Prized possessions See what students made sure to pack

By Jon Gardiner, University Communications and Marketing, Aug. 21, 2025

Each Tar Heel who recently moved onto campus had that one thing they made sure to bring to Carolina, their home away from home.

See what must-have items eight Tar Heels took to their residence halls.

Cooper Williams, first-year student from Advance, NC

First-year UNC-Chapel Hill student Cooper Williams holding two fishing poles in his dorm room.

“I don’t know where the good fishing spots are yet, but I’ll find them.”

Celine Kongolo, first-year student from Greensboro, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Celine Kongolo holding her tennis racket in her new dorm room, full of unpacked items in the background.

“I’m an avid tennis player and wanted to make sure I was ready to play while here.”

Ava Catlett, first-year student from China Grove, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Ava Catlett seen in the reflection of her special mirror with circular lights on the perimeter that she brought to her dorm room.

“It’s not just a mirror. I use it as a lighting accessory for the room.”

Alex Salinas, senior from Charlotte, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill senior Alex Salinas holding his guitar on steps outside of his residence hall.

“I’ve been learning to play guitar for about a year and am taking classes here.”

Ella McIntyre, first-year student from Winston-Salem, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Ella McIntyre holding a collage board of loved ones and other people in the lobby of her residence hall.

“This is a collage of photos important to me. Some photos are of family no longer here but who inspire me to do my best.”

Konstantin Litovchenko, first-year student from Moscow

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Konstantin Litovchenko holding items he'll bring into his dorm room, including stuffed animals called Squishmallows.

“My girlfriend gave these to me, and I wanted to make sure I had them here.”

Jake Major, first-year student from Cary, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Jake Major holding a copper table in his residence hall lobby.

“It’s just a cool copper table. I’m going to put my record player on it.”

TaKiyah Sims, sophomore from Charlotte, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore TaKiyah Sims holding a large stuffed bear outside near her dorm room.

“With my boyfriend and I attending different colleges, he purchased Noah for me as a cuddle buddy and moral support system to remind me there’s always someone in my corner!”