Resources

This page presents a collection of resources recommended by UNC postdocs that will help you to make the most of your time at UNC. If you have any tips/advice you would like to see included in the list below that would be useful for postdocs, please inform PDA of your suggestions by emailing: PDAUNC@gmail.com

UNC Resources

• Postdoc Calendar of Events
• Postdoc Slack Workspace — Email PDAUNC@gmail.com for a current invite link, or keep an eye out for OPA/PDA emails which will also have the link.
• TIBBS (Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences) — TIBBS organize a range of activities including networking and professional development events for UNC grad students & postdocs. We recommend signing up to their ListServ.
• UNC Payroll Calendar
• UNC Holiday Calendar
• Campus health coverage
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• UNC Carolina Women’s Center – The Center for Gender Equity
• Diversity groups
• Smithies Symposium — Smithies is an initiative that brings a Nobel Prize Speaker to campus every year to deliver a talk. To join the organizing committee and host the speaker over dinner. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
• NC TraCS — For funding opportunities.
• Printing services details
• Stories and experiences by UNC researchers
• Career Coaching Services
• Career Resources
• UNC Events Calendar — This website pulls together a lot of upcoming events at UNC, including lists of upcoming and renowned speakers/visitors, free concerts, etc. Fantastic resource.
• Free access to Washington Post
• Free access to New York Times
• Rent free e-books through UNC Library
• Free LastPass Password Manager
• UNC Software Link — Looking for software access but don’t see it here? Contact your department business manager. Note: Adobe Suite is not free, but many UNC departments have shared licenses. Contact your department administrator for more info.
• Free Amazon Vouchers with Blue Cross Blue Shield — Go to the rewards section on Blue Connect to claim 2 x $20 vouchers!
• Student stores shopping (10% off when using the phone application)
• Regulatory Affairs Program with Duke University — Excellent, free course to help postdocs transition into industry. Offered every Spring. Certificate awarded upon completion.
• Carolina Community Garden — A locally-run community garden that seeks volunteers to help tame the garden 3 times/week. All produce goes to a good cause. Learn how to garden — you can even get a tour of the beehives!
• Free Professional Headshots — Although this link is specifically for the School of Medicine, many schools across campus have regular opportunities free headshots. Contact your department to find out more.
• Krasno Global Events Series — For anyone interested in global affairs, Krasno is a series of regular lectures, talks and discussions hosted at UNC-Chapel Hill to enhance our understanding and comprehension of global affairs, past and present. Guests are often high-profile ambassadors, talks very topical, and discussion very frank. Old talks are hosted on the YouTube Channel.
• Carolina Global Photography Competition — Submit your travel photos for a chance to win this UNC photography competition and have your photo hang in a gallery!

Local & Cultural Resources

New to the area? UNC postdocs recommend checking out the following:

• Website listing free local events
• Triangle Reddit
• Hockey – College Rush Tickets
• PNC Arena Schedule
• Cat’s Cradle Carrboro — Legendary local music venue
• Ice Skating Rink at Hillsborough
• Local American Roadhouse Experience — For up-to-date info check the Facebook page. (Wednesday nights are best for live music & atmosphere)
• MapleView Farm — Local Ice Cream Institution
• UNC CH Library Book Sale — Amazing Book Sale by Chapel Hill Library
• Perkins Orchard — Locally sourced fruit and veg store. Fill your bag with as much as you can for $20!
• Drive in Theater
• Halloween haunted house experience — High production haunted house, maze, and tractor pull!
• Pick your own Strawberries — April/May
• Carolina State Fair — October
• Renaissance Fair — October/November Large-scale fair located near Charlotte