By: Sophia Raspanti and Jordan Cady
Have you been thinking about studying abroad? Wondering where you will live when you return? These are some frequent questions from students traveling abroad or considering the option. Carolina Housing offers flexible contracts so that you can enjoy your Tar Heel experience without additional stress.
What is the Cancelation Policy for Carolina Housing?
When students apply for housing with Carolina Housing, you sign a contract for the upcoming academic year (2025-26). If you would like to cancel your contract, you must fill out the housing cancellation form in your Housing Portal. Carolina Housing does not require a deposit or an application fee but does charge a cancellation fee if students sign up for housing and then cancel to pursue an off-campus option. Because of this, Carolina Housing strongly encourages students to only apply for on-campus housing if they are committed to live on campus.
Students who choose a room during room selection can cancel for $500 until December 15th. From December 16th-January 16th, the assigned student is responsible for 50% of the Fall room rent if they cancel. On or after January 17th, the student is responsible for prorated rent, if applicable, and then cancellation charges equal to 50% of the remaining total contract.
Wait, I’m Studying Abroad. Do I still have to pay the cancellation fee as well?
Nope!
If you are a student planning on studying abroad or pursuing an off-campus internship outside of the Chapel Hill area, you are not subject to a cancellation fee. Now let’s talk about how to apply for housing when you’re planning to study abroad for a semester.
For students studying abroad in the fall of 2025, your first step is to apply as normal for on-campus housing for 2025-2026. This serves as a “backup plan”, so you don’t need to worry about losing a slot on campus if your study abroad plans fall through. Once your plans are certain, you must fill out the cancellation form and terminate your contract. However, you will not be charged a fee if you have proof of your study abroad plans. If you intend to live on campus when you return, you will apply for Spring 2026 housing when the application opens in October 2025.
What if I don’t know what my plans are yet?
For students studying in the spring of 2026, you may not yet know what your plans are. That’s ok! Apply for housing as normal. During your first semester in the fall of 2025, cancel your housing contract by filling out the cancellation form and submitting proof of your study abroad plans. You will not be charged a cancellation fee for the upcoming spring.
I’m graduating in December, but I’d like to live on campus in the fall. What should I do?
Not to worry! If you are planning on graduating in December, proceed as follows: Apply for housing as normal, and during the fall of your final semester, cancel your housing plans for the following spring. When you provide proof of your graduation plans, the cancellation fee will not apply.
Where can I find more information?
To learn more about flexible housing for students studying abroad, or graduating at Winter Commencement, refer to the cancellation policy found here or contact Carolina Housing at (919)-962-5401or at [email protected].