I would open a new account, and depending on your finances, either keep both accounts or keep one in primary use. I guess it depends on how long you'll be there for. I had to open a new account when I started college because my bank didn't exist anywhere close to campus, and I didn't have a car.
I went to Duke for undergrad, so here's what I'd suggest - go for either Wachovia or Bank of America - Wachovia's basically everywhere in NC, and there's one on Ninth Street off of East Campus that makes for easy walking. Bank of America is pretty widespread across the country, so it's probably most convenient in that aspect, but the closest one is at Northgate Mall, about a half hour's walk from East (or about 5-10 minute drive).
Take advantage of admission into basketball games
*Edit
Phone-wise... I use Sprint, and that worked fine for me. Phone signals tend to be awful in the Bryan Center.
