Sites to Help Me Help You

1. Yelp!
Audience: Anyone who likes to read reviews before going anywhere (food, shopping, fun, etc.).

Why It's Awesome: Real reviews from real people. That's what I'd like to do with my blog. Give real reviews from a real student. It's also incredibly easy to use.

Why It's Not So Awesome: Anyone can review a place. I was disappointed to see that one of my favorite restaurants in my hometown only had reviews from out-of-towners. Sometimes people want to know what the locals think.

What I can learn from it: Students want to know what other students think. Because who cares if someone from Pennsylvania thought Maple View's ice cream was horrible compared to what they have back home? People from that person's hometown who plan to go to Maple View. Which is zero. Who cares if a student has helpful information about where to go on off-campus adventures? Other students who want to have off-campus adventures. You're welcome.

2. Campus Cred
Audience: Anyone who likes coupons and free things. Yes, I gave them my email address. They gave me free ice cream. I like that trade-off.

Why It's Awesome: Unlike Yelp, the reviewers are exclusively students. It gives real advice about where to go and what to order with their partner restaurants.

Why It's Not So Awesome: It's hard to navigate and the restaurants are limited.

3. Pinterest
Audience: People who like wasting time on the internet. Icons, quotes, pictures, clothes, recipes. You can share everything, and people do.

Why It's Awesome: It's a great way to organize and make lists. I've made one that's a condensed version of this blog!

Why It's Not So Awesome: See Audience.

4. ChapelHillMemories.com
Audience: Anyone who loves Chapel Hill (like all of you, right?)

Why it's Awesome: There's so much information. It'll be a great place to brainstorm, and I'll be able to give a history lesson as a bonus.

Why It's Not So Awesome: A lot of the places are gone or places students already go. But if I search long enough I'm sure I'll find something!

5. 1000 Places To See Before You Die
Since it's actually a book the website doesn't do much but advertise. But the concept behind this book and this website is important because she understands that it's important to get "out of the bubble". The author, Patricia Schultz, even uses that phrase in an interview linked to on her website. Watch the last minute (starting at 6:05) to get the motivation you need to have the experiences you deserve!