2022 Thanksgiving Resource Guide for Students Remaining in Chapel Hill 

November 15, 2022 | |

For our Tar Heels who are planning on staying in the Chapel Hill area for Thanksgiving, we have compiled a guide to keep students happy and fed this holiday!  

Where to Eat  

  • The Carolina Club Members are donating free, traditional Thanksgiving meals to students who are staying on campus for the holidays. Numbers are limited, so register on Heel Life by Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. There are three different seating times, 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, so sign up for the time that works best for you! 
  • Students who are looking for a bite to eat off-campus can look at a handy Thanksgiving guide from the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau for open locations in Orange County.  
  • New Student & Family Programs and the WOW Board will be hosting a special Transfergiving dinner on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Carolina Union Great Hall.  
  • Carolina Cupboard is an on-campus food pantry that provides food at no cost to students who are facing food insecurity. Visit their website to schedule a time for food pick-up at their location in Avery Residence Hall. And if you are able to give, consider donating to the Pantry Bowl so we can support the Carolina Cupboard and beat the Wolfpack again this year! 
  • While both Carolina Dining halls will be closed during the break from Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Saturday, Nov. 26, Chase Dining Hall reopens at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27. Check dining.unc.edu for official hours of operation updated in real time! 
  • The Beach Café in the Brinkhous-Bullitt building will be open on Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. They accept Flex and some PLUS Swipes at this location. 
  • Carolina Dining Services is partnering with some local restaurants on a 10% off discount at their Franklin Street locations for UNC students if they show their UNC One Card during the holiday break. See restaurant for any exclusions and official hours: 
    • Wednesday, Nov. 23: 
      • Med Deli | Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
      • Italian Pizzeria III | Open 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
      • CholaNad | Open 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
    • Thursday, Nov. 24: 
      • CholaNad | Open 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
    • Friday, Nov. 25: 
      • CholaNad | Open 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
      • Italian Pizzeria III | Open 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
    • Saturday, Nov. 26: 
      • Med Deli | Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
      • Italian Pizzeria III | Open 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
      • CholaNad | Open 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
    • Sunday, Nov. 27: 
      • Med Deli | Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
      • Italian Pizzeria III | Open 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
      • CholaNad | Open 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
  • Students can also add Flex to their accounts and have delivery to anywhere on campus from Takeout Central (access to delivery from over 30 local restaurants), Brenz Pizza, Domino’s and Wings Over Chapel Hill! Flex can be added in $50 increments at onecard.unc.edu and rolls over until graduation as long as you are consecutively enrolled. 

What to Do 

PlayMakers is presenting the music-filled comedy “Emma,” based on the novel by Jane Austen. Performances start this week and run through Thanksgiving. Check out dates and more details on Heel Life.  

Students can get their blood pumping and enjoy the crisp air: 

  • Before the turkey and football, wake up early on Thanksgiving and get your heart pumping. Sign up for the Gallop and Gorge 8K, which will take runners through Carrboro neighborhoods, starting and finishing on Weaver Street. 
  • Carolina and the surrounding area offer many opportunities for nature walks and hikes. Our Healthy Heels blog outlines many ways students can get outside and explore nature around UNC-Chapel Hill and beyond!
  • Did you know Chapel Hill has a system of approximately 17.6 miles of urban greenways and trails? Take an afternoon to walk or ride your bike and explore.

Tar Heels can enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local artisans at the Carolina Inn Holiday Market on Saturday afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. Other local events are listed at the Chapel Hill Visitors Guide

For those students who enjoy football as a Thanksgiving tradition, the Tar Heels will take on the Wolfpack on Friday, Nov. 25, at 3:30 p.m. at Kenan Memorial Stadium (or watch on ABC). Go Heels! 

Getting Around 

Whether you need an airport shuttle, a ride home for Thanksgiving break or just want to go out during the holidays, UNC Transportation and Parking has compiled some resources for UNC students in their Thanksgiving guide.  

Health Care and Mental Health During the Holidays  

While Campus Health is closed (Weds at 5 p.m. through Monday at 8 a.m.), students may visit a local urgent care facility. Students may also call Campus Health at 919-966-2281 and be connected to UNC Nurse Connect to discuss their non-emergent health concerns. Students can also call 919-966-3658 for 24/7 mental health support from CAPS.

Don’t forget to check out the Heels Care Network for a comprehensive collection of mental health and well-being resources, including peer support, helpful articles, information about support groups, online self-assessment tools, events and more. 

Don’t Forget to Give Thanks! 

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the things in our lives we are grateful for. Check out this Healthy Heels blog post, which offers some insight into how practicing gratitude can support our well-being. 

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