Tar Heels love this campus landmark that chimes every 15 minutes and plays Carolina’s alma mater and fight song on football game days. Standing 172 feet tall and housing 14 mechanized bells, the Bell Tower is lit Carolina Blue on the first day of fall classes and after major sports victories.
Come pose with the Bell Tower in the background or under its iconic Carolina Blue tiled arches.
Davie Poplar tree on McCorkle Place
Known for its beauty and lush greenery, McCorkle Place, Carolina’s upper quad, is home to Davie Poplar, the University’s most beloved tree. Take a photo here at the roots of UNC-Chapel Hill. Legend has it William Richardson Davie, who wrote the act establishing Carolina, chose this land for the University after having lunch under this tree.
Coker Arboretum
Within walking distance of the Old Well and Franklin Street, this peaceful spot is part of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. It is beautiful year-round and transforms with the seasons — from spring blooms to fall colors. From the charming footbridge to the water feature, there’s no shortage of scenic backdrops.
*Open year-round, the arboretum is teeming with colorful spring flowers in April and May and has an abundance of vibrant fall foliage in mid-October.
Fordham Fountain
Located in front of Bynum Hall, home of The Graduate School, this fountain built in 1995 was a gift from the Class of 1988 and provides seating, shade and a cooling spray for Tar Heels. Not only is this a great place to eat lunch or sit and read — it’s also an Instagram-worthy setting.
*Fountain operational for photos from March through October.
Ginkgo trees at Hanes Art Center
The walkway between Hanes Art Center and Kenan Music Building features ginkgo trees planted to mimic a yellow brick road in the fall. This opening stop is the definition of Carolina in full color.
*The ginkgo trees are bursting with golden yellow hues in late October/early November.
