Based on your experiences with the school, how friendly/approachable is the student population as a whole?
Everyone is very friendly the first two weeks of the semester, after that it's not socially acceptable to talk to someone unless you have a real question (i.e. where is something located, etc.) or you're introduced by a mutual friend. I do agree that people at bigger schools like UNC and ECU are much more friendly
Are there any mistakes you made with not only being on your own for the first time, but specifically in regard to UNCW itself? Or is there any inside knowledge you would give someone living on campus for the first time based on your experiences? (Also, I'll be in Seahawk Crossing if that helps.)
I made the mistake of thinking that I was going to go a big university where I was going to meet a lot of like-minded people without trying. And I also made the mistake of forgetting that I'm still in the South... I also made the mistake of being open to anything, even when my gut told me otherwise. I recommend living somewhere off-campus as it's cheaper and you'll get your own bathroom. Living in Seahawk Crossing is convenient and you'll meet more people through your roommates, but you'll have to go very out of your way to make your own friends especially as a transfer student.
What are some off campus locations, whether it be dining or recreation, that you would recommend?
Literally anywhere, except Japanese food. I have yet to find a good Japanese Steak House that serves REAL fried rice.
I'm gay, and am wondering how well we are tolerated/accepted at the school? Also does UNCW have a large or small LGBT population, if you happen to know?
You feel tolerated/accepted until you go to a fraternity party. I am not affiliated with the LGBT population, but I did go to one of their meetings once because it was mandatory for one of my classes and I would say it's fairly small. About 20-30 people.
The education and campus are great, but to be completely honest if I could do it all over again I would have went to Chapel Hill or East Carolina University for in-state and literally anywhere up north for out-of-state. If you have a car: bring it, if you have a job: save up all of your money so you can do things, and if you are big on partying: pick a different school because our night life is a solid B, not an A. No we do not have a drunk bus.
Don't let my cold post change your opinion though if you truly fell in love with the school and if you truly love the beach that much. I only go for the beach bars. Hope this helps.