Old Well
Monument Iconic collegiate well and UNC Chapel Hill symbol
On the University of North Carolina campus, an iconic neoclassical rotunda crowns a small ceremonial well. Visitors take photos, join campus tours and spot it during university events and graduation.
The Old Well is a small neoclassical well and fountain that serves as an iconic symbol at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It occupies a central site on the campus and is a frequent subject for photographs and university ceremonies.
The structure marks the site of an original campus water source and now functions as a decorative fountain and ceremonial spot rather than a working well. It is surrounded by the campus green and nearby academic buildings and is commonly used as a meeting and photo point.
The original well dates to the university’s early years; the present above-ground structure has been rebuilt and maintained as part of campus landscaping and traditions over time.
The Old Well stands at the geographic center of UNC Chapel Hill’s campus on the campus quad, easily reached from the main pedestrian routes and close to key campus landmarks.
- First-day tradition: A long-standing campus tradition sees students drink from the well on the first day of classes for good luck.
How to Get to Old Well #
The Old Well is located on the UNC Chapel Hill campus at the corner of Cameron Avenue and Pittsboro Street near Franklin Street. It is within walking distance of campus parking lots and local bus routes that serve the university.
Tips for Visiting Old Well #
- The Old Well is heavily photographed; early morning gives softer light and fewer people in the frame.
- It's a popular gathering spot on graduation days and major university events - expect crowds during those times.
Best Time to Visit Old Well #
Spring and autumn are the most picturesque and comfortable times to visit; the site is busy during university ceremonies and homecoming weekends.
Weather & Climate near Old Well #
Old Well's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1173 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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