No COVID tests or masks: UNC students' move-in day shifts closer to pre-pandemic guidelines

The newest Tar Heels are on campus at UNC Chapel Hill, with nearly 4,500 new students moving in Friday as part of the incoming class. Of them, 790 are the first in their family to attend college

The move-in process looks different from the past couple of years: UNC is not requiring re-entry COVID testing, and masks are not required in buildings.

Masks are, however, still required on university transit and UNC health care settings.

"I’m excited. I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m mostly excited," said incoming freshman Alyssa Olmedo, who was joined by proud parents, her older sister and her grandmother. She's come from High Point to attend UNC.

"I really thought she would be the one who went [farther] away, but she chose close to home, and I’m happy about it," said her mother Dianna. "I’m waiting for the phone calls to tell us what she forgot, so we’ll see what happens!"

Olmedo is hoping to share her love of learning with others as a future teacher.

"I’ve always been really interested in learning about history," Olmedo said. "I’ve had some really great teachers throughout my time in school have impacted me, and I want to be able to do that for other students."

It’s a career choice that makes her parents proud.

"I think it’s great," her father Eric said. "She comes from a background of public service, so I’m looking forward to her continuing that."

Nicole Naranjo, another incoming student, is still figuring out her major – but she's prepared to settle in to life on campus.

"I’m excited. I’m also a little nervous, because it’s a lot of change, but i think it’ll be really fun," she said. "I bought a bunch of like posters and stuff that I think embody who I am."

Along with the eased COVID guidelines at UNC, the CDC announced it's no longer recommending social distancing. Many of the students are happy for some of the COVID guidelines to have been lifted and are looking forward to returning to a more 'normal' college experience.