The Basics FAQ
It's OK to have questions! To help sort the ins and outs of living on campus, below are many of the most frequently asked questions from future residents. Logically, we start with the basics.
Do I Have to Live on Campus?
Yes. Per the UNC Live-On Requirement, if you are a traditional first-year student who has never lived on a college campus, you are required to live on campus in Carolina Housing or at Granville Towers. Note that contracts are not transferable between the two.
The only exceptions to this policy include:
- Student is 21 years old prior to the opening day for the residence halls as specified in the Academic Calendar for the term for which the waiver is requested
- Student is living with his/her spouse and/or children
- Student is military veteran with at least two years of active service
- The student has a medical hardship that would require him/her to make other living arrangements
Waiver of First-Year Campus Live-On Requirement (Found online through the MyHousing Portal under the Online Forms/Resources [1] tab)
A student applying for a waiver of the live-on requirement must meet the following conditions:
- Fall under one or more of the exemption categories listed above.
- Have an active housing application on file for the academic year in which the waiver is being sought, either with Carolina Housing or Granville Towers.
- File a formal request for a residency waiver
- Provide requisite information and documentation in support of the request.
Questions regarding this requirement should be directed to the Carolina Housing Assignments Office. 919-962-5401 or housing@unc.edu [2].
Are There "First-Year" Residence Halls?
First-year students (who do not opt for a Residential Learning Program) will be assigned housing in one of the designated First Year Experience communities:
- Craige
- Ehringhaus
- Hinton James
- Manning East (Koury, Horton)
- Olde Campus Lower Quad (Graham, Aycock, Lewis, Everett and Stacy)
Visit our Residence Halls [3] page to learn more about each community.
Granville Towers is also a community where students may choose to live, and the First Year Experience will be on select halls in that location.
A limited number of first-year students will be allowed to live in other University housing as deemed appropriate at the discretion of the Director of Carolina Housing with approval of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
How Much Will Housing Cost?
Visit our Rates [4] page for updated costs. These rates include all utilities: standard cable (with select channels in HD), wireless high-speed internet, water/sewer/trash and electric. All rooms are air-conditioned.
Do I Have to Leave During Breaks?
Residence halls only close over the Winter and Summer Breaks. Visit the Break Housing [5] page for more information on what to do if you want to stay on campus during these times.
How Will I Be Billed For Housing?
For students who applied by May 15, your student account will be billed in July. Payments are made through the Cashiers office and not directly to Housing.