When should I start looking for housing off-campus?
It’s never too soon to begin your search for housing. You will be able to find somewhere to live. However, the longer that you wait, the fewer options there may be, and the conditions that you are faced with may be less than ideal.
Some companies will open renewals and leasing for the following year in October/November, but some will wait until January to begin the process. If you have a preferred rental property, be sure to contact the leasing office and ask about their leasing timeline and any opportunities to join a waiting list.
You can also wait until the Housing Lottery is over to know whether or not you have secured on-campus housing if your first choice is to stay on-campus. However, it is always nice to have other options just in case you do not secure a place to live the next academic year.
How do I take the next step if I find a property I am interested in?
Compiling a list of 5-7 properties that you are interested in is a great place to start. From there, you can begin to collect information like utility costs, one-time and recurring fees, rent, parking, pet-friendliness, roommates, etc.
You will want to:
Contact the property manager directly. A phone call is typically the best way to get the most accurate rates, specials, and availability.
Request a tour of the property to ensure that you like the place. It is always a good idea to see the space and the neighborhood the property is located in.
Talk to people who have or are living there and read some of their reviews online.
What is a lease and sublease? What do I need to know?
Lease: a legally binding agreement between the tenant and property manager
Sublease: an agreement between the main existing tenant and a third party, when the existing tenant is not able to fulfill the term from the original lease
ALWAYS be sure to go through the leasing office when doing a sublet in order to protect yourself and the current lease holder.
How do I find a roommate or housemate?
Create an account on the Roommates Section of the Off-Campus Housing Site and reach out to a few individuals who you think would work for your situation and preferences. There are also Facebook groups where you can post the property you are considering and ask those who are interested in the property to reach out to you.
Lay out expectations and be transparent about your habits and preferences. Be sure that you feel comfortable with the person or persons you are considering sharing a space with.
Is it less expensive to live off-campus?
It is difficult to fully compare the price of living on and off campus. However, the university strives to create affordable options for students to live on campus. Please keep in mind that an on-campus lease is for the academic year, whereas some properties provide you with more flexibility, such as a month-to-month, 3-6 months lease, or a whole year lease.
Things to consider:
On campus: Residence Hall support staff, dining hall options, flat rate with utilities included, pay for parking if you have a car on campus.
Off-campus: option to buy groceries, pay for utilities and parking if not included, transportation to and from campus (if not taking the bus). An important factor to consider if you live off-campus is furnishing your house/room. Most places will come unfurnished, so you will need to get your own mattress, living room furniture, as well as cookware for the kitchen. Renting furniture is an option to consider and could save you some time and money.
Will my scholarship or financial aid pay for off-campus housing?
Yes, most financial aid will transfer to off-campus housing.
Be sure to check with financial aid and the types of scholarships you are on to make sure that there is not a conflict.
What will property management need from me to establish my financial qualifications?
Credit History
Rental History
Income/Bank Statements
Potential Guarantor’s (co-signer’s) information
Some may not require anything at all
If you are an international student, please talk to the leasing office to determine what documents are required from you in order for you to be able to sign a lease with them BEFORE you complete the application process and pay processing fees
How do I get to campus?
Check out the Transportation and Parking website for the most up to date transportation, parking, and/or permits information. Parking - Transportation and Parking "Transportation and Parking is an essential part of UNC-ChapelHill and is responsible for coordinating all traffic, parking, and transportation around the University’s campus. The department strives to provide a high level of service to students, employees and visitors at the University and Hospitals."
Commuter Alternative Program (CAP) is a program that "rewards faculty, staff and students who choose to take the bus, join a rideshare, ride a bike or walk to campus. Sustainable transportation options improve air quality, build community and reduce traffic congestion to make everyone’s commute better."
Many students who live close enough to campus walk to their classes. There are a lot of buses that run from Carrboro and Chapel Hill as well as the regional Triangle Area. If you do not have parking on campus, you can participate in Park and Ride.
Check out our article on Transportation for more options.
I am not from North Carolina, what is it like to live in Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas?
There are a lot of things happening in the area every day of the week! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Chapel Hill’s downtown area features many college-style and upscale restaurants and eateries, pubs, clothing stores,galleries, UNC memorabilia shops and boutiques.
There are other nearby towns and cities to consider such as Raleigh, Durham, Hillsboro, and Cary. Those towns/cities have great downtown areas and active nightlife.
Check out the Visit Chapel Hill for things to doin the area (Chapel Hill, Hillsboro, and Carrboro).
Triangle on the Cheap provides an extended list of things to check out in the Triangle area.
Should I live in a house or an apartment? Where do most undergraduates and graduate students live? What do I need to keep in mind while making the decision?
There are many options in the area to consider ranging from apartment complexes, a single-family home, a mother-in law suite, a condominium, a loft, a studio, or a townhouse.
Many traditional apartment-style buildings come with additional amenities such as gyms, pools, and common spaces for activities.
Things to consider:
Utilities, internet options, pet friendliness, parking, storage space, and proximity to bus stops, among others.
As for apartment complexes, many provide high-end facilities including swimming pools, gyms, and common areas. Many property managers will host community events and get togethers to help their tenants feel connected to one another.
As for single-family homes or townhomes, tenants tend to be able to interact more directly with the landlord. Most single-family homes are in neighborhoods that are a mix of long-term residents and students.
Chapel Hill has a 4-person Ordinance in which no more than 4 unrelated people can live in a single dwelling unit.
