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On-Campus Housing
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Off-campus Housing
Housing on campus is limited! Students may apply for a dormitory room by filling out a UNC housing application online. It is important to understand that once this legal contract is signed, it is considered binding and cannot be broken or cancelled without penalty. Please read the contract carefully before signing. Undergraduate students are assigned rooms by the Housing Office in one of the many undergraduate dormitories on campus. There are no year round dormitory facilities; however, students that wish to remain in the dorms during university breaks may request a “Break Housing” form for interim housing by contacting their dormitory community director or emailing the request to housing@unc.edu. NOTE: Most dormitories are closed during the summer and university holidays (Thanksgiving) and break periods (spring break and between semesters), please see the UNC Housing Office Calendar for more information. Students should be aware that they will have to use AT&T long distance telephone service or else arrange for their own phone line to be installed. A housing contract booklet will be sent from the Undergraduate Admissions Office to all undergraduate international students admitted to UNC. Graduate and professional students without accompanying family members who apply for dormitory assignment may be housed in Odum Village or Baity Hill. Graduate students who wish to live on-campus will need to fill out a Housing Application. For other University Housing questions, please see Housing's "Contact Us" webpage.
Packages sent from abroad may not arrive before you do, so bring basic things with you. Please do not send packages to ISSS--we do not have space for luggage or parcels. You are especially advised to bring linens (set of sheets and light blanket for a dormitory single or twin size bed, towels, etc.), as these will not automatically be provided. Alternatively, students have the option of purchasing bedding and other items for dorm rooms from several vendors through the Housing Office's Carpet and Linens webpage. Please note that these items must be pre-ordered no later than the posted deadlines on the respective vendors webpage.
NOTE: If you arrive in the U.S. before the UNC campus dormitories officially open (please see the UNC Housing Office Calendar for specific dates), you should plan to stay in a hotel until your dormitory opens.
Special note to students regarding student family housing: Married students and students with children may contact Student Family Housing at 919-843-8831 or http://housing.unc.edu/baityhill/ to request information or an application for a lease for a one or two-bedroom unfurnished apartment at Baity Hill. Priority for two bedrooms is given to families with children. There is frequently a waiting list for Family Housing.
Apartments and a few rooms in private homes are available. However, to find such places it is advisable to arrive early. It can be difficult to find housing after classes have begun. Arrangements are made between the student and the landlord or business office of the apartment complex. The University cannot assist students in finding off-campus housing. ISSS has a list of many of the apartment complexes in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. (Carrboro is a small town adjoining Chapel Hill, where many UNC students live. The same bus system serves both towns.) The apartment guide lists the approximate rent per month, the distance from the campus, and telephone numbers. We will be glad to mail or email you this list upon your request; however, this list does not represent ISSS endorsement of these accommodations. The UNC Housing Office has a helpful webpage for off-campus housing alternatives. According to a collection of different sources, we have estimated that the average rent for a one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment ranges from $600 to $900 a month. For two bedrooms, the average is $800 to $1100, and for three bedrooms, $1100 to $1400 per month. This does not usually include utilities. Keep in mind that if an apartment is furnished, close to campus or offers special facilities, the price may be higher. Be prepared to pay deposits for utility services (electricity, internet access, telephone, etc.). Estimated deposit amounts vary as indicated: Power: $150.00-$250.00/ Telephone:$100.00-$150.00/ Cellular: $200.00-$800.00. You are encouraged to inquire about waivers for the deposits with the particular service provider, for it may be possible for you to reduce your deposit amount. It is also usual for a landlord to require the equivalent of one or two months rent in advance for a security deposit.
Before making any oral or written agreement with a landlord, we suggest that you go in person to the room or apartment to see its condition, size, location (neighborhood) and safety features (lighting, deadbolt locks). The Student Legal Services suggests inspecting the premises for damages before signing a lease, because unless damages are noted in writing prior to moving in, renters can be held responsible for the damages when they move out (the landlord may keep all or part of the security deposit). You may be responsible for paying rent for the entire period of the contract, even if you move out or leave the country before the contract expires.
We recommend that you consider purchasing Renter's Insurance, which would help to reimburse you for the loss of your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, books, computers, etc.) in case of theft or fire. Flood insurance may also be needed if your apartment is located in a flood plain.
Other Useful Websites:
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